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Harnessing microalgae and cyanobacteria for sustainable bioenergy Production: Integration of molecular engineering and AI-driven approaches

Author

Listed:
  • Thajuddin, Fayaazuddin
  • Rasheed, Asraf Sithikka
  • Elumalai, Akilan
  • Palanivel, Prakash
  • Nooruddin, Thajuddin
  • Dharumadurai, Dhanasekaran

Abstract

Increasing pollution and global energy concerns, arising from the overreliance on fossil fuels, demand an urgent search for alternative energy sources. Microalgae and cyanobacteria hold multiple potential including high productivity of lipid and biomass, ability to use waste resources and eventually making them a sustainable source for biofuel production. It can generate a wide range of biofuels such as bioethanol, biobutanol, biohydrogen, and biodiesel. Recent advances in generation of biofuel from algae involves various indoor and outdoor cultivation strategies, genome engineering, metabolic regulation, omics-oriented tools and techniques. Besides, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in production of biofuel like assistance in bioreactor designing, strain selection, improvement and anticipation of lipid yield. Regardless of these outstanding innovations and technological developments, the persistence of certain bottlenecks including their scalability, environmental impacts and economic feasibility renders a barrier for its widespread acceptance and commercialization. Incorporation of interdisciplinary approaches such as multi-omics, synthetic biology, AI & ML can successfully allow them to overcome the challenges for sustainable biofuel production. Eventually, this review breaks down the unexplored capabilities of microalgae and cyanobacteria to contribute in the generation of sustainable energy and addressing the significant deficiencies in culture optimization and large-scale implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Thajuddin, Fayaazuddin & Rasheed, Asraf Sithikka & Elumalai, Akilan & Palanivel, Prakash & Nooruddin, Thajuddin & Dharumadurai, Dhanasekaran, 2026. "Harnessing microalgae and cyanobacteria for sustainable bioenergy Production: Integration of molecular engineering and AI-driven approaches," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pa:s0960148125016258
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123961
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