Microbial Bioactives
Microbial Bioactives | Online ISSN 2209-2161
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Volume 9 Number 1 2026
REVIEWS (Open Access)
Exploring the Frontiers of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae: Integrating Emerging Technologies for Biodiversity Discovery, Metabolic Insights, and Environmental Response
Abu Hena Muhammad Yousuf 1*
Microbial Bioactives 9 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.9110631
Submitted: 25 January 2026 Revised: 11 March 2026 Accepted: 19 March 2026 Published: 21 March 2026
Abstract
Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent critical components of aquatic ecosystems, contributing significantly to global biogeochemical cycles and offering promising biotechnological applications. Recent studies have highlighted the metabolic diversity of these microorganisms and their capacity to produce specialized metabolites under varying environmental conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized data from studies investigating the physiological, biochemical, and metabolomic responses of microalgae and cyanobacteria to environmental stressors, including ocean acidification, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient limitation. Statistical analyses of experimental data revealed consistent trends in metabolite production, stress adaptation mechanisms, and co-cultivation outcomes that enhance metabolite yield. Forest and funnel plot analyses indicated moderate to high heterogeneity across studies, suggesting variability in experimental conditions, species-specific responses, and methodological differences. These findings underscore the need for standardized protocols in cultivation and metabolomic assessments. Furthermore, integrating omics-based approaches has proven effective in elucidating underlying molecular pathways, identifying novel bioactive compounds, and optimizing culture conditions for industrial applications. Overall, the review highlights the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria as sustainable sources for bioactive metabolites and emphasizes the importance of understanding environmental impacts on their physiology and metabolite production. The results provide a foundation for future research targeting the development of microalgal-based biotechnological solutions, offering insights for both ecological conservation and commercial exploitation.
Keywords: Microalgae; Cyanobacteria; Metabolomics; Environmental Stress; Specialized Metabolites; Co-cultivation; Biotechnological Applications
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