Affiliations 

  • 1 Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • 2 Faculty of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
  • 3 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Markazi, 1477893855, Iran
  • 4 Future Technology Research Center, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, 123 University Road, Section 3, Douliou, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan. Electronic address: ong1983@yahoo.com
  • 5 Faculty of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
  • 6 Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
J Biotechnol, 2022 Dec 10;360:23-36.
PMID: 36272575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.10.010

Abstract

Biofuels from microalgae have promising potential for a sustainable bioeconomy. Algal strains' oil content and biomass yield are the most influential cost drivers in the fourth generation biofuel (FGB) production. Genetic modification is the key to improving oil accumulation and biomass yield, consequently developing the bioeconomy. This paper discusses current practices, new insights, and emerging trends in genetic modification and their bioeconomic impact on FGB production. It was demonstrated that enhancing the oil and biomass yield could significantly improve the probability of economic success and the net present value of the FGB production process. The techno-economic and socioeconomic burden of using genetically modified (GM) strains and the preventive control strategies on the bioeconomy of FGB production is reviewed. It is shown that the fully lined open raceway pond could cost up to 25% more than unlined ponds. The cost of a plastic hoop air-supported greenhouse covering cultivation ponds is estimated to be US 60,000$ /ha. The competitiveness and profitability of large-scale cultivation of GM biomass are significantly locked to techno-economic and socioeconomic drivers. Nonetheless, it necessitates further research and careful long-term follow-up studies to understand the mechanism that affects these parameters the most.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.