In this book chapter, we presented some of the bioactive compounds that can be obtained from algae (macro — and microalgae) with potential use as functional food ingredients. The description did not attempt to be exhaustive since, considering the huge biodiversity of algae and the strong influence of growing conditions on bioac­tive formation, the list of compounds and combination could be countless. On the other hand, we try to give an overview of the enormous possibilities of algae as natural reactors able to synthesize a myriad of compounds of different polarities and with different physiological effects on human health. Many of these compounds can be major components, such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and other minor components (metabolites) generated to protect algal cells against stress conditions. Most of them are useful for the food industry as macronutrients (fiber, proteins, etc.) while others have an enormous future as functional ingredients to prevent or even improve the health status of a human being.

In this chapter, we also presented new technologies to extract valuable com­pounds from algae, these processes have in common their “green” label, the possi­bility of improving the efficiency through process optimization, the removal of toxic solvents, the improved cost efficiency and the enhancement of selectivity and isola­tion steps. Several examples are described in the text demonstrating the usefulness and the advantages of such processes compared to conventional extraction ones. But, this step cannot be considered isolated but integrated in a more holistic concept of what should be a sustainable process considering algae as raw materials.

In this sense, we can think about algae (mainly microalgae) as (1) a sustainable source of mass and energy, since their processing meets the requirements for energy efficiency (transformation, growing biomass [164]; (2) a supply of clean energy for the future if overproduction of oil is obtained that can be lately used for large-scale biodiesel production [112, 192]; (3) an efficient CO2 sequestrant for greenhouse gas emissions control (Kyoto Protocol) [167, 200]; and (4) a valuable source of bioac­tives [11,131].

If we are able to think about a whole process involving the optimization of all these steps: efficient production of biomass using CO2 formed by combustion of fossil fuels in thermoelectric power plants, extraction of valuable bioactives using environmentally friendly processes to obtain high added value products that, on the other hand, leave intact residues, and process of oily fraction of biomass to produce biofuels, we will be able to work toward a sustainable, efficient, and economically viable process with many important positive implications for the economy, the envi­ronment and the human health. But, to reach this goal, it is mandatory to work with multidisciplinary teams involving scientists with expertise from phycology, molec­ular biology, agronomy, chemical engineering, food science and technology, envi­ronmental chemistry, economics, and so on.

Other nondirect benefits from this sustainable process are: the recovery of lands unsuitable for agricultural purposes, since the requirements for algae are less demanding, the advancement of genetic engineering basic studies, since more knowledge is needed to select and manipulate the most convenient strains and genes to overproduce the substances of interest, and a more efficient use of energy and sunlight. Working on sustainable processes is one of the best ways of investing in our future and in our planet’s future.