Algal biomass valorisation to high-value chemicals and bioproducts: Recent advances, opportunities and challenges. (January 2022) - Zhou, Yingdong
Highlights: Applications of algae as valuable products instead of biofuel are more profitable. Algal lipids can be applied for the production of PUFAs and oleochemicals. Algal sugars can be utilized for the synthesis of value-added platform chemicals. Algal proteins have the potential to be converted to N-containing compounds. The realization of zero-waste algal biorefineries valorisation needs to be explored. Abstract: Algae are considered promising biomass resources for biofuel production. However, some arguments doubt the economical and energetical feasibility of algal cultivation, harvesting, and conversion processes. Beyond biofuel, value-added bioproducts can be generated via algae conversion, which would enhance the economic feasibility of algal biorefineries. This review primarily focuses on valuable chemical and bioproduct production from algae. The methods for effective recovery of valuable algae components, and their applications are summarized. The potential routes for the conversion of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins to valuable chemicals and bioproducts are assessed from recent studies. In addition, this review proposes the following challenges for future algal biorefineries: (1) utilization of naturally grown algae instead of cultivated algae; (2) fractionation of algae to individual components towards high-selectivity products; (3) avoidance of humin formation from algal carbohydrate conversion; (4) development of strategies for algal protein utilisation; and (5) development of efficient processes for commercialization and industrialization.