Microalgae for economic applications: advantages and perspectives for bioethanol

J Exp Bot. 2015 Jul;66(14):4097-108. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erv130. Epub 2015 Apr 4.

Abstract

Renewable energy has attracted significant interest in recent years as a result of sustainability, environmental impact, and socio-economic considerations. Given existing technological knowledge and based on projections relating to biofuels derived from microalgae, microalgal feedstock is considered to be one of the most important renewable energy sources potentially available for industrial production. Therefore, this review examines microalgal bioethanol technology, which converts biomass from microalgae to fuel, the chemical processes involved, and possible ways of increasing the bioethanol yield, such as abiotic factors and genetic manipulation of fermenting organisms.

Keywords: Biochemical effects; bioethanol; biofuels; environmental impacts; genetic manipulation; microalgae..

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels*
  • Biomass
  • Ethanol / metabolism*
  • Hydrolysis
  • Microalgae / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Ethanol