The role of biochemical engineering in the production of biofuels from microalgae

Abstract

Environmental changes that have occurred due to the use of fossil fuels have driven the search for alternative sources that have a lower environmental impact. First-generation biofuels were derived from crops such as sugar cane, corn and soybean, which contribute to water scarcity and deforestation. Second-generation biofuels originated from lignocellulose agriculture and forest residues, however these needed large areas of land that could be used for food production. Based on technology projections, the third generation of biofuels will be derived from microalgae. Microalgae are considered to be an alternative energy source without the drawbacks of the first- and second-generation biofuels. Depending upon the growing conditions, microalgae can produce biocompounds that are easily converted into biofuels. The biofuels from microalgae are an alternative that can keep the development of human activity in harmony with the environment. This study aimed to present the main biofuels that can be derived from microalgae.

Investigation of effective parameters on biomass and lipid productivity of Chlorella vulgaris

“…Among renewable energy sources, microalgae biomass has attracted much attention in recent years. Biomass of microalgae species, capable of producing useful chemicals such as fatty acids, starch, cellulose and so on, can be a favorable feedstock for producing a variety of renewable fuels, such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen and biomethane [2]. Also microalgae species have faster growth rates in comparison to terrestrial oil crops because of their higher photosynthesis efficiency [3].…”

Assessment of Microalgal Triacylglycerol as Environmental Benign Approach for Biodiesel Production

“…Furthermore, microalgae are *Corresponding Author:kgaurav1@ggn.amity.edu(Kumar Gaurav) https://doi.org/10.30799/jespr.129.18040202 ISSN: 2455-0272 more productive than land based agricultural crops. Their important role as a good food source is due to the contents of minerals, vitamins and oils, which are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid [19]. These fatty acids that contain more than one double bond in their backbone, such as α-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosaesaenoic acids, all fatty acids belongs to omega 3 group of PUFAs.…”

Modifications of sugarcane bagasse-derived adsorbents to enhance the adsorption of microalgae biomass in easing harvesting process

“…Microalgae biomass is the potential source of renewable energy source via conversion into biodiesel [1]. They are microorganisms that usually cultivate in water and possessed similar photosynthetic action followed by higher order of plants [2]. It is confirmed that microalgae growth under the controlled condition is able to crop 20 times oil per hectare more than the telluric oil seed yield [3].…”