This comprehensive book details the most recent advances in the microalgae biological sciences and engineering technologies for biomass and biofuel production in order to meet the ongoing need for new and affordable sources of food, chemicals and energy for future generations. The chapters explore new microalgae cultivation techniques, including solid (biofilm) systems, and heterotrophic production methods, while also critically investigating topics such as combining wastewater as a source of nutrients, the effect of CO2 on growth, and converting biomass to methane through anaerobic digestion. The book highlights innovative bioproduct optimization and molecular genetic techniques, applications of genomics and metabolomics, and the genetic engineering of microalgae strains targeting biocrude production. The latest developments in microalgae harvesting and dewatering technologies, which combine biomass production with electricity generation, are presented, along with detailed techno-economic modeling. This extensive volume was written by respected experts in their fields and is intended for a wide audience of researchers and engineers.

This book addresses microalgae, which represent a very promising biomass resource for wastewater treatment and producing biofuels. Accordingly, microalgae are also an expanding sector in biofuels and wastewater treatment, as can be seen in several high-profile start-ups from around the globe, including Solix Biofuels, Craig Venter’s Synthetic Genomics, PetroSun, Chevron Corporation, ENN Group etc. In addition, a number of recent studies and patent applications have confirmed the value of modern microalgae for biofuels production and wastewater treatment systems. However, substantial inconsistencies have been observed in terms of system boundaries, scope, the cultivation of microalgae and oil extraction systems, production costs and economic viability, cost-lowering components, etc. Moreover, the downstream technologies and core principles involved in liquid fuel extraction from microalgae cells are still in their early stages, and not always adequate for industrial production. Accordingly, multilateral co-operation between universities, research institutes, governments, stakeholders and researchers is called for in order to make microalgae biofuels economical. Responding to this challenge, the book begins with a general introduction to microalgae and the algae industry, and subsequently discusses all major aspects of microalgal biotechnology, from strain isolation and robust strain development, to biofuel development, refinement and wastewater treatment.

Microalgae in Health and Disease Prevention is a comprehensive reference that addresses the historical and potential use of microalgae, its extracts, secondary metabolites, and molecular constituents for enhancing human health and preventing diseases. Each chapter features an overview, and the book includes coverage of microalgae biology, harmful algae, the use of microalgae in alcohol and food, and as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The historical use of microalgae, in addition to its potential use as a nutraceutical and cosmeceutical, is also addressed. The book provides coverage of relevant, up-to-date research as assembled by a group of contributors who are dedicated to the advancement of microalgae use in health, diet and nutrition. Discusses research findings on the relationship between microalgal diet, nutrition and human health Presents the medicinal, anti-allergic and psychoactive properties of microalgae Identifies toxic and harmful microalgae Addresses microalgal lipids, proteins and carbohydrates

Antenna Mutants, Domestication, by Roberto Bassi Heterotrophic Cultivation, by William McCaffrey Chlorella for industrial applications: Advances and prospective, by Feng Chen Carotinoide, by Carola Griehl Engineering the algal chloroplast for synthesis of therapeutic proteins, by Saul Purton Design Concepts and recent developments of photobioreactors, by Clemens Posten Efficiency of flat plate reactors, by Mario Tredici Measuring modelling and control, by Olivier Bernard Microalgae in Life Support Systems, by Klaus Slenzka Heterotrophic oil production, by Makato Watanabe

Applied Microbiology and Bioengineering: An Interdisciplinary Approach discusses recent advances in microbiology and cutting-edge biotechnology that have generated interest among researchers. The book is divided into several sections, including Enzymes in Bioprocessing, Human Health, Microbial Physiology and Biomedical Applications, and Bioprocess Development. Included are some of the latest developments in the field, like smart actuators for innovative biomedical applications, microalgal antenna engineering for improved bioprocess of biofuel, cell line engineering, and synbiotic foods. It is a useful reference for those in the applied microbiology and biotechnology fields, but will also be useful for practitioners in biotech. - Provides insight into the various interdisciplinary research avenues which can be utilized to benefit current researchers and students - Covers novel topic areas in the field of applied microbiology, like smart actuators for innovative biomedical application, microbial tyrosinases, production of halophilic alkaline protease, human probiotic applications, and the biotechnological aspects of methylobacterium - Reviews innovative bio-processing technologies for horticultural products and the bioprocess development for synbiotic foods

Microalgal Biomass for Bioenergy Applications presents current methods, practical applications, and research trends on diverse biofuel products from microalgae. This comprehensive book provides analyses of microalgal biology, chemical and molecular engineering techniques to scale-up algal biomass processes and biofuels conversion, and economic feasibility of value-added bioenergy co-products from a variety of microalgal strains. Sections cover microalgal biomass availability, suitability, potential for biofuel applications, scientific and methodical aspects of biomass harvesting, sustainable and commercial applications of microalgal biofuels, including LCA, and the technological limitations and future perspectives on microalgal biofuels. Each section offers in-depth knowledge on the fundamental and practical aspects with reference to biofuels and bioenergy production from microalgae. This book will be a valuable update for students, researchers and industry professionals working in bioenergy, and will be of interest to microbial and environmental scientists and phycologists interested in practical applications for microalgae. - Reviews all aspects of microalgal biodiversity and its structure in context of cultivation, conversation, harvesting and advantages over other conventional biomass - Examines key steps and integrated approaches to enhance biofuels production from microalgae - Explains the fundamentals, practical aspects, and scale-up techniques for the production of biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel, biohydrogen and biobutanol from microalgal biomass - Includes breakthroughs, recent advances and challenges in microalgal biomass processing as feedstock for renewable biofuels - Analyzes chemical and molecular engineering techniques to scale-up algal biomass processes and biofuels conversion, and the economic feasibility of value-added bioenergy co-products from a variety of microalgal strains