Strategies for fabrication of microalgae based biomaterials: Recent updates

Microalgae are rich reservoirs of bioactive compounds as well as they exhibit immense proclivity for interacting with nanomaterials consequently offering strong candidacy for wide range of therapeutic possibilities and other applications. The Nano-Bio interaction between a nanomaterial and a microalga exhibits a characteristic diversity along the parameters of structure, function, chemical and biological compatibility yielding into vast possibilities of enhanced functionalities of both the microalgal biomass and the nanomaterial. The derived biomaterials could be exploited for targeted delivery, immunomodulation through ROS release, oxygenic tissue repair etc. The review enlightens on the synthesis of biopolymeric matrices by microalgae and the influences of nanomaterial presence in it. Further research promises to unlock microalgae's full therapeutic potential, revolutionizing healthcare. This review proceeds to provide an oversight of various therapeutic applications and potential of microalgae.