Summary
This narrative review by Harwood examines algae as the primary natural sources of very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (20–22 carbon n-3 and n-6 PUFAs), which are metabolised to bioactive lipid mediators including eicosanoids, resolvins and protectins. The author describes algal biosynthetic mechanisms and their manipulation for commercial-scale production, positioning algal oils as critical for both global ecosystem function and human dietary lipid adequacy.
Regional applicability
The paper is not geographically bound and presents fundamental biochemistry and global food-chain perspectives relevant to UK nutrition policy and aquaculture development. Findings on algal PUFA production are directly transferable to United Kingdom contexts seeking sustainable sources of essential fatty acids, particularly as marine resource pressures increase.
Key measures
Biosynthetic pathways for 20 and 22 carbon PUFAs; commercial production potential of algal oils
Outcomes reported
The review describes the biosynthesis pathways of very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) in algae and examines how algal synthesis can be manipulated for commercial production of these essential nutrients.
Topic tags
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