Yunes Panahi
1 
, Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi
2,3 , Amirhossein Sahebkar
4 , Hamid Reza Heidari
2,5* 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisoning Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
3 Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
4 Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
5 Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract
Microalgae are a source material in food, pharmacy, and cosmetics industries for producing various products including high-protein nutritional supplements, synthetic pharmaceuticals, and natural colors. A promising algal source for such productions is Chlorella vulgaris which contains a considerable protein content. Similar to other microalgae, its desirability is minimal nutrient requirements since they are unicellular, photosynthetic, and fast-growing microorganisms. Another propitious option to be produced by C. vulgaris is biodiesel, since it is rich in oil too. Besides, algal well thriving in presence of increased amount of carbon dioxide makes them a practicable alternative biofuel resource without some problems of the traditional ones. At the same time, C. vulgaris is also a promising source for nutraceuticals such as amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. This review aims to discuss the conditions need to be observed for achieving a favorable growth efficiency of the C. vulgaris, as well as targeted productions such as biomass, antioxidant, and biofuel. Additionally, different approaches to induce any specific production are also considered comprehensively.