Chapter 7 Algal biotechnology
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Sara B. Pereira
Abstract
Algae are an ancient group of photosynthetic organisms with ubiquitous distribution and high morphological diversity, including the unicellular microalgae and the complex multicellular macroalgae (commonly known as seaweeds). The extensive biological diversity of algae provides a good opportunity to explore these organisms for the production of a wide range of valuable products. In addition, algae-derived products are produced at the expense of CO2, contributing to decrease the levels of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and to alleviate the problems associated with the depletion of fossil fuels. As a result, the field of algal biotechnology has significantly developed and expanded towards novel fields of applications. This chapter provides an outline of the recent developments in algal biotechnology, focusing on three high-value products successfully produced at industrial scale, namely, omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin from microalgae and polysaccharides produced by macroalgae. Current challenges and strategies to overcome limitations and promote a sustainable, “green” and efficient algae-based bio-economy are also discussed.
Abstract
Algae are an ancient group of photosynthetic organisms with ubiquitous distribution and high morphological diversity, including the unicellular microalgae and the complex multicellular macroalgae (commonly known as seaweeds). The extensive biological diversity of algae provides a good opportunity to explore these organisms for the production of a wide range of valuable products. In addition, algae-derived products are produced at the expense of CO2, contributing to decrease the levels of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and to alleviate the problems associated with the depletion of fossil fuels. As a result, the field of algal biotechnology has significantly developed and expanded towards novel fields of applications. This chapter provides an outline of the recent developments in algal biotechnology, focusing on three high-value products successfully produced at industrial scale, namely, omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin from microalgae and polysaccharides produced by macroalgae. Current challenges and strategies to overcome limitations and promote a sustainable, “green” and efficient algae-based bio-economy are also discussed.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of authors VII
- Chapter 1 A short recapitulation of the autotrophic metabolism 1
- Chapter 2 Metabolic engineering of microbes 19
- Chapter 3 Protein engineering 47
- Chapter 4 Gas fermentation 85
- Chapter 5 Introduction to autotrophic cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors 113
- Chapter 6 Synthetic biology of cyanobacteria 131
- Chapter 7 Algal biotechnology 173
- Chapter 8 Biocatalytic applications of autotrophic organisms 207
- Chapter 9 Photocatalysis to promote cell-free biocatalytic reactions 247
- Chapter 10 Electroautotrophs: feeding microbes with current for CO2 fixation 277
- Chapter 11 Cupriavidus necator – a broadly applicable aerobic hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium 297
- Chapter 12 Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) as renewable resource 319
- Chapter 13 Applications of mixed microbial cultures in industrial biotechnology 353
- Chapter 14 Economic framework of autotrophic processes 385
- Index 397
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of authors VII
- Chapter 1 A short recapitulation of the autotrophic metabolism 1
- Chapter 2 Metabolic engineering of microbes 19
- Chapter 3 Protein engineering 47
- Chapter 4 Gas fermentation 85
- Chapter 5 Introduction to autotrophic cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors 113
- Chapter 6 Synthetic biology of cyanobacteria 131
- Chapter 7 Algal biotechnology 173
- Chapter 8 Biocatalytic applications of autotrophic organisms 207
- Chapter 9 Photocatalysis to promote cell-free biocatalytic reactions 247
- Chapter 10 Electroautotrophs: feeding microbes with current for CO2 fixation 277
- Chapter 11 Cupriavidus necator – a broadly applicable aerobic hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium 297
- Chapter 12 Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) as renewable resource 319
- Chapter 13 Applications of mixed microbial cultures in industrial biotechnology 353
- Chapter 14 Economic framework of autotrophic processes 385
- Index 397
