Astaxanthin productivity of H. pluvialis is limited by intrinsically slow proliferation, sensitivity to environmental stresses and contaminants and slow induction of pigment accumulation, so that the production price for natural astaxanthin is significantly higher than the price of the synthetic compound. Therefore, genetic engineering of this alga for increased growth, resilience and carotenoid productivity is a major goal in algal biotechnology, for more competitive pigment production, in the face of
growing competition and significantly larger market opportunities in the aquaculture sector