Potential Biotechnological Applications of Microalgae Biomass
Abstract
Given their potential for CO2 capture and wastewater treatment, microalgae have recently attracted a growing interest in the aqua-environmental field. This review is focusing on various microalgae species that consume nutrients from wastewater and CO2 during their cultivation, providing high quality biomass. In addition to being used to supplement human diets, microalgae biomass (MB) can be used to produce value-added products, such as, biofuels, bio-based polymers, biofertilizers, animal and marine feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics pigments and skin care products. The paper critically examines the MB harvest and processing for each conceivable application. One of the sustainable options that will be both economically and environmentally viable is the biorefining of MB in a circular loop with the goal of maximizing resource recovery. With this framework, it would be possible to implement a circular economy approach to the management of organic wastewater, which would limit the environmental impact of agriculture and the treatment of organic wastes.