Abstract:Metabolomics studies the complete biological system, to detect target or non-target metabolites by appropriate analytical methods and to interpret metabolites in combination with statistical models. Microalgae studies focus now increasingly on molecular mechanism by means of metabolomics. Here, we summarize the development of metabolomics, the research process and the characteristics of common analytical techniques and the progress of metabolomics in the field of microalgae. We also discuss the prospect of metabolomics in microalgae research, and challenges in practical application.