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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
11:08
Cultivation of Green Microalgae in Bubble Column Photobioreactors and an Assay for Neutral Lipids
Published on: January 7, 2019
Present and potential industrial applications of macro- and microalgae
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. ymlo@umd.edu.
Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture
|September 23, 2010
Summary
This review explores diverse algae applications, from food and cosmetics to environmental and biofuel uses. It highlights algal biomass valorization and biorefinery concepts for sustainable resource utilization.
Area of Science:
- Algal biotechnology and bioproducts
- Sustainable resource utilization
- Biorefinery and waste valorization
Background:
- Algae (macro- and microalgae) offer a wide range of applications.
- Conventional uses include food, feed, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
- Emerging applications focus on environmental remediation and biofuel production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of value-added applications for algae.
- To compare cultivation systems for macro- and microalgae concerning specific products.
- To discuss the potential of algal biomass, including waste streams, within a biorefinery framework.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on algae cultivation and applications.
- Separate discussion of macroalgae and microalgae due to cultivation differences.
- Analysis of cultivation systems in relation to specific value-added products.
- Exploration of algal biomeal utilization for waste recovery and biorefinery.
Main Results:
- Algae present diverse opportunities across conventional and novel sectors.
- Cultivation methods significantly influence product yield and application suitability.
- Algal biomass, including post-extraction residues, holds potential for biorefinery applications.
- Promising patents indicate industrial interest in various algal applications.
Conclusions:
- Algae are versatile resources with significant potential for sustainable industrial applications.
- Integrated biorefinery approaches can maximize value from algal biomass and minimize waste.
- Further research and patent development are driving innovation in algal product development.
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