Microalgae remain one of the most diverse unicellular autotrophic organisms which are mostly photosynthetic, and because of high demands for animal feed, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, potential sources like microalgae are explored. This research aimed to explore the potential of microalgae; Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella as sources of nutraceuticals in a controlled environment. Carotenoids, antioxidant vitamins, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds were determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometer and protein using the Kjeldahl method. The results obtained revealed that both Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella contain significant (P < 0.05) amounts of antioxidant vitamins and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds and chlorophyll were significantly higher in both Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana (P < 0.05). Dunaliella contains more carotenoids (8.43 ± 0.52 mg g-1 DW) in comparison with Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella sorokiniana (0.124 ± 0.004 g-1 DW) and (0.087 ± 0.04 g-1DW), respectively. Carotenoids have been linked to improved immunity, reduced oxidative stress, and improved cardiovascular health. Similarly, vitamins have been linked to the prevention of numerous diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, while chlorophyll and flavonoids have been linked to improve liver function and reduced inflammation, respectively. The present study suggests that Chlorella and Dunaliella could be used as efficient and cost effective
sources
of
nutraceuticals.
Key words: Carotenoids, Nutraceuticals, Dunaliella and Chlorella.
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