RNA), chlorophyll, glucosamides, and cell wall materials though at reasonably low
levels (<0.6 wt%) when compared to protein (10 wt%) (Devi et al. 1981; Becker
2006).
7.3.3 Bio-Ethanol from Microalgae
Bio-ethanol production from microalgae is not a new concept (although to a lesser
extent in contrast to microalgal biodiesel). Currently, there have been incredible
surges in research and development efforts to investigate the deployment of
microalgae as a superior bioenergy feedstock for bio-ethanol production processes
(Subhadra and Edwards 2010). The global interest in microalgae as a bio-ethanol
feedstock is because they do not require arable land for cultivation and consequently
do not contribute to the Food Vs Fuel debate. On to the contrary, existing bio-ethanol
crops such as sugarcane, soybean, and corn contribute to the challenge of the Food
Vs Fuel dispute.
Microalgae have been reported to store substantial fraction of carbohydrates in
the form of glycogen, starch/cellulose, pentoses, and hexoses which can be
converted into fermentable sugars via fermentation for bio-ethanol production
(Wayman 1996). Bio-ethanol can be produced from microalgal biomass by utilizing
amylolytic biocatalysts which facilitate starch hydrolysis and successive formation
of fermentable sugars. Following fermentation of these sugars they can be distilled
by means of distillation technology to obtain anhydrous bio-ethanol.
Although there is paucity of scientific literature with regard to bio-ethanol
production from microalgae the process offers certain distinct advantages. Algal
fermentation processes involve less energy intake and the procedure is much simple
in contrast to production scheme for biodiesel (Singh and Gu 2010). Furthermore,
carbon dioxide released by fermentation process can be recycled as a carbon supply
for microalgae cultivation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Singh and
Gu 2010).
In today’s scenario much of the scientific attention in microalgal biofuel research
is concentrated in the biodiesel production from various species of oleaginous
microalgae. A major production scheme for biodiesel production from oleaginous
microalgae would generate enormous quantum of microalgal remnants/de-oiled
cakes. Conversion of these microalgal remnants (chiefly comprising carbohydrates
and proteins) into bio-ethanol may be a lucrative alternative in this regard. However,
production of bio-ethanol from microalgae is at its infantile stage and warrants
additional scientific investigations.
7.4
Research Gaps in Microalgal Biotechnology
Research gap literally exists in all the aspects of microalgal biotechnology.
Microalgal biotechnology must enable us in getting products superior in quality,
economically competitive (low at cost), and massive in scale. This is achievable only
146
M. M. Phukan et al.
levels (<0.6 wt%) when compared to protein (10 wt%) (Devi et al. 1981; Becker
2006).
7.3.3 Bio-Ethanol from Microalgae
Bio-ethanol production from microalgae is not a new concept (although to a lesser
extent in contrast to microalgal biodiesel). Currently, there have been incredible
surges in research and development efforts to investigate the deployment of
microalgae as a superior bioenergy feedstock for bio-ethanol production processes
(Subhadra and Edwards 2010). The global interest in microalgae as a bio-ethanol
feedstock is because they do not require arable land for cultivation and consequently
do not contribute to the Food Vs Fuel debate. On to the contrary, existing bio-ethanol
crops such as sugarcane, soybean, and corn contribute to the challenge of the Food
Vs Fuel dispute.
Microalgae have been reported to store substantial fraction of carbohydrates in
the form of glycogen, starch/cellulose, pentoses, and hexoses which can be
converted into fermentable sugars via fermentation for bio-ethanol production
(Wayman 1996). Bio-ethanol can be produced from microalgal biomass by utilizing
amylolytic biocatalysts which facilitate starch hydrolysis and successive formation
of fermentable sugars. Following fermentation of these sugars they can be distilled
by means of distillation technology to obtain anhydrous bio-ethanol.
Although there is paucity of scientific literature with regard to bio-ethanol
production from microalgae the process offers certain distinct advantages. Algal
fermentation processes involve less energy intake and the procedure is much simple
in contrast to production scheme for biodiesel (Singh and Gu 2010). Furthermore,
carbon dioxide released by fermentation process can be recycled as a carbon supply
for microalgae cultivation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Singh and
Gu 2010).
In today’s scenario much of the scientific attention in microalgal biofuel research
is concentrated in the biodiesel production from various species of oleaginous
microalgae. A major production scheme for biodiesel production from oleaginous
microalgae would generate enormous quantum of microalgal remnants/de-oiled
cakes. Conversion of these microalgal remnants (chiefly comprising carbohydrates
and proteins) into bio-ethanol may be a lucrative alternative in this regard. However,
production of bio-ethanol from microalgae is at its infantile stage and warrants
additional scientific investigations.
7.4
Research Gaps in Microalgal Biotechnology
Research gap literally exists in all the aspects of microalgal biotechnology.
Microalgal biotechnology must enable us in getting products superior in quality,
economically competitive (low at cost), and massive in scale. This is achievable only
146
M. M. Phukan et al.