Algae strands forming a protein structure.

Algae: The Unsung Heroes of Protein Production?

Nico Varela in Science & Nature September 2025 • 3 min read.

"Could Microalgae Be the Key to Sustainable and Affordable Protein?"

In a world grappling with increasing demands for sustainable resources, microalgae are stepping into the spotlight. These tiny, often overlooked organisms, are now recognized for their potential as efficient and eco-friendly protein production platforms. Their ability to combine rapid growth rates with the benefits of eukaryotic expression systems positions them as strong contenders in the future of biotechnology.

Microalgae, like plants, utilize photosynthesis. This process converts CO2 into energy, making protein production carbon-neutral. This stands in stark contrast to many current protein production methods that rely on less sustainable practices.

While the promise of algae-based protein production is significant, research in this area is still emerging. Recent studies, like the one conducted by Hempel, Lau, Klingl, and Maier, are paving the way for greater understanding and application of algae in recombinant protein expression.

Why Algae Are Gaining Traction in Protein Production

Algae strands forming a protein structure.

Microalgae are not just another potential source of protein; they offer a unique combination of advantages that could revolutionize various industries. Their rapid growth rate is a key factor, allowing for faster production cycles compared to traditional methods.

Here's a breakdown of the core benefits:

Sustainability: Algae's phototrophic nature means they use sunlight and CO2 to produce proteins, reducing the carbon footprint associated with production.
Cost-Effectiveness: The minimal resource requirements of algae cultivation translate to lower production costs.
Eukaryotic Expression: Microalgae possess eukaryotic cellular machinery, enabling complex post-translational modifications and assembly of multimeric protein complexes.
Versatility: Algae can produce a wide range of recombinant proteins, including industrial enzymes, therapeutic proteins, and diagnostic reagents.

The study by Hempel et al. successfully expressed a monoclonal human IgG antibody against the Hepatitis B surface protein (HBsAg) in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. This highlights the potential for algae to produce complex, functional proteins with significant therapeutic value. The produced antibodies were not only fully assembled but also functional, accumulating to a substantial 8.7% of the total soluble protein.

Looking Ahead: Algae as a Cornerstone of Sustainable Bioproduction

As research and development in algae-based protein production continues, we can anticipate a future where these microorganisms play a vital role in various sectors. From pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to biofuels and biomaterials, algae offer a path towards more sustainable and economically viable production processes. Overcoming the challenges associated with scaling up production and optimizing protein expression will be key to unlocking the full potential of these remarkable organisms.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028424, Alternate LINK

Title: Algae As Protein Factories: Expression Of A Human Antibody And The Respective Antigen In The Diatom Phaeodactylum Tricornutum

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: PLoS ONE

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Authors: Franziska Hempel, Julia Lau, Andreas Klingl, Uwe G. Maier

Published: 2011-12-02

Everything You Need To Know

What are microalgae, and why is there so much interest in using them for protein production?

Microalgae are single-celled organisms that, like plants, use photosynthesis to convert CO2 into energy and produce proteins. This makes them a sustainable alternative to traditional protein production methods, which often rely on less environmentally friendly practices. The importance of microalgae lies in their potential to reduce the carbon footprint associated with protein production, addressing the increasing need for sustainable resources.

What are recombinant proteins, and why are microalgae described as protein production platforms for them?

Recombinant proteins are proteins produced using recombinant DNA technology, where genes are transferred into a host organism to produce the desired protein. Microalgae are seen as protein production platforms because they can be genetically engineered to produce specific recombinant proteins, making them 'protein factories'. This is significant because it allows for the production of a wide range of proteins, from industrial enzymes to therapeutic antibodies, in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner compared to traditional methods like using bacteria or mammalian cells.

What is 'eukaryotic expression,' and why is it an advantage of using microalgae for protein production?

Eukaryotic expression refers to the protein production within cells that have a nucleus and other complex organelles. Microalgae possess eukaryotic cellular machinery, which enables them to perform complex post-translational modifications and assemble multimeric protein complexes. The implication is that microalgae can produce more complex and functional proteins, such as antibodies, that are difficult or impossible to produce in simpler prokaryotic systems like bacteria. This capability expands the range of proteins that can be produced sustainably and cost-effectively.

What are the main advantages of using microalgae for protein production?

The benefits include sustainability, cost-effectiveness, eukaryotic expression, and versatility. Sustainability is achieved through the use of sunlight and CO2 in photosynthesis. Cost-effectiveness comes from minimal resource requirements. Eukaryotic expression allows for complex protein production. Versatility enables the production of various proteins like enzymes and therapeutic proteins. These benefits are important because they address the limitations of traditional protein production methods, offering a more environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative.

What did the study by Hempel et al. show, and why is it important?

The study by Hempel et al. demonstrated the successful expression of a monoclonal human IgG antibody against the Hepatitis B surface protein (HBsAg) in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. This is significant because it proves that algae can produce complex, functional proteins with therapeutic value. The antibodies were fully assembled and functional, accumulating to a substantial portion of the total soluble protein. This success highlights the potential of algae as a platform for producing biopharmaceuticals, though further research is needed to optimize protein expression and scale up production.