PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES OF MICROALGAE – A REVIEW

Abstract

The utilization of biologically derived materials, generally referred as bio products, is becoming increasingly popular for a number of environmental reasons and associated health benefits. Microalgae are favored as a feedstock for the production of many bio products because they are relatively easy to cultivate, they do not require arable land and fresh water to grow, and they have faster growth rate than most other energy and energy-related crops. Microalgae have a high potential as a feedstock for bio-products, but the type, quantity and quality of the products obtainable depends on the microalgae species and the conversion process (es) employed. Different bio products (biofuels, phytochemicals, and nutritional food/feed) can be produced from microalgae via different technical routes depending on the desired end product(s). This paper examines the bio products that can be produced from microalgae different microalgae species and their corresponding production routes. All aspects microalgae processes are reviewed – from upstream process of cultivation (and harvesting) to downstream (pretreatment/feedstock preparation, and) conversion into desired product(s) and co/by-products. The processes of biofuels production including thermochemical, chemical and biochemical routes are reviewed. The processes for the extraction of intracellular components like microoalgal oil and phytochemicals are discussed. The review has highlighted some significant opportunities for the integration of different processes to produce multiple bio products from a single feedstock of microalgae. This will eventually have an impact on the economic feasibility of employing microalgae as a viable feedstock for the now popular bio refinery concept.