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From Current Algae Products to Future Biorefinery Practices: A Review.
Michel H M Eppink1, Giuseppe Olivieri2, Hans Reith2
1Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, PO Box. 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands. michel.eppink@wur.nl.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|March 8, 2017
Summary
Microalgae offer valuable compounds for food, feed, and health industries. Developing efficient biorefinery techniques is key to economically valorizing these bio-based feedstocks.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Resources
Background:
- Microalgae are recognized as a promising next-generation bio-based feedstock due to their rich lipid and protein content, alongside abundant bioactive molecules.
- These components, including soluble proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and carbohydrates, hold significant potential for diverse markets like food, feed, chemical, cosmetic, and health industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current microalgae biorefinery strategies and their derived products.
- To explore new technological developments in microalgae processing.
- To provide an outlook on future products and the overarching biorefinery philosophy for microalgae.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microalgae biorefinery.
- Analysis of current technological advancements in compound isolation.
- Discussion of economic viability factors in large-scale microalgae production.
Main Results:
- Identified high-value components in microalgae biomass.
- Highlighted the need for cost-effective, mild, and energy-efficient biorefinery techniques.
- Presented current strategies for valorizing microalgae compounds.
Conclusions:
- Optimal valorization of microalgae's complex compounds is crucial for economic viability.
- Advancements in biorefinery techniques are essential for unlocking the full potential of microalgae.
- Future research should focus on innovative biorefinery approaches for sustainable microalgae utilization.
Keywords:
BiorefineryCell disruptionCell wall compositionCellular structureExtractionFractionationHarvestingMicroalgaeMore Related Videos
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