Machine learning assisted technoeconomic assessment of microalgal biofuel production pathways

The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into microalgal research is transforming biomass generation, biofuel synthesis, and wastewater remediation strategies. Sophisticated ML techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and genetic algorithms (GA), facilitate precise simulation and forecasting of highly intricate microalgal systems. Although constraints related to data accessibility and model scalability persist, ML-based methodologies are increasingly demonstrating their value in enhancing the sustainability and operational efficiency of microalgal processes. Simultaneously, technoeconomic analysis (TEA) has become an indispensable framework for assessing biorefinery viability through systematic evaluation of life-cycle environmental burdens. Recent progress in TEA methodologies has strengthened iterative design optimization, uncertainty quantification, and user accessibility via open-source computational platforms. Broader systems boundaries now account for policy mechanisms, performance during end-use phase, and international market dynamics, thereby reinforcing TEA's contribution to sustainable bioeconomic advancement. Collectively, these computational and analytical innovations are expediting the deployment of scalable and economically feasible microalgal technologies.Highlights The convergence of AI/ML technologies significantly advances microalgal biomass enhancement and biofuel process optimization. Chlorella remains a prominent genus investigated for biodiesel application owing to its elevated lipid accumulation and productivity. ML approaches, including ANN and SVM, effectively represent and simulate complex microalgal cultivation systems. Bibliometric evaluations indicate a rising research trajectory in AI/ML-driven microalgal studies. Persistent limitations include restricted data availability and challenges in scaling AI/ML frameworks to practical industrial environments.