Chlorella species have gained considerable attention in the past decades due to their capacity to synthesize valuable bioactive compounds in large quantities. While most research has focused on their use in biofuel production, limited consideration has been given to their nutritional applications. This critical review aims to present the latest advancements in the cultivation of Chlorella sp., highlighting the biosynthesis, extraction, and potential application of high-valued bioactive compounds in Chlorella cells. Chlorella sp. can be cultivated in four distinct modes (photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, mixotrophic, and photoheterotrophic conditions) to support their growth and metabolism accumulation. The typical high-valued bioactive compounds within Chlorella cells are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and pigments, which possess various nutritional properties and potential health-promoting benefits. This review also focuses on the carbon and nitrogen metabolism within Chlorella cells that underlie the biosynthesis of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, it extensively discusses various extraction methods employed to obtain these valuable compounds for their utilization and commercialization. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of Chlorella sp. The current challenges and further prospects for the biomass and derived byproducts of Chlorella sp. are also presented. Overall, this review provides critical insights that can drive the advancement and optimization of industrial production systems, paving the way for the widespread utilization and commercialization of Chlorella-derived bioactive compounds.

中文翻译：

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小球藻生物活性化合物的研究现状与展望：组成、提取、生产和生物合成途径


小球藻物种在过去几十年中受到了相当大的关注，因为它们能够大量合成有价值的生物活性化合物。虽然大多数研究都集中在它们在生物燃料生产中的应用，但对其营养应用的考虑有限。本批判性综述旨在介绍小球藻培养的最新进展，重点介绍高价值生物活性化合物在小球藻细胞中的生物合成、提取和潜在应用。小球藻可以在四种不同的模式（光合自养、异养、混合养和光异养条件）下培养，以支持它们的生长和新陈代谢积累。小球藻细胞中典型的高价值生物活性化合物是碳水化合物、蛋白质、脂质和色素，它们具有各种营养特性和潜在的健康促进益处。本综述还重点介绍了小球藻细胞内的碳和氮代谢，这些代谢是这些生物活性化合物生物合成的基础。此外，它还广泛讨论了用于获得这些有价值的化合物以供其利用和商业化的各种提取方法。这些发现为小球藻属的生物化学和生理学提供了全面的理解。还介绍了小球藻生物量和衍生副产品的当前挑战和进一步前景。总体而言，这篇综述提供了重要的见解，可以推动工业生产系统的进步和优化，为小球藻衍生的生物活性化合物的广泛利用和商业化铺平了道路。