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Cultivation and Biorefinery of Microalgae ( Chlorella sp.) for Producing Biofuels and Other Byproducts: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Chiu-Mei Kuo

    (Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to the manuscript.)

  • Yu-Ling Sun

    (Aquatic Technology Laboratories, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to the manuscript.)

  • Cheng-Han Lin

    (Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan)

  • Chao-Hsu Lin

    (Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
    Department of Pediatrics, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu 30071, Taiwan)

  • Hsi-Tien Wu

    (Department of BioAgricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan)

  • Chih-Sheng Lin

    (Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
    Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
    Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan)

Abstract

Microalgae-based carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) biofixation and biorefinery are the most efficient methods of biological CO 2 reduction and reutilization. The diversification and high-value byproducts of microalgal biomass, known as microalgae-based biorefinery, are considered the most promising platforms for the sustainable development of energy and the environment, in addition to the improvement and integration of microalgal cultivation, scale-up, harvest, and extraction technologies. In this review, the factors influencing CO 2 biofixation by microalgae, including microalgal strains, flue gas, wastewater, light, pH, temperature, and microalgae cultivation systems are summarized. Moreover, the biorefinery of Chlorella biomass for producing biofuels and its byproducts, such as fine chemicals, feed additives, and high-value products, are also discussed. The technical and economic assessments (TEAs) and life cycle assessments (LCAs) are introduced to evaluate the sustainability of microalgae CO 2 fixation technology. This review provides detailed insights on the adjusted factors of microalgal cultivation to establish sustainable biological CO 2 fixation technology, and the diversified applications of microalgal biomass in biorefinery. The economic and environmental sustainability, and the limitations and needs of microalgal CO 2 fixation, are discussed. Finally, future research directions are provided for CO 2 reduction by microalgae.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiu-Mei Kuo & Yu-Ling Sun & Cheng-Han Lin & Chao-Hsu Lin & Hsi-Tien Wu & Chih-Sheng Lin, 2021. "Cultivation and Biorefinery of Microalgae ( Chlorella sp.) for Producing Biofuels and Other Byproducts: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-30, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:13480-:d:696098
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    2. Tabassum-Abbasi & Pratiksha Patnaik & Ranjan Rahi & Shahid Abbas Abbasi, 2022. "A Circular Biorefinery-Integrating Wastewater Treatment with the Generation of an Energy Precursor and an Organic Fertilizer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Daniela-Mihaela Grigore & Mădălina Ungureanu-Iuga & Elena Narcisa Pogurschi & Narcisa Elena Băbeanu, 2023. "Transforming Rhodotorula sp. Biomass to Active Biologic Compounds for Poultry Nutrition," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-21, May.

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