Introduction to Algae-Based Biorefineries in the Context of Sustainable Development

Algae has proven to be the potential source of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Their unique chemical characteristics and the interaction with the living tissues, i.e. bioactive potential, make it an ideal choice for different industries such as nutraceuticals, food, feed and cosmetics. Also, with the latest trends evolving around the globe for the production of different compounds by green methods, algae prove to be the best fit, and to make this green synthesis sustainable the biomass can be reused making it a biorefinery approach for the production process. Algae-based biorefineries promote not only the sustainable and green methods but also the bioeconomy, i.e. it promotes the use of renewable resources from land and sea. This chapter will be focusing on different algae-based biorefineries, their working, design and need along with their advancement in recent times. Also, in this chapter different species of algae and their useful end-products will be discussed.