Microalgae-based carbohydrates for biofuel production
Journal
Biochemical Engineering Journal
Journal Volume
78
Pages
1-10
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Abstract
Microalgae are considered as the most promising renewable feedstock for biofuel production and biorefineries, due to their advantages of fast growth, efficient carbon dioxide fixation, not competing for arable lands and potable water, and potentially accumulating high amounts of lipids and carbohydrates. Since carbohydrates in microalgae biomass are mainly cellulose in the cell wall and starch in the plastids without lignin and low hemicelluloses contents, they can be readily converted into fermentable sugars. However, to date there are very few studies focusing on the use of microalgae-based carbohydrates for biofuel production, which requires more understanding and knowledge to support the technical feasibility of this next-generation feedstock. This review article elucidates comprehensive information on the characteristics and metabolism of main fermentable microalgal carbohydrates (e.g., starch and cellulose), as well as the key factors and challenges that should be addressed during production and saccharification of microalgal carbohydrates. Furthermore, developments on the utilization of microalgae-based feedstock in producing liquid and gaseous biofuels are summarized. The objective of this article is to provide useful knowledge and information with regard to biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, and commercial applications to assist in the viable technology development of for biofuels generation from microalgae-based carbohydrates. ? 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Subjects
Biofuels
Biogas
Biorefinery
Growth kinetics
Integrated Processing
Microalgae
SDGs
Other Subjects
Bioprocess engineering; Biorefineries; Carbon dioxide fixation; Commercial applications; Comprehensive information; Micro-algae; Microalgae-based carbohydrates; Technology development; Algae; Biogas; Carbohydrates; Cellulose; Feedstocks; Growth kinetics; Microorganisms; Potable water; Refining; Saccharification; Starch; Biofuels; biofuel; carbohydrate; cellulose; nitrogen; starch; article; biochemistry; biofuel production; biomass; bioprocess; carbohydrate analysis; carbohydrate metabolism; carbohydrate synthesis; commercial phenomena; depletion; environmental factor; irradiation; microalga; nonhuman; pH; priority journal; saccharification; supplementation; temperature; Algae; Biogas; Carbohydrates; Cellulose; Drinking Water; Fuels; Growth; Microorganisms; Refining; Saccharification; Starch
Type
journal article