Insights into microalgal biotechnology: Current applications, key challenges, and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Sustainable Engineering
• Renewable Energy and Bioremediation

Background:

• Microalgae are versatile biofactories for carbon capture, energy, and bioproducts.
• Techno-economic challenges, especially harvesting and dewatering costs, hinder large-scale microalgal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances overcoming microalgal cultivation and processing barriers.
• To highlight innovations enabling efficient and cost-effective microalgal biomass utilization.

Main Methods:

• Review of advancements in bioflocculation, magnetic separation, and solar-assisted drying for harvesting.
• Exploration of synthetic biology tools like CRISPR/Cas for strain improvement.
• Analysis of photobioreactor design innovations for enhanced cultivation.
• Life cycle assessments of integrated microalgal systems with flue gas and wastewater treatment.

Main Results:

• Harvesting and dewatering costs are being reduced by novel separation and drying techniques.
• Engineered microalgal strains show improved productivity in lipids, carbohydrates, and hydrogen.
• Optimized photobioreactors enhance light efficiency and cultivation density.
• Integrated systems demonstrate significant reductions in freshwater use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusions:

• Microalgae hold significant potential for a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.
• Future efforts should focus on modular biorefineries, intelligent process control, and supportive policies.
• Integrated microalgal technologies are key to achieving negative emissions and resource circularity.