Algal biotechnology for biofuel production from strain selection to process optimization

Abstract

Algal biofuel production covers from algal strain selection, cultivation, biomass yield, biofuel conversion processes, process enhancement, and cost/benefit analysis. Algal strains were tested for lipid content and growth rate where its different strains like Nannochloropsis oculata and Chlorella vulgaris were subjected to test, Different cultivation systems were tested for biomass productivity and lipid extraction efficiency, and they include open ponds and closed photobioreactors. Methods like centrifugation and ultrasonication were looked as option for biomass collection and pre-treatment. Several extraction and fermentation techniques were used in biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas production of several biofuel pathways. Besides the genetic engineering, nutrition, and photoperiod manipulation approaches were used to improve the lipid yield and stress resistance. Thus, the economic feasibility analysed via cost-benefit analysis and environmental concerns by the life cycle analyses. Practical aspects of using the process were demonstrated by a collection of case studies and pilot runs on the laboratory scale. Altogether, this research points out the complex strategies and fundamental factors also known as the critical parameters, which should be achieved for the progress of the algal biofuel to be a part of sustainable energy system.