1. Microalgae: the diamonds in the biotechnology rough

1.1 Exceptional metabolic richness

Microalgae are capable of synthesizing a large number of compounds that enable them to evolve in their environment. For example, they produce a wide variety of pigments (0.5 to 1.5% of dry mass (DM)), such as carotenoids, which enable them to capture photons of different wavelengths and thus protect cells from free radicals, and lipids (5 to 40% DM), which provide a source of metabolic energy, as well as cell buoyancy and membrane maintenance. Proteins (15-65% MS) perform a wide range of functions, such as catalyzing chemical reactions, signaling, regulation and cell structure. Finally, carbohydrates (10-50% DM) which, like lipids, are a source of energy used in metabolic reactions