The commercial interests for microalgae have increased over the last decades, especially for production of fuels. In this context, several technologies (i.e. open pond and/or photobioreactor) are increasingly being developed to improve microalgae biomass production. However, it should be underscored that, to date, energy (in particular biodiesel) production from these organisms is not economically convenient yet. Hence, to make biodiesel from microalgae feasible in the economic sense, optimised utilisation of all microalgae compounds is needed. Indeed, they are a promising source not only of bioenergy but also of commodities with high added value. The present review was focussed upon the utility of microalgae in the commercial and industrial sector to harness the growing demands of such marine resources. Finally, it seems that the cultivation of microalgae can be more profitable if the future research will be specifically focussed upon the integration of production systems (i.e. biorefinery), thereby making microalgae-based products even more diversified and economically competitive.
The rule of by-products to make profitable bioenergy from microalgae: a comprehensive review
Roberto Rana;Carlo Ingrao
2016-01-01
Abstract
The commercial interests for microalgae have increased over the last decades, especially for production of fuels. In this context, several technologies (i.e. open pond and/or photobioreactor) are increasingly being developed to improve microalgae biomass production. However, it should be underscored that, to date, energy (in particular biodiesel) production from these organisms is not economically convenient yet. Hence, to make biodiesel from microalgae feasible in the economic sense, optimised utilisation of all microalgae compounds is needed. Indeed, they are a promising source not only of bioenergy but also of commodities with high added value. The present review was focussed upon the utility of microalgae in the commercial and industrial sector to harness the growing demands of such marine resources. Finally, it seems that the cultivation of microalgae can be more profitable if the future research will be specifically focussed upon the integration of production systems (i.e. biorefinery), thereby making microalgae-based products even more diversified and economically competitive.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
