Badrunanto, Laila Dina Amalia Purba, Erindyah Retno Wikantyasning, Maryati, Joko Prayitno, Noor Hidhayati, Ni Wayan Sri Agustini, Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh, Hani Susanti, Diah Kusumawaty, Delicia Yunita Rahman, Marsiti Apriastini, Prasetyadi, Rahmania Admirasari
Health concerns associated with synthetic antioxidants have intensified interest in naturally derived alternatives, including microalgae, specifically Chlorella sp. This review integrates bibliometric analysis and recent findings to elucidate the antioxidant potential of Chlorella sp., highlighting bioactive components, measurement methodologies, industrial applications, and future directions. A bibliometric analysis of 1263 publications was conducted to identify evolving trends, emerging topics, and underexplored species. The analysis indicated increased global research on Chlorella sp. from China, Egypt, India, Iran, and Malaysia. C. vulgaris remains the most extensively investigated, while C. minutissima has gained recent attention in emerging studies. Other species investigated include C. pyrenoidosa, C. sorokiniana, C. zofingiensis, C. ellipsoidea, and C. kessleri. Keyword co-occurrences analysis highlights emerging topics such as the antioxidant potential of C. minutissima, correlations between microplastics and antioxidant activity, and the roles of antioxidant enzymes, pigments, bioactive polysaccharides, protein-derived antioxidants, and phytoene as a carotenoid precursor for future research trends. Identified antioxidant components include protein-derived, bioactive polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and lipid fractions. However, comparative and synergistic evaluations of these components remain limited. Methodological inconsistencies, particularly in extraction protocols, antioxidant assays, and reference standards, also contribute to variability in reported antioxidant capacities. Applications of Chlorella sp. for its antioxidant ability in various industries (e.g., cosmetics, food, and feed) are also elucidated. Through the identification of knowledge gaps and future research trends, this review provides a critical perspective to support innovation in the application of Chlorella sp. as a natural antioxidant source. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Kartasura, Central Java, Sukoharjo, 57169, Indonesia; PT Natural Cosmetics Indonesia, Laweyan, Central Java, Surakarta, 57146, Indonesia; Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Sukasari, West Java, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; The Deputy Research and Innovation Facilitation, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, 10340, Indonesia; Research Center of Environmental and Clean Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Serpong, Banten, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia
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