it is quite complicated to evaluate these manifold LCA results on harvesting and
extraction unit procedures and subsequently resolve which technology leads to
preferable environmental performance (Shi et al. 2019; Wang et al. 2011; Lardon
et al. 2009; Sander and Murthy 2010; Brentner et al. 2011).
7.5
Concluding Remarks and Future Projections
The preceding decades have witnessed a major upsurge in microalgal biotechnology
based research. Specific contributions to this pool of scientific knowledge are well
evident with numerous scientific publications and patents from all around the globe.
On the global vanguard there are numerous algal firms which produce and harvest
algal biomass for varied applications (biofuels and value added products). Additionally, the number of startup companies attempting for commercial deployment of
algal based biofuel is constantly in the rise. Algal biofuel undeniably offers a win–
win situation, but still strenuous research is required for successful all round
commercial deployment. A zero waste integrated microalgal bio-refinery based
approach (where any waste generated becomes the feedstock for the next product)
is likely to improvise the economic viability of algal biofuel. On a serious note much
work needs to be realized in specific domains such as genetic and metabolic
engineering of microalgal strains (strain improvement), growth and process optimization, microalgal biomass productivity, harvesting, bioreactor designing, enzymatic
hydrolysis, lipid modulation, energy recycling, in expensive mass culture
approaches, efficient and modern biomass conversion technologies, downstream
processing, value addition (especially by-products), etc., for an enhanced inclusive
understanding. Although, concept to commercialization of algal biofuel is only a
matter of time, in the ensuing future algae is likely to play a paramount role in the
international road transportation fuel mix. Nevertheless, it would also be interesting
to see how algal biofuel would compete with new kids like hybrid cars in the near
future where much progress has been made in the battery and energy efficiency
technologies.
References
Al-Qahtani WH, Binobead MA (2019) Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihepatotoxic effects
of Spirulina platensis against d-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Saudi J Biol Sci 26
(4):647–652
Ashour M, Elshobary ME, El-Shenody R et al (2019) Evaluation of a native oleaginous marine
microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica for dual use in biodiesel production and aquaculture feed.
Biomass Bioenergy 120:439–447
Bardhan P, Gupta K, Mandal M (2019) Microbes as bio-resource for sustainable production of
biofuels and other bioenergy products. In: Gupta V (ed) New and future developments in
microbial biotechnology and bioengineering. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 205–222
Becker EW (1994) Microalgae: biotechnology and microbiology, vol 10. Cambridge University
Press, New York
Becker EW (2006) Micro-algae as a source of protein. Biotechnol Adv 25:207–210
148
M. M. Phukan et al.
extraction unit procedures and subsequently resolve which technology leads to
preferable environmental performance (Shi et al. 2019; Wang et al. 2011; Lardon
et al. 2009; Sander and Murthy 2010; Brentner et al. 2011).
7.5
Concluding Remarks and Future Projections
The preceding decades have witnessed a major upsurge in microalgal biotechnology
based research. Specific contributions to this pool of scientific knowledge are well
evident with numerous scientific publications and patents from all around the globe.
On the global vanguard there are numerous algal firms which produce and harvest
algal biomass for varied applications (biofuels and value added products). Additionally, the number of startup companies attempting for commercial deployment of
algal based biofuel is constantly in the rise. Algal biofuel undeniably offers a win–
win situation, but still strenuous research is required for successful all round
commercial deployment. A zero waste integrated microalgal bio-refinery based
approach (where any waste generated becomes the feedstock for the next product)
is likely to improvise the economic viability of algal biofuel. On a serious note much
work needs to be realized in specific domains such as genetic and metabolic
engineering of microalgal strains (strain improvement), growth and process optimization, microalgal biomass productivity, harvesting, bioreactor designing, enzymatic
hydrolysis, lipid modulation, energy recycling, in expensive mass culture
approaches, efficient and modern biomass conversion technologies, downstream
processing, value addition (especially by-products), etc., for an enhanced inclusive
understanding. Although, concept to commercialization of algal biofuel is only a
matter of time, in the ensuing future algae is likely to play a paramount role in the
international road transportation fuel mix. Nevertheless, it would also be interesting
to see how algal biofuel would compete with new kids like hybrid cars in the near
future where much progress has been made in the battery and energy efficiency
technologies.
References
Al-Qahtani WH, Binobead MA (2019) Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihepatotoxic effects
of Spirulina platensis against d-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Saudi J Biol Sci 26
(4):647–652
Ashour M, Elshobary ME, El-Shenody R et al (2019) Evaluation of a native oleaginous marine
microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica for dual use in biodiesel production and aquaculture feed.
Biomass Bioenergy 120:439–447
Bardhan P, Gupta K, Mandal M (2019) Microbes as bio-resource for sustainable production of
biofuels and other bioenergy products. In: Gupta V (ed) New and future developments in
microbial biotechnology and bioengineering. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 205–222
Becker EW (1994) Microalgae: biotechnology and microbiology, vol 10. Cambridge University
Press, New York
Becker EW (2006) Micro-algae as a source of protein. Biotechnol Adv 25:207–210
148
M. M. Phukan et al.