Abstract
Chlorella vulgaris, a green microalga, is widely recognized in the food industry for its outstanding nutritional value. This review systematically summarizes the diverse nutritional components enriched in this microalga, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, pigments, and minerals, as well as the various bioactivities conferred by these components, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial and antiviral, anticancer, detoxifying, adjuvant antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and prebiotic activities. Additionally, the research progress of C.vulgaris in food applications is elaborated, and the current challenges in its commercialization are discussed, including the technological gap in large-scale production that coordinates nutritional composition and low-cost requirements, the unclear mechanisms underlying its nutritional and bioactive effects, as well as safety concerns and policy restrictions associated with synthetic biology applications. Based on these considerations, future research directions are proposed, focusing on the efficient production of diverse nutritional components, the improvement of bioavailability, and the in-depth elucidation of the mechanisms underlying nutritional and bioactive functions.
Publication Date
5-15-2026
First Page
220
Last Page
228
DOI
10.13652/j.spjx.1003.5788.2025.60154
Recommended Citation
Bingzheng, XU; Zongxi, XU; Jian, ZHANG; Rongrong, LIANG; and Yusi, LIANG
(2026)
"Research progress on nutritional components, bioactive properties, and application of Chlorella vulgaris in food,"
Food and Machinery: Vol. 42:
Iss.
4, Article 26.
DOI: 10.13652/j.spjx.1003.5788.2025.60154
Available at:
https://www.ifoodmm.cn/journal/vol42/iss4/26
References
[1] BEIJERINCK M W.Culturversuche mit zoochlorellen,lichenengonidien and anderen niederen [J].Algen Bot Ztg,1890,48:725-772,781-788.
[2] FALCÃO R L,PINHEIRO V,RIBEIRO C,et al.Nutritional improvement of fresh cheese with microalga Chlorella vulgaris:impact on composition,structure and sensory acceptance [J].Food Technology and Biotechnology,2023,61(2):259-270.
[3] MASOUMIFESHANI B,KENARI A A,SOTTORFF I,et al.Identification and evaluation of antioxidant and anti-aging peptide fractions from enzymatically hydrolyzed proteins of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris [J].Marine Drugs,2025,23(4):162.
[4] SPÍNOLA M P,COSTA M M,PRATES J A M.Enhancing digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris biomass in monogastric diets:strategies and insights [J].Animals,2023,13(6):1 017.
[5] 王宝贝,蔡舒琳,李丽婷,等.小球藻在食品中的应用研究进展[J].食品工业科技,2017,38(17):341-346.WANG B B,CAI S L,LI L T,et al.Applications of Chlorella in food industry [J].Science and Technology of Food Industry,2017,38(17):341-346.
[6] ZHANG K,SUN B J,SHE X X,et al.Lipid production and composition of fatty acids in Chlorella vulgaris cultured using different methods:photoautotrophic,heterotrophic,and pure and mixed conditions [J].Annals of Microbiology,2014,64(3):1 239-1 246.
[7] 苏杭,吕俊平,刘琪,等.一株高脂土壤小球藻的分离鉴定及脂质分析 [J].水生生物学报,2018,42(4):811-818.SU H,LV J P,LIU Q,et al.Identification and lipid analysis of an oil-producing Chlorella strain from soil [J].Acta Hydrobiologica Sinica,2018,42(4):811-818.
[8] 崔岩,边建文,刘瑛,等.微藻多糖及其衍生物在农业领域的研究进展 [J].土壤通报,2023,54(5):1 226-1 236.CUI Y BIAN J W,LIU Y,et al.Research progress of microalgae polysaccharides and their derivatives in agriculture [J].Chinese Journal of Soil Science,2023,54(5):1 226-1 236.
[9] 熊斯微,范泽,张海涛,等.小球藻的营养价值及其在水产动物饲料中的应用 [J].饲料工业,2024,45(6):7-13.XIONG S W,FAN Z,ZHANG H T,et al.Nutritional value and applications in aquatic animal feed of Chlorella [J].Feed Industry,2024,45(6):7-13.
[10] CARNOVALE G,ROSA F,SHAPAVAL V,et al.Starch rich Chlorella vulgaris:high-throughput screening and up-scale for tailored biomass production [J].Applied Sciences,2021,11(19):9 025.
[11] DE CARVALHO SILVELLO M A,GASPAROTTO G A,FERREIRA G F,et al.Nutrient optimization strategy to increase the carbohydrate content of Chlorella vulgaris and evaluation of hydrolysis and fermentation performance [J].BioEnergy Research,2023,16(4):2 058-2 067.
[12] ZANCHETTA E,DAMERGI E,PATEL B,et al.Algal cellulose,production and potential use in plastics:challenges and opportunities [J].Algal Research,2021,56:102288.
[13] HIDHAYATI N,PURBA L D A,FIRMAN N F A,et al.Current status and future prospects of Chlorella as raw materials in cosmeceuticals:cultivation,extraction,and commercial applications [J].Journal of Applied Phycology,2025,37(1):343-354.
[14] BITO T,OKUMURA E,FUJISHIMA M,et al.Potential of Chlorella as a dietary supplement to promote human health [J].Nutrients,2020,12(9):2 524.
[15] DEL MONDO A,SMERILLI A,SANÉ E,et al.Challenging microalgal vitamins for human health [J].Microbial Cell Factories,2020,19(1):201.
[16] CHINI ZITTELLI G,LAUCERI R,FARALONI C,et al.Valuable pigments from microalgae:phycobiliproteins,primary carotenoids,and fucoxanthin [J].Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences,2023,22(8):1 733-1 789.
[17] BAZARNOVA J,SMYATSKAYA Y,SHLYKOVA A,et al.Obtaining fat-soluble pigments:carotenoids from the biomass of Chlorella microalgae [J].Applied Sciences,2022,12(7):3 246.
[18] 王宝贝,加晶,孙辉,等.烘焙温度对小球藻脂肪酸、色素及乙醇提取物抗氧化活性的影响 [J].食品与机械,2018,34(7):29-33.WANG B B,JIA J,SUN H,et al.Effects of roasting temperature on the fatty acid,pigment and ethanol-extracts and their antioxidant activities in Chlorella pyrenoidosa [J].Food & Machinery,2018,34(7):29-33.
[19] MAURÍCIO T,COUTO D,LOPES D,et al.Differences and similarities in lipid composition,nutritional value,and bioactive potential of four edible Chlorella vulgaris strains [J].Foods,2023,12(8):1 625.
[20] KHOLIF A E,OLAFADEHAN O A.Chlorella vulgaris microalgae in ruminant nutrition:a review of the chemical composition and nutritive value [J].Annals of Animal Science,2021,21(3):789-806.
[21] GADZAMA I U,RAY S,MÉITÉ R,et al.Chlorella vulgaris as a livestock supplement and animal feed:a comprehensive review [J].Animals,2025,15(6):879.
[22] MENDES A R,SPÍNOLA M P,LORDELO M,et al.Chemical compounds,bioactivities,and applications of Chlorella vulgaris in food,feed and medicine [J].Applied Sciences,2024,14(23):10810.
[23] LUCAKOVA S,BRANYIKOVA I,HAYES M.Microalgal proteins and bioactives for food,feed,and other applications[J].Applied Sciences,2022,12(9):4 402.
[24] AZIZI R,BAGGIO A,CAPUANO E,et al.Protein transition:focus on protein quality in sustainable alternative sources [J].Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,2025,65(18):3 401-3 421.
[25] SCHAAFSMA G.The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS):a concept for describing protein quality in foods and food ingredients:a critical review [J].Journal of AOAC International,2005,88(3):988-994.
[26] SÁ A G A,HANG J Y,JARDINE L,et al.How different amino acid scoring patterns recommended by FAO/WHO can affect the nutritional quality and protein claims of lentils [J].Sustainable Food Proteins,2023,1(2):59-73.
[27] SIAHBALAEI R,KAVOOSI G,NOROOZI M.Manipulation of Chlorella vulgaris polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acid profile by supplementation with vegetable amino acids and fatty acids [J].Phycological Research,2021,69(2):116-123.
[28] MORADI-KHEIBARI N,AHMADZADEH H,LYON S R.Correlation of total lipid content of Chlorella vulgaris with the dynamics of individual fatty acid growth rates [J].Frontiers in Marine Science,2022,9:837067.
[29] ZHANG J,WU G C,LU F M,et al.Enhancing EPA and DHA synthesis in acetic acid-supplemented Chlorella vulgaris:a combined strategy of chemical mutagenesis and adaptive laboratory evolution [J].Chemical Engineering Journal,2025,515:163473.
[30] HASAN M M,VIJAY K,KUMARI S,et al.Exogenous calcium provision facilitates the total lipids overproduction without hindering cellular growth in Chlorella vulgaris [J].Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers,2025:106158.
[31] MIRZAIE S,TABARSA M,SAFAVI M.Effects of extracted polysaccharides from a Chlorella vulgaris biomass on expression of interferon- γ and interleukin- 2 in chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells [J].Journal of Applied Phycology,2021,33(1):409-418.
[32] MOREIRA J B,DA SILVA VAZ B,CARDIAS B B,et al.Microalgae polysaccharides:an alternative source for food production and sustainable agriculture [J].Polysaccharides,2022,3(2):441-457.
[33] ZANCHETTA E,OLLIVIER M,TAING N,et al.Abiotic stress approaches for enhancing cellulose and chitin production in Chlorella vulgaris [J].International Journal of Biological Macromolecules,2025,309:142969.[34] CHEN C Y,ZHAO X Q,YEN H W,et al.Microalgae-based carbohydrates for biofuel production [J].Biochemical Engineering Journal,2013,78:1-10.
[35] PRATES J A M.The role of microalgae in providing essential minerals for sustainable swine nutrition [J].Frontiers in Animal Science,2025,6:1526433.
[36] SARI L A,MELVA E,ALDILAMETA S,et al.Oxidation stress of UV C light on growth,carotenoids and chlorophyll-a content of Chlorella vulgaris [J].HAYATI Journal of Biosciences,2025,32(3):819-828.
[37] FARAG M R,ALAGAWANY M,MAHDY E A A,et al.Benefits of Chlorella vulgaris against cadmium chloride-induced hepatic and renal toxicities via restoring the cellular redox homeostasis and modulating Nrf 2 and NF-KB pathways in male rats [J].Biomedicines,2023,11(9):2 414.
[38] IRIANI D,HASAN B,KARNILA R,et al.Biochemical processes of Chlorella vulgaris and their impact on chlorophyll quality and antioxidant properties [J].Journal Ilmiah Perikanan Dan Kelautan,2025,17(1):53-67.
[39] AGUSTINA S,AIDHA N N,OKTARINA E.The extraction of antioxidants from Chlorella vulgaris for cosmetics [J].IOP Conference Series:Materials Science and Engineering,2021,1 011(1):012057.
[40] PUTRI T W,NURSIDA N F,RAYA I.Antioxidant activity of Chlorella vulgaris used as an antioxidant cream [J].Journal of Physics:Conference Series,2021,1 899(1):012030.
[41] WIDYANINGRUM D,PRIANTO A D.Chlorella as a source of functional food ingredients:short review [J].IOP Conference Series:Earth and Environmental Science,2021,794(1):012148.
[42] PINTO A S,MAIA C,SOUSA S A,et al.Amino acid and carotenoid profiles of Chlorella vulgaris during two-stage cultivation at different salinities [J].Bioengineering,2025,12(3):284.
[43] FERDOUS U T,NURDIN A,ISMAIL S,et al.Evaluation of the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of crude extracts from marine Chlorella sp [J].Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology,2023,47:102551.
[44] SAVVIDOU M G,GEORGIOPOULOU I,ANTONIOU N,et al.Extracts from Chlorella vulgaris protect mesenchymal stromal cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide [J].Plants,2023,12(2):361.
[45] İNAN B,MUTLU B,ÇAKIR R,et al.From ice to neurons:investigating the neuroprotective effects of Antarctic microalgae Chlorella variabilis and Chlorella pyrenoidosa extracts [J].3 Biotech,2024,14(10):250.
[46] QIU Y H,GAO X X,CHEN R X,et al.Metabolomics and biochemical insights on the regulation of aging-related diabetes by a low-molecular-weight polysaccharide from green microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa [J].Food Chemistry:X,2022,|14:100316.
[47] HAMOUDA R A,EL LATIF A A,ELKAW E M,et al.Assessment of antioxidant and anticancer activities of microgreen alga Chlorella vulgaris and its blend with different vitamins [J].Molecules,2022,27(5):1 602.
[48] BARGHCHI H,DEHNAVI Z,NATTAGH-ESHTIVANI E,et al.The effects of Chlorella vulgaris on cardiovascular risk factors:a comprehensive review on putative molecular mechanisms [J].Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy,2023,162:114624.
[49] MOHSENI R,ARAB SADEGHABADI Z,KARIMI J,et al.Chlorella vulgaris supplementation attenuates the progression of liver fibrosis through targeting TGF- β-signaling pathway in the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats [J].Toxin Reviews,2021,40(4):1 347-1 355.
[50] TAKEKOSHI H,FUJISHIMA M,MIYAZAWA T,et al.Simultaneous intake of Chlorella and ascidian ethanolamine plasmalogen accelerates activation of BDNF-TrkB-CREB signaling in rats [J].Molecules,2024,29(2):357.
[51] 赵兴吕,杨雄超,王奕丹,等.食源性生物活性肽免疫调节作用研究进展 [J].食品与机械,2025,41(12):180-192.ZHAO X L,YANG X C,WANG Y D,et al.Research progress on immunomodulatory effect of food-derived bioactive peptides [J].Food & Machinery,2025,41(12):180-192.
[52] SAMANTARAY M,SAHOO S,SAHOO D P,et al.Computational identification of dual COX- 1 and NIK inhibitors from marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris [J].Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology,2025,23(3):100531.
[53] WU S W,LIU H Q,LI S Y,et al.Transcriptome analysis reveals possible immunomodulatory activity mechanism of Chlorella sp.exopolysaccharides on RAW264.7 macrophages [J].Marine Drugs,2021,19(4):217.
[54] KWAK J H,BAEK S H,WOO Y,et al.Beneficial immunostimulatory effect of short-term Chlorella supplementation:enhancement of natural killercell activity and early inflammatory response (Randomized,double-blinded,placebo-controlled trial)[J].Nutrition Journal,2012,11(1):53.
[55] OGNISTAIA A V,MARKINA Z V,ORLOVA T Y.Antimicrobial activity of marine microalgae [J].Russian Journal of Marine Biology,2022,48(4):217-230.
[56] SHAIMA A F,MOHD YASIN N H,IBRAHIM N,et al.Unveiling antimicrobial activity of microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana (UKM 2),Chlorella sp.(UKM 8) and Scenedesmus sp.(UKM 9)[J].Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences,2022,29(2):1 043-1 052.
[57] 徐元柳,刘迪迪,王兆丹,等.植物提取物抑菌机理及联合现代新兴技术在肉类保鲜中的应用进展 [J].食品与机械,2024,40(11):238-244.XU Y L,LIU D D,WANG Z D,et al.Research progress on the antibacterial mechanism of natural plant extracts and its application in meat preservation by combining with modern emerging technologies [J].Food & Machinery,2024,40(11):238-244.
[58] JAFARI S,ALI MOBASHER M,NAJAFIPOUR S,et al.Antibacterial potential of Chlorella vulgaris and dunaliella Salina extracts against streptococcus mutans [J].Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products,2018,13(2):13226.
[59] CARBONE D A,PELLONE P,LUBRITTO C,et al.Evaluation of microalgae antiviral activity and their bioactive compounds [J].Antibiotics,2021,10(6):746.
[60] SHARMA R,MONDAL A S,TRIVEDI N.Anticancer potential of algae-derived metabolites:recent updates and breakthroughs [J].Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences,2023,9(1):44.
[61] FERDOUS U T,AHMAD KHAN S,SHAKOOR A,et al.Chlorella spp.as an emerging source for anticancer remedy and nutraceuticals:an advance study [J].Food Reviews International,2026,42(2):665-693.
[62] JANG H J,YIM K J,LEE C S,et al.Anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties of methanolic extracts of Chlorella vulgaris and Parachlorella sp[J].KSBB Journal,2022,37(4):159-165.
[63] YUN H,KIM I,KWON S H,et al.Protective effect of Chlorella vulgaris against lead-induced oxidative stress in rat brains [J].Journal of Health Science,2011,57(3):245-254.
[64] MERINO J J,PARMIGIANI-IZQUIERDO J M,TOLEDANO GASCA A,et al.The long-term algae extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and aminosulphurate supplementation modulate SOD- 1 activity and decrease heavy metals (Hg++,Sn) levels in patients with long-term dental titanium implants and amalgam fillings restorations [J].Antioxidants,2019,8(4):101.
[65] LI L,LI W,KIM Y H,et al.Chlorella vulgaris extract ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in mice [J].Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology,2013,65(1/2):73-80.
[66] VIJAYAVEL K,ANBUSELVAM C,BALASUBRAMANIAN M P.Antioxidant effect of the marine algae Chlorella vulgaris against naphthalene-induced oxidative stress in the albino rats[J].Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry,2007,303(1):39-44.
[67] LEE I,TRAN M,EVANS-NGUYEN T,et al.Detoxification of Chlorella supplement on heterocyclic amines in Korean young adults [J].Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology,2015,39(1):441-446.
[68] PRIAMBODO A F.Identifikasi dan prediksi secara in silico senyawa bioaktif Chlorella vulgaris sebagai penghambat α-amilase dan α-glukosidase (DR.IR.muhamad firdaus,MP)[D].Malang:Universitas Brawijaya,2021.
[69] KAEOBOON S,SONGSERM R,SUKSUNGWORN R,et al.In vitro antioxidant potential,antidiabetic activities,and GC-MS analysis of lipid extracts of Chlorella microalgae [J].BioTech,2025,14(2):46.
[70] MURAKAMI T,OKAMOTO K,OGAKI M,et al.Effect of Chlorella on blood pressure,cerebral stroke lesions,hypertensive vascular changes and life-span in spontaneously hypertensive rats [J].Nippon Eiyo Shokuryo Gakkaishi,1987,40(5):351-359.
[71] SUETSUNA K,CHEN J R.Identification of antihypertensive peptides from peptic digest of two microalgae,Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis [J].Marine Biotechnology,2001,3(4):305-309.
[72] RYU N H,LIM Y,PARK J E,et al.Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults:a double-blinded,randomized,placebo-controlled study [J].Nutrition Journal,2014,13(1):57.
[73] MOHAMED A A,EL BOHY K M,MOUSTAFA G G,et al.Sustained functioning impairments and oxidative stress with neurobehavioral dysfunction associated with oral nicotine exposure in the brain of a murine model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma:modifying the antioxidant role of Chlorella vulgaris[J].Biology,2022,11(2):279.
[74] PANAHI Y,BADELI R,KARAMI G R,et al.A randomized controlled trial of 6-week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder [J].Complementary Therapies in Medicine,2015,23(4):598-602.
[75] HYRSLOVA I,KRAUSOVA G,SMOLOVA J,et al.Prebiotic and immunomodulatory properties of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris and its synergistic triglyceride-lowering effect with bifidobacteria [J].Fermentation,2021,7(3):125.
[76] BAÑARES C,PATERSON S,GÓMEZ-GARRE D,et al.Modulation of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid production by simulated gastrointestinal digests from microalga Chlorella vulgaris [J].International Journal of Molecular Sciences,2025,26(6):2 754.
[77] WELLS M L,POTIN P,CRAIGIE J S,et al.Algae as nutritional and functional food sources:revisiting our understanding [J].Journal of Applied Phycology,2017,29(2):949-982.
[78] WANG C A,ONYEAKA H,MIRI T,et al.Chlorella vulgaris as a food substitute:Applications and benefits in the food industry [J].Journal of Food Science,2024,89(12):8 231-8 247.
[79] YASIN N M N,SHALABY S M.Quality characteristics of croissant stuffed with imitation processed cheese containing microalgae Chlorella vulgaris biomass [J].World Journal of Dairy & Food Sciences,2013,8(1):58-66.
[80] SELVARAJU K,MATHUR M,SSM S,et al.Deciphering the effect of Chlorella minutissima incorporation in gluten-free millet cookies:physical and functional properties [J].Algal Research,2024,82:103683.
[81] 席 洁 璨,吴 美 华,黄 思 瑞,等.糖 尿 病 营 养 干 预 研 究 进 展 [J].食品与机械,2024,40(9):228-235.XI J C,WU M H,HUANG S R,et al.Research progress of nutrition intervention in diabetes mellitus [J].Food & Machinery,2024,40(9):228-235.
[82] VAN DE WALLE S,MUYLAERT K,VAN ROYEN G.Influence of cell disruption on techno-functional properties and digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris proteins [J].Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies,2025,102:104023.
