Singh Sawraj, Kate Bhushan N, Banerjee U C
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India.
Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2005 Jul-Sep;25(3):73-95. doi: 10.1080/07388550500248498.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are photosynthetic prokaryotes used as food by humans. They have also been recognized as an excellent source of vitamins and proteins and as such are found in health food stores throughout the world. They are also reported to be a source of fine chemicals, renewable fuel and bioactive compounds. This potential is being realized as data from research in the areas of the physiology and chemistry of these organisms are gathered and the knowledge of cyanobacterial genetics and genetic engineering increased. Their role as antiviral, anti-tumour, antibacterial, anti-HIV and a food additive have been well established. The production of cyanobacteria in artificial and natural environments has been fully exploited. In this review the use of cyanobacteria and microalgae, production processes and biosynthesis of pigments, colorants and certain bioactive compounds are discussed in detail. The genetic manipulation of cyanobacteria and microalgae to improve their quality are also described at length.
蓝藻（蓝绿藻）是光合原核生物，可供人类食用。它们也被认为是维生素和蛋白质的优质来源，因此在世界各地的健康食品商店中都能找到。据报道，它们还是精细化学品、可再生燃料和生物活性化合物的来源。随着这些生物体生理学和化学领域研究数据的收集以及蓝藻遗传学和基因工程知识的增加，这种潜力正在得到实现。它们作为抗病毒、抗肿瘤、抗菌、抗艾滋病毒和食品添加剂的作用已得到充分证实。蓝藻在人工和自然环境中的生产已得到充分利用。在这篇综述中，将详细讨论蓝藻和微藻的用途、色素、着色剂和某些生物活性化合物的生产过程及生物合成。还将详细描述对蓝藻和微藻进行基因操作以提高其品质的情况。
