Algal biomass is a fast-growing, renewable resource and a promising feedstock for advanced biofuels. Algal biofuels are generating considerable interest around the world. In the United States, they represent promising pathways for helping to meet the biofuel production targets set by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Algae are a diverse group of primarily aquatic organisms that are capable of using photosynthesis to generate biomass. Some algal strains are able to double their mass several times per day. In some cases, more than half of that mass consists of lipids or tricylglycerides. These bio-oils can be used to produce drop-in replacements for diesel, gasoline, and aviation fuels. Some algae accumulate carbohydrates (including starch), which can also be used to form intermediates for processing into biofuels. Proteins from the residual biomass could provide supplemental feed for livestock and aquaculture operations.
Advantages of Algal Feedstocks * A History of Domestic Algal Biofuels Development * Early Work to 1996 * Research from 1996 to Present * Algae-to-Biofuels: Opportunity and Challenges Today * Technology and Analysis Challenges * Regulations and Standards * Public-Private Partnerships * References * Algal Biology * Strain Isolation, Screening and Selection * Isolation and Characterization of Naturally Occurring Algae * Role of Culture Collections as National Algae Data Resource Centers * Selecting Algal Model Systems for Study * Algal Physiology and Biochemistry * Photosynthesis and Light Utilization * Carbon Partitioning and Metabolism * Algal Carbohydrates * Lipid Synthesis and Regulation. * Biohydrogen * Algal Biotechnology * The Genetic Toolbox * Enabling Technologies: "Omics" Approaches and Bioinformatics * Applications of Biotechnology to Algal Bioenergy * Considerations of Genetic Modifications * References * Algal Cultivation * Cultivation Pathways * Microalgae and Cyanobacteria * Macroalgae * Scale-Up Challenges * Stability of Large-Scale Cultures * System Productivity * Nutrient Sources, Sustainability, and Management * Water Management, Conservation, and Recycling * Downstream Processing: Harvesting and Dewatering * Approaches for Microalgae * Harvesting * Drying * Approaches for Macroalgae
