Algal Life Cycle Analysis and Its Contribution to the Circular Economy

Abstract

Microalgae are a diverse group of microscopic and highly efficient photosynthetic organisms with rapid growth that contains a wide range of biochemical components such as pigments, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, making them a viable feedstock for various commercial applications in biofuel production, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is one of the most appealing and attractive tools used nowadays by the scientific and decision-makers communities to ensure environmentally sustainable production/consumption of various products. It is a systematic and standardized methodology that has turned into a crucial communication tool for the projects, the target markets, and the general public. Recently, LCA has been applied to quantify algal biofuels' environmental sustainability. As a result, the importance of algal life cycle analysis, its consequences, and contribution to the circular economy will be discussed in this chapter in terms of developing industrial applications.

Carotenoids from Blakeslea trispora

“…The practicality of bioprocess is impacted by the assembling and commercialization expenses of end product and its planned use [19]. Process developments concerning microbial upgrading of buildups and squanders for carotenoid production will diminish the fabricating expenses International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture and make it more environment friendly [20]. [21,22] Lycopene: Lycopene is an intermediate carotenoid used in the biosynthesis of β-Carotene [23].…”