The role of microalgae in the bioeconomy

F.G. Acién Fernández*, Alberto Reis, René H. Wijffels, Maria Barbosa, Vitor Verdelho, Bernardo Llamas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

187 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The bioeconomy is a new and essential paradigm for reducing our dependence on natural resources and responding to the environmental threats that the Earth is currently facing. In this regard, microalgae offer almost unlimited possibilities for developing a modern bioeconomy given their metabolic flexibility and high biomass output rates, even when produced under harsh conditions, such as when treating wastewaters or using flue gases. In this article, the microalgal contribution to important economic activities such as the production of food and feed, cosmetics and health-related compounds is reviewed. Moreover, potential contributions of microalgae to emerging sectors are discussed, as in the production of biomaterials, agriculture-related products, biofuels and provision of services such as wastewater treatment and the clean-up of industrial gases. The different microalgal production technologies have also been analyzed to identify the main bottlenecks affecting microalgal use in different applications. Finally, the major challenges facing microalgal biotechnology in enlarging its contribution to the bioeconomy are evaluated, and future trends discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-107
Number of pages9
JournalNew Biotechnology
Volume61
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Bioeconomy
  • Bioenergy
  • Biomaterials
  • Biostimulants
  • Cosmetics
  • Feed
  • Food
  • Microalgae
  • Photobioreactor
  • Wastewater treatment

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