Recent advances in photobioreactor systems for sustainable and enhanced microalgal biofuel production

Abstract

Microalgal biofuel production has emerged as a renewable source of eco-friendly and sustainable energy. Third-generation biofuels produced by microalgae are attracting considerable attention as they can overcome drawbacks related to first- and second-generation biofuels. Due to expensive biomass production costs, however, biodiesel produced by microalgae is not considered an economically viable option. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the designs of photobioreactor systems for sustainable and enhanced microalgal biofuel production. We introduce multi-scale bioreactor designs with consideration of productivity and efficiency. We also discuss the role of electroporation in biofuel productivity and carbon dioxide fixation since the method can affect lipid accumulation and extraction of microalgae. This review can help address potential climate change and environmental crises by providing new insight into an affordable photobioreactor system for sustainable and enhanced biofuel production.