Numerous marine microorganisms, including microalgae, bacteria, yeast, protists, dinoflagellates and filamentous fungi have been reported as producers of long chain PUFAs in marine environment.
Among them, only oleaginous organisms (microorganisms which produce more than 25% lipid on a dry cell weight basis) can be tailored to produce high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA.
Marine protists and dinoflagellates have recently received much attention as potent producers of bioactive PUFAs.
Thraustochytrids, which belong to marine protists Labyrinthulomycetes containing higher level of DHA in fatty acid profile, has been identified as a potential strain.