Stress-Driven Nutritional Enhancement of Photosynthetic Micro-Scale Food Systems: Microalgae, <i>Lemnaceae</i> and Microgreens

Photosynthetic micro-scale food systems, including microalgae, Lemnaceae (duckweeds), and microgreens, are gaining increasing attention as sustainable and resource-efficient food sources with high nutritional potential. These organisms are characterized by rapid growth rates, efficient use of water and nutrients, and a remarkable capacity to accumulate valuable macro- and micronutrients, as well as bioactive compounds relevant to human nutrition.A growing body of evidence indicates that controlled exposure to abiotic stresses, such as light quality and intensity (including shifts in spectral composition), nutrient limitation, salinity, temperature, and other environmental factors, can be strategically applied to enhance the nutritional quality of these systems. Stress-driven physiological responses may result in increased concentrations of proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, pigments, and other functional compounds, thereby improving nutrient density and potential health benefits, while enabling the development of biofortified foods.This Research Topic will explore the application of stress-based strategies to enhance the nutritional value of photosynthetic micro-scale food systems, while concurrently addressing sustainability and food safety considerations. The emphasis will be placed on the nutritional relevance, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of stress-enhanced compounds, as well as on the potential contribution of these food systems to sustainable diets and future food frameworks. By integrating plant and algal physiology with nutritional science, this collection seeks to bridge production strategies with their implications for human nutrition and health outcomes.We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Stress-induced modulation of nutrient composition and bioactive compounds in microalgae, Lemnaceae, and microgreens.• Effects of light, nutrient, and environmental stressors on nutritional quality and functional properties.• Bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and nutritional relevance of stress-enhanced compounds.• Sustainable production strategies for nutrient-dense micro-scale food systems.• Applications in functional foods, novel foods, and sustainable dietary patterns.• Safety, quality, and regulatory considerations related to stress-enhanced photosynthetic foods.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of stress-driven nutritional enhancement strategies, supporting the development of resilient, sustainable, and nutritionally valuable food systems for future human nutrition. Topic editors: Giacomo Fais, Kristina Laužikė, Flávio Ferreira da Silva Binotti Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77631/stress-driven-nutritional-enhancement-of-photosynthetic-micro-scale-food-systems-microalgae-lemnaceae-and-microgreens