Microalgae biorefinery approach for circular economy

Abstract

The limited energy resources and the world’s energy needs pose a question that must be addressed. Alternative energy sources are vital to counter the emerging issue of the energy crisis. Microalgae biomass, a third-generation bioenergy source, is a promising candidate for tackling the alarming issue of the energy crisis. However, microalgae biomass usage for energy generation faces several challenges, especially regarding its economic viability. The optimized downstream processing of microalgae biomass for selective extraction of high value-added compounds can tackle the economic challenges. Methodologies such as cell milking, multiple product biosynthesis, and nanoalgal biorefinery are path-breaking in this direction. Microalgae biorefinery at an industrial scale can contribute to the promotion of a circular economy. The current chapter highlights the significance of microalgae in the biorefinery concept. The current status of the energy crops and the multiple product synthesis from microalgae has been discussed. The chapter focuses on the utilization and combination of several processes to make the overall downstream processing of microalgae biomass cost-effective and feasible to operate at an industrial scale. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.