A review of recent developments in the use of cyanobacteria and microalgae in improving the quality and increasing the shelf life of seafood products

Food products spoil very quickly due to microbial, chemical, and enzymatic reactions that are the main cause of rapid quality deterioration. Nowadays, there is increasing consumer demand for high-quality foods with natural preservatives such as microalgae extracts. Microalgae are potential alternatives to reduce microbial growth, increase oxidative stability, and protect the sensory characteristics of foods. Researchers showed that the use of microalgae extracts in the diet of aquatic animals can increase meat quality and production. In this review article, the direct application of various microalgae extracts as seafood preservatives and their functional properties in seafood, such as: (antioxidant and antimicrobial activities) are investigated. In addition, the potential application of microalgae extracts in the composition of foods and their effect on the quality of foods are also presented. The result of reviewing many articles showed that despite the many advantages of microalgae, there are still many challenges in the production and use of microalgae biomass or its derivatives in the food industry, hence the safety assessment and the use of ideal concentrations for studies. Future studies are still necessary to determine the optimal concentration for the large-scale use of microalgae extracts in industry and seafood, to develop effective strategies or to prevent the occurrence of food product spoilage, as well as to increase the welfare of consumers.