Green energy from green algae: Biofuel production from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract

Looking for alternative 'green' energy technologies? Don't look too far! Microalgae are all around us and are being used, processed and packaged for different applications, from food to pharmaceutical products and now to generate renewable green energy such as hydrogen, biodiesel and other biofuels. Microalgae in general and green algae in particular have been studied for decades with the objective of utilizing their photosynthetic capacity and their ability to adapt to changing environment and nutrient conditions as a source of a variety of products. A new era has arrived where these functions are now being examined and targeted to efficiently convert solar energy into useful carbon-based fuels and chemical precursors (alkane, ethylene), as well as gas (hydrogen) or lipid-based storage compound such as triacylglycerols (TAGs) for biodiesel application.

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