THE ROLE OF MICROALGAE IN DIFFERENT BIOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Microalgae's role as an energy source has indeed been extensively studied. However, due to the high cost of producing microalgae biomass, its use as an energy source in the feedstock cannot guarantee its scalability or economic sustainability. Microalgae biomass can be co-processed with other bio-refinery applications to reduce costs and increase sustainability. As a result, it raises the need to evaluate the role of microalgae-biomass beyond its current use. Microalgae have unique characteristics that make them suitable as alternate feedstock for various bio-refinery applications. Microalgae have a one-of-a-kind ability to be used in industrial as well as environmental applications. As a result, this review aims to broaden the area of incorporating microalgae with the other biotechnology applications to improve their long-term viability. Microalgae as just a feed for animals & aquaculture, cosmetics, environmental, fertilizers and medicine, and other biotechnological applications are thoroughly examined. It also discusses the challenges, opportunities, advances, and prospects for microalgae. According to the findings, study funding and a change in microalgae concentration from biofuels produced to biorefinery byproducts can identify microalgae as a potential feedstock. Furthermore, to cover the costs of microalgae-biomass-processing, technology integration is unavoidable. It is expected that even this review would've been beneficial in explaining the future role of microalgae in biorefinery applications. Microalgae have special features that can be used in environmental and industrial applications. Animal & aqua-culture-feed, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetic items are all possible uses for microalgae. Therefore, it necessitates that researchers concentrate on algae co-processing. A unified bio-refinery strategy could be used to increase the value of microalgae-biomass.