Microalgae have been largely commercialized as food and feed additives, and their potential as a source of high-added value compounds is well known. Yet, only a few species of microalgae have been genetically transformed with efficiency. A better understanding of the mechanisms that control the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is therefore needed. In this book a group of outstanding researchers working on different areas of microalgae biotechnology offer a global vision of the genetic manipulation of microalgae and their applications.
This book examines the utilization of algae for the development of useful products and processes with the emphasis towards green technologies and processes, and the requirements to make these viable. Serving as a complete reference guide to the production of biofuels and other value added products from micro and macro algae, it covers various aspects of algal biotechnology from the basics to large scale cultivation, harvesting and processing for a variety of products. It is authored and edited by respected world experts in the field of algal biotechnology and provides the most up to date and cutting edge information on developments in the field. Over the past decade there has been substantial focus and related literature on the application of algal biomass for the generation of novel processes and products. ‘Algae Biotechnology: Products and Processes’ encompasses a holistic approach to critically evaluating developments in the field of algal biotechnology whilst taking into account recent advances and building on the body of knowledge. Aspects of the effects of harmful algae are also discussed, as well as the potential commercial application of algal biotechnology, the techno-economic feasibility of algal biodiesel production and the use of genetic and metabolic engineering for the improvement of yield. Other bioenergy sources such as alcohol fuels, aviation fuels, biohydrogen and biogas are also covered. This book is intended for postgraduates and researchers working in the biofuels and algal industry; it constitutes ideal reference material for both early stage and established researchers.
Microalgal Biotechnology presents an authoritative and comprehensive overview of the microalgae-based processes and products. Divided into 10 discreet chapters, the book covers topics on applied technology of microalgae. Microalgal Biotechnology provides an insight into future developments in each field and extensive bibliography. It will be an essential resource for researchers and academic and industry professionals in the microalgae biotechnology field.
Algae are some of the fastest growing organisms in the world, with up to 90% of their weight made up from carbohydrate, protein and oil. As well as these macromolecules, microalgae are also rich in other high-value compounds, such as vitamins, pigments, and biologically active compounds, All these compounds can be extracted for use by the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries, and the algae itself can be used for feeding of livestock, in particular fish, where on-going research is dedicated to increasing the percentage of fish and shellfish feed not derived from fish meal. Microalgae are also applied to wastewater bioremediation and carbon capture from industrial flue gases, and can be used as organic fertilizer. So far, only a few species of microalgae, including cyanobacteria, are under mass cultivation. The potential for expansion is enormous, considering the existing hundreds of thousands of species and subspecies, in which a large gene-pool offers a significant potential for many new producers. Completely revised, updated and expanded, and with the inclusion of new Editor, Qiang Hu of Arizona State University, the second edition of this extremely important book contains 37 chapters. Nineteen of these chapters are written by new authors, introducing many advanced and emerging technologies and applications such as novel photobioreactors, mass cultivation of oil-bearing microalgae for biofuels, exploration of naturally occurring and genetically engineered microalgae as cell factories for high-value chemicals, and techno-economic analysis of microalgal mass culture. This excellent new edition also contains details of the biology and large-scale culture of several economically important and newly-exploited microalgae, including Botryococcus, Chlamydomonas, Nannochloropsis, Nostoc, Chlorella, Spirulina, Haematococcus, and Dunaniella species/strains. Edited by Amos Richmond and Qiang Hu, each with a huge wealth of experience in microalgae, its culture, and biotechnology, and drawing together contributions from experts around the globe, this thorough and comprehensive new edition is an essential purchase for all those involved with microalgae, their culture, processing and use. Biotechnologists, bioengineers, phycologists, pharmaceutical, biofuel and fish-feed industry personnel and biological scientists and students will all find a vast amount of cutting-edge information within this Second Edition. Libraries in all universities where biological sciences, biotechnology and aquaculture are studied and taught should all have copies of this landmark new edition on their shelves.
These proceedings discuss the use of micro-organisms in agriculture and for production purposes such as bio-fuel, their use for bioremediation and in cleaning products, the environmental applications of insects, and environmental risk/safety assessment considerations.
With the high interest in renewable resources, the field of algal biotechnology has undergone a huge leap in importance in recent years. The book treats the biological fundamentals of microalgal biotechnology in physiology and molecular biology and provides an overview of applications and products. It furthermore includes a survey of the state-of-the-art in process engineering of algae cultivation starting with mass production in open ponds and leading you to advanced technologies in closed photobioreactors. Thus crucial enabling technologies reaching from genetic manipulation to bioprocess engineering are reviewed. Contributions from academia and industrial case studies make this book a comprehensive survey of current progress in microalgae biotechnology. So this book will be of interest to active people in biology, biotechnology, and engineering in the area of sustainable production of high value products or mass production of food and fuel for the future.
Increasing population and industrialization are the key pollutant contributors in water bodies. The wastes generated by industries are highly hazardous for humans and the ecosystem and require a comprehensive and effective treatment before being discharged into water bodies. Over the years, many up gradations have been introduced in traditional water treatment methods which were expensive and ineffective especially for removal of toxic pollutants. Phycoremediation has been gaining attention due to its mutual benefit in wastewater treatment and for valuable algae biomass production. Wastewater, especially sewage and industrial effluents, is rich in pathogenic organisms, organic and inorganic compounds and heavy metals that adversely affect human and aquatic life. Microalgae use these inorganic compounds and heavy metals for their growth. In addition, they also reduce pathogenic organisms and release oxygen to be used by bacteria for decomposition of organic compounds in a secondary treatment. In this book, the potential of microalgae in wastewater treatment, their benefits, strategies, and challenges are discussed. The increasing need of finding innovative, low-cost, low-energy, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for wastewater treatment makes the publication of a book on phycoremediation timely and appropriate. Features: (1) Deals with the most emerging aspects of algal research with special reference to phycoremediation. (2) Studies in depth diversity, mutations, genomics and metagenomics study (3) An eco-physiology, culturing, microalgae for food and feed, biofuel production, harvesting of microalgae, separation and purification of biochemicals.
Biofuels and Bioenergy: A Techno-Economic Approach provides an in-depth analysis of the economic aspects of biofuels production from renewable feedstock. Taking a biorefinery approach, the book analyzes a wide range of feedstocks, processes and products, including common biofuels such as bioethanol, biobutanol, biooil and biodiesel, feedstocks such as lignocellulosic biomass, non-edible feedstocks like vegetable oils, algae and microbial lipids, and solid and liquid wastes, performance assessments of biodiesel in diesel engine, and the latest developments in catalytic conversion and microbial electrosynthesis technologies. This book offers valuable insights into the commercial feasibility of biofuels products for researchers and students working in the area of bioenergy and renewable energy, but it is also ideal for practicing engineers in the biorefinery and biofuel industry who are looking to develop commercial products. - Focuses on an in-depth, techno-economic analysis of biofuel and bioenergy products, including all important feedstocks, processes and products, all of which are supported by industry case studies - Includes environmental impacts and lifecycle assessments of biofuels production alongside techno-economic analyses - Provides a critical guide to assessing the commercial viability and feasibility of bioenergy production from renewable sources
