Algae comprises a wide range of species some of them having completely different features and applications.

A main distinction is between microalgae (monocellular organisms) and seaweeds. Microalgae may be particularly rich in either lipids or proteins and in general, they are exploited for their content of valuable ingredients like omega-3 or pigments or beta glucans. They are all artificially grown with different systems from open air lagoons to closed photobioreactors.

Seaweeds comprises brown Algae, red Algae and green Algae. These three different families differ among them for the types and amount of polysaccharides composing the  plant and also for the content of protein, being the red Algae the ones with the highest protein content. They can be artificially grown are commonly harvested in natural environments. Brown Algae contain substances like polysaccharides and phlorotannins which are known to influence the intestinal health of monogastrics.