Exploiting Microalgae and Macroalgae for Production of Biofuels and Biosequestration of Carbon Dioxide—A Review

Abstract

Microalgae accumulate substantial amount of cellular lipids. Nutritional stress studies in microalgae show diversion of the metabolic flux toward enhanced triglycerides (TAGs) production by blocking the carbohydrate synthesis pathway. This review focuses on current state of research on various nutritional approaches employed for enhancement of lipid and biomass accumulation for biofuel production. The review also discusses and summarizes the efforts made for biosequestration of CO₂ and genetic manipulation as a long-term solution to the fuel problem. An integrated method for complete utilization of microalgae for biodiesel, bio gasoline, and value-added products has also been put forward in this review.

Keywords:

• Microalgae
• Triglyceride
• Carbon sequestration
• Nutrition stress
• Macroalgae