Towards algal biofuel production: a concept of green bio-energy development

Abstract

The use of fossil fuels is increasingly questioned due to depleting natural energy assets and the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Biofuels are an efficient substitute to existing fossil fuel based energy sources as they can be utilized for transport with little modification to existing techniques. They thus offer the prospect of ecological sustainability and reduced GHGs emission. Microalgae are unicellular autotrophic organisms that can convert atmospheric CO2 into lipids which, after esterification, can be utilized as an energy source. Moreover, other bio-metabolites such as bioethanol and bio-hydrogen produced by algal cells are also potentially exploitable energy sources. On large scales, microalgae are cultivated either in open pond systems or in closed photo bioreactors. In this paper we review the prospects of microalgae for the production of valuable lipid compounds and other byproduct that can be additionally used for biofuel production.