Intensified Bio-Oil Extraction from Microalgae Integrating Renewable and E‑Fuel Production
Nícholas Alexandre Berger Bento1, Marcelo Silveira Bacelos2, Paulo Sérgio da Silva Porto2
1Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Programa de Pós-graduação em Energia, São Mateus 29932-540, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Microalgae offer a sustainable source for biofuels and e-fuels, with advanced extraction methods like hydrothermal liquefaction showing commercial promise. A circular economy approach enhances efficiency for decarbonization efforts.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Growing demand for fossil fuel alternatives drives biofuel and e-fuel research for decarbonization.
- Microalgae present high lipid productivity and CO2 capture capacity, but face extraction and economic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review technological advances in microalgae bio-oil extraction for renewable and e-fuel production.
- To assess the viability of different extraction techniques for industrial application.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on microalgae bio-oil extraction techniques.
- Assessment of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extraction.
- Comparison of microalgae with traditional oilseed crops for fuel production.
Main Results:
- HTL and ultrasound/microwave-assisted extractions are nearing commercial viability.
- Ultrasound/microwave methods yield >50 wt% lipids; HTL yields 20-55 wt% bio-oil from wet biomass.
- Microalgae show superior productivity and sustainability indicators compared to oilseed crops.
Conclusions:
- Hybrid extraction approaches combined with biomass pretreatment are recommended for efficient e-fuel production.
- Adopting a circular economy model can support large-scale e-fuel production and decarbonization.
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