Nannochloropsis spp. are unicellular, planktonic microalgae predominantly living in marine environment. They play significant role in the global carbon and mineral cycles. Nannochloropsis contain a yellow-green chloroplast with the main pigments being chlorophyll a and the xanthophylls. The algae are also rich in proteins, pigments, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus having applications in the field of nutraceutical production and aquaculture feed.
Nannochloropsis spp. are one of the most potent sources of natural omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fatty acid commonly found in marine fishes. Omega-3 fatty acids are of tremendous importance in heart health.
The rich nutritional profile of Nannochloropsis containing high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids and other vital phytonutrients makes it a potent candidate for pharmaceuticals, food and beverage and dietary supplements sectors.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which include Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are a type of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the human body. Nannochloropsis is a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA. EPA is present in the algae cells in the form of galactolipids which are extracted and transesterified to produce EPA ethyl esters.
| Nutrients | Whole dried Nannochloropsis (per 100 g) | Sardines (per 100 g) | Salmon (per 100 g) |
| Calcium | 972 mg | 382 mg | 12 mg |
| Sodium | 659 mg | 307 mg | 44 mg |
| Iron | 136 mg | 2.92 mg | 0.8 mg |
| Zinc | 103 mg | 1.31 mg | 0.64 mg |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acid | 6.1 g | 5.148 g | 2.539 g |
| Monounsaturated fatty acid | 6.4 g | 3.869 g | 2.103 g |
| Selenium | - | 0.05 mg | 0.036 mg |