Algae comprises a wide range of species, with largely variable charachteristics and potentially completely different features and applications.
A main distinction is between microalgae (monocellular organisms) and seaweeds. Microalgae are usually particularly rich in either lipids or proteins and, in general, they are exploited for their content of valuable compounds, like omega-3 fatty acids, pigments or beta glucans. They can all be artificially grown with a variety of systems, from open air lagoons to closed photobioreactors.
Seaweeds comprises brown Algae, red Algae and green Algae. These three families are charachterized by the presence of different types and amounts of polysaccharides and by different protein percentage in their composition. More specifically, red Algae tend to have the highest protein content. They can both be artificially grown and harvested in natural environments. Brown Algae typically contain substances like polysaccharides and phlorotannins which are known to influence the intestinal health of monogastrics.
