Abreast insights of harnessing microalgal lipids for producing biodiesel: A review of improving and advancing the technical aspects of cultivation

Ahmad Sobri MZ 1 , Khoo KS 2 , Liew CS 1 , Lim JW 3 , Tong WY 4 , Zhou Y 5 Show all authors , Zango ZU 6 , Bashir MJK 7 , Alam MM 8

Affiliations 

  • 1 HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
  • 2 Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India. Electronic address: kuanshiong.khoo@saturn.yzu.edu.tw
  • 3 HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India. Electronic address: junwei.lim@utp.edu.my
  • 4 Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Institute of Medical Science Technology, A1-1, Jalan TKS 1, Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. Electronic address: wytong@unikl.edu.my
  • 5 Bioenergy and Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
  • 6 Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Science, Al-Qalam University Katsina, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria
  • 7 School of Engineering and Technology, Tertiary Education Division, Central Queensland University, 120 Spencer St, Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia
  • 8 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
J Environ Manage, 2024 Jun;360:121138.
PMID: 38749131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121138

Abstract

In the pursuit of alternatives for conventional diesel, sourced from non-renewable fossil fuel, biodiesel has gained attentions for its intrinsic benefits. However, the commercial production process for biodiesel is still not sufficiently competitive. This review analyses microalgal lipid, one of the important sources of biodiesel, and its cultivation techniques with recent developments in the technical aspects. In fact, the microalgal lipids are the third generation feedstock, used for biodiesel production after its benefits outweigh that of edible vegetable oils (first generation) and non-edible oils (second generation). The critical factors influencing microalgal growth and its lipid production and accumulation are also discussed. Following that is the internal enhancement for cellular lipid production through genetic engineering. Moreover, the microalgae cultivation data modelling was also rationalized, with a specific focus on growth kinetic models that allow for the prediction and optimization of lipid production. Finally, the machine learning and environmental impact analysis are as well presented as important aspects to consider in fulfilling the prime objective of commercial sustainability to produce microalgal biodiesel.

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

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