Nostoc sphaeroides Cyanobacteria: a review of its nutritional characteristics and processing technologies

Production of Biodiesel from Underutilized Algae Oil: Prospects and Current Challenges Encountered in Developing Countries

Simple Summary

The production of biofuel, especially biodiesel, from algae oil receives little attention in developing countries due to poor enlightenment on biotechnology, high poverty rates, and poor funding of research. This study focuses on finding a better understanding of the evolving prospects and current challenges facing biodiesel production from algae oil in developing nations. Interestingly, several species of microalgae that can serves as sustainable feedstocks for biodiesel production have been identified in developing nations. It is evident that microalgae oil has physicochemical properties that qualifies it for the production of biodiesel, with fuel properties that meet ASTM and EN standards.

Abstract

Biofuel continues to thrive as an outstanding source of renewable energy for the global community. Several resources have been proposed as sources of feedstocks for biofuel; however, some of these have shortcoming. The use of biomass such as algae as a source of feedstock for biofuel is undoubtedly sustainable and green. Unfortunately, the use of algae oil for biodiesel production is underutilized in developing countries. Therefore, this study focuses on finding a better understanding of the evolving prospects and current challenges facing biodiesel production from algae oil in developing countries. The study revealed that less attention is given to the use of algae oil in biodiesel production due to poor enlightenment on biotechnology, high poverty rates, government policies, business strategies, and poor funding of research. Interestingly, several species of algae that can serve as sustainable feedstocks for biodiesel production have been identified in developing countries. It is evident that algae oil has properties that qualify it for the production of biodiesel with fuel properties that meet both the American Society for Testing and Materials and the European standards for biodiesel.

Research Progresses on the Physiological and Pharmacological Benefits of Microalgae-Derived Biomolecules

Microalgae are a kind of photoautotrophic microorganism, which are small, fast in their growth rate, and widely distributed in seawater and freshwater. They have strong adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and contain various nutrients. Many scholars have suggested that microalgae can be considered as a new food source, which should be developed extensively. More importantly, in addition to containing nutrients, microalgae are able to produce a great number of active compounds such as long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, pigments, alkaloids, astaxanthin, fucoidan, etc. Many of these compounds have been proven to possess very important physiological functions such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor functions, regulation of the metabolism, etc. This article aimed to review the physiological functions and benefits of the main microalgae-derived bioactive molecules with their physiological effects.