Marine microalgae and cyanobacteria are very rich in several chemical compounds and, therefore, they may be
used in several biological applications related with health benefits, among others. This review brings the research
up-to-date on the bioactive compounds produced by marine unicellular algae, directly or indirectly related to
human health. It covers and goes through themost studied applications of substances such as PUFA, sterols, proteins
and enzymes, vitamins and pigments, in areas so diverse as human and animal nutrition, therapeutics, and aquaculture.
The great potential of marine microalgae and the biocoumpounds they produce are discussed in this review.