Algae: A Promising Source of Food, Feed and Bioproducts

With increased pressure on our food systems and a growing demand for healthful options, producers seek alternative food sources to improve nutrition and mitigate food insecurity across the globe. Though often overlooked as a potential food source, algae offer high-yield, nutrient-rich alternatives that require minimal land and water, making them environmentally friendly.

Algae: A Promising Source of Food, Feed and Bioproducts delves into the multifaceted potential of algae as a sustainable and nutrient-rich resource. High in protein, vitamins and minerals, algae offer versatility as a supplement or a primary ingredient in various food products. The book explores how incorporating algae into the human diet can enhance nutritional value and promote health, offering a sustainable solution to meet the growing global demand for nutritious food.

Beyond human nutrition, the book examines the significant role of algae in animal feed. It discusses how algae can be utilized to improve the health and growth rates of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species. By presenting real-world applications and case studies, the book demonstrates the practical benefits and feasibility of integrating algae into animal feed regimes. The environmental benefits of algae, such as carbon dioxide capture, wastewater treatment, and pollution reduction, are emphasized, showcasing how algae cultivation can support sustainable industrial practices. Additionally, the book provides insights into the economic viability and market potential of algae-based products, identifying current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the algal industry. Through a comprehensive analysis of research and development efforts, the book aims to inspire further innovation and investment in the promising field of algal biotechnology.

Manish Pratap Singh is an Assistant Professor of Zoology at DDU Gorakhpur University with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from MNNIT Allahabad and expertise in cancer biology, transcriptomics, and algal technology. He has published in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Leukemia, and Genes & Diseases, combining advanced omics analyses with experimental molecular biology. 

Mostafa El-Sheekh is a Professor of Phycology at Tanta University, Egypt, with over 42 years of experience in algae and microbiology, having served in senior leadership roles including Vice President of Tanta University and Dean of the Faculty of Science, as well as Cultural Counselor abroad. He is an internationally recognized scholar with a Ph.D. from Tanta University and Göttingen University, author of over 345 research papers, 38 book chapters, and 8 books, and a Stanford-listed World’s Top 2% Scientist (2020–2025) and recipient of multiple prestigious awards.  

Chandan Mahata is a researcher in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, USA, with academic training in chemical engineering from NIT Durgapur and IIT Kharagpur. His research interests include environmental and industrial biotechnology, with current work focused on precision fermentation for high value bioproducts and future foods, alongside industry and international research experience and advisory roles in sustainable agriculture.  

Ashutosh Pandey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering at Galgotias University, India, with a Ph.D. from MNNIT Allahabad and postdoctoral training at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, specializing in microbial technology, environmental biotechnology, and microalgae-based bioprocesses. He has published extensively, contributed to edited volumes, serves as an Associate Editor for Frontiers journals, and is a recipient of several national and international fellowships, including the Young Scientist Award from the Society of Life Sciences, India.