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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
11:08
Cultivation of Green Microalgae in Bubble Column Photobioreactors and an Assay for Neutral Lipids
Published on: January 7, 2019
Micro and macroalgal biomass: a renewable source for bioethanol.
Rojan P John1, G S Anisha, K Madhavan Nampoothiri
1Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Eau Terre Environnement, 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada.
Bioresource Technology
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Algae, rich in starch and cellulose, offer a sustainable alternative to food crops for bioethanol production. Research is needed to efficiently utilize algal biomass and waste for green fuel.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Rising fuel demand necessitates sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
- Algal biomass, particularly starch/cellulose-rich species, presents a viable feedstock for bioethanol.
- Current research on algal bioethanol production is limited, requiring further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of algae as a sustainable source for bioethanol production.
- To highlight the use of algal biomass and waste streams for green fuel generation.
- To emphasize the need for further research in algal bioethanol technology.
Main Methods:
- Investigating algae species with high starch/cellulose content for ethanol fermentation.
- Utilizing waste biomass from oleaginous microalgae after oil extraction for hydrolysis into fermentable sugars.
- Exploring macroalgae as a renewable biomass source for bioethanol.
Main Results:
- Certain algae species can directly produce ethanol via dark-anaerobic fermentation.
- Algal biomass waste, after oil extraction, can be converted into sugary syrup for ethanol production.
- Macroalgae serve as a renewable resource for bioethanol feedstock.
Conclusions:
- Algae represent a promising, eco-friendly alternative for bioethanol production, reducing reliance on food crops.
- Efficient utilization of algal biomass and industrial wastes can contribute to a sustainable bioenergy future.
- Further research and development are crucial for optimizing algal bioethanol processes and industrial applications.
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