The Role of Antioxidants in Microalgae and Microalgae as Source and Cell Factories for Antioxidants Production

Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that inhabit diverse environments, particularly aquatic systems, where exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient variations can induce high oxidative stress. To survive, these microorganisms have developed sophisticated molecular defense systems, many of which rely on antioxidants. Antioxidant molecules include pigments (such as carotenoids and astaxanthin), polyphenols, and vitamins, which neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) and protect cellular structures from permanent damage. Beyond their key biological role in algal cells, microalgal antioxidants have attracted considerable industrial interest, thanks to their natural origin and high bioactivity. For example, they are considered essential ingredients for the development of innovative nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals aimed at counteracting cellular aging and chronic diseases in humans. Moreover, because of their versatility and easy growth in the laboratory, microalgae can be regarded as rich natural source of antioxidants or exploited as cell factories for their production. Understanding antioxidant molecular mechanisms in microalgae is therefore essential to optimize antioxidant production on a global scale and promote their applications for human health and wellbeing.The aim of this Research Topic is to understand the biological role of antioxidants and the molecular mechanisms underpinning their action in microalgae. This knowledge is fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of survival and adaptation of microalgae to different environments and to optimizing antioxidant production on a global scale, to promote the applications of microalgal antioxidants in diverse fields such as biomedicine, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology.Microalgae are a rich and largely untapped source of natural antioxidants with diverse bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Recent advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have also supported the development of more efficient systems, such as engineered microalgae, to enhance the yield and sustainability of marine natural products, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional ones. This Research Topic invites contributions that explore the discovery and functioning of microalgal antioxidants and the characterization of their biosynthesis. We encourage studies on the genetic manipulation of microalgae to elucidate the biological roles and the regulatory mechanisms of natural antioxidant biosynthesis , particularly in light of several applications, from dietary supplements to pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Research integrating genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to deepen understanding of the biological roles and applications of microalgal antioxidants is especially welcome. Topic editors: Immacolata Castellano, Alessandra Rogato, Maria Immacolata Ferrante Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82490/the-role-of-antioxidants-in-microalgae-and-microalgae-as-source-and-cell-factories-for-antioxidants-production