Microalgae: A Green Revolution for Biofuels, Value-Added Products, and Sustainable Energy
摘要
This chapter explores the cutting-edge developments in microalgae biotechnology with a focus on their uses in the biofuel production, value enhanced products and sustainable energy. As the world seeks a shift to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy, microalgae are offering promising and flexible solutions. Their speedy growth rate and greater lipid concentration have positioned them as a promising basis for biofuels, with ongoing research focusing on optimizing cultivation techniques, genetic engineering, and strain selection to enhance lipid productivity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Microalgae act as versatile biorefineries, producing valuable bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals, and proteins through metabolic engineering. This promotes a circular economy, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste. Innovative approaches like photobioreactors and integrated wastewater-based cultivation also harness microalgae’s potential for sustainable energy generation, yielding biofuels and energy-rich biogas while facilitating wastewater treatment. Despite challenges in scaling up to commercial levels, collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are poised to unleash the complete capacity of microalgae, driving a greener and more sustainable future with reduced environmental impact and enhanced energy security.