Cited by 7Algal biology and biofuel productionInnovations in Aquaponics and Hydroponics SystemsWater Quality Monitoring Technologies

Enhancing the sustainability of microalgae cultivation through biosensing technology

Open access
Ugya, Adamu Yunusa, Chen, Hui, Wang, Qiang·2025·Materials Today Sustainability

Abstract

This comprehensive review shows that environmental challenges such as high water demand, high nutrient requirements, and energy-intensive nature of microalgae cultivation system must be addressed to fully realise sustainability. These challenges can be linked to problems such as water scarcity, nutrient pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, which affect the sustainability of microalgae cultivation systems. The use of biosensing technology in microalgae cultivation systems is an emerging method that will advance the field of microalgae cultivation by providing real-time, precise monitoring and control of various cultivation parameters. This review critically investigates the prospects associated with the use of this technology in microalgae cultivation systems. The recent advances in biosensing technology, such as the development of highly sensitive and specific biosensors for detecting key metabolic indicators, environmental parameters, and growth conditions, were linked to the sustainability of microalgae cultivation systems. The review buttressed innovations such as lab-on-a-chip devices, nanotechnology-based sensors, and non-invasive optical sensing techniques which have been used to enhance the ability to monitor and optimise microalgae growth, productivity, and biochemical composition. The review also emphasises the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) in microalgal cultivation systems. These developments have the potential to enhance real-time data analysis, optimise cultivation strategies, and improve overall system efficiency. The review shows that despite the role of biosensing technology in microalgae cultivation systems, progress is limited by challenges that include accuracy and reliability, sensitivity, specificity, long-term stability, and integration with cultivation systems. The integration of AI, ML, IoT, and other biosensing technologies has the potential to address these challenges by providing more accurate and reliable data analysis, enhancing sensitivity and specificity, improving long-term stability, and seamlessly integrating with cultivation systems.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101139

Cites

192 of 192 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Genetic optimization of strains and using emerging tools, such as biosensors coupled with artificial intelligence, results in increased productive performance and nutrient uptake efficiency.

    “On the other hand, genetic optimization of strains and using emerging tools, such as biosensors coupled with artificial intelligence, results in increased productive performance and nutrient uptake efficiency (Hu et al., 2023; Ugya et al., 2025).”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Ugya et al., 2025

  • Although the use of wastewater as an alternative source for microalgae cultivation is possible, high levels of pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can cause physiological stress and reduce yield, beyond the risk of bioaccumulation of toxic compounds that can compromise the quality of the algal raw material.

    “Although the use of wastewater as an alternative source for microalgae cultivation is possible, high levels of pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can cause physiological stress and, consequently, reduce yield, beyond the risk of bioaccumulation of toxic compounds that can compromise the quality of the algal raw material.”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Ugya et al., 2025

  • The problem of pollutants in wastewater can be solved by employing advanced technologies and treatment processes, but these tools require high costs and large amounts of energy.

    “This problem, however, can be solved by employing advanced technologies and treatment processes, but these tools require high costs and large amounts of energy (Su et al., 2023; de Paula Pereira et al., 2024; Ugya et al., 2025).”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Ugya et al., 2025

  • High electrical demand of photobioreactors affects economic viability and potentially increases environmental impacts due to indirect carbon emissions, especially if the energy used comes from non-renewable energy sources.

    “This affects the economic viability of the process, in addition to potentially increasing environmental impacts due to indirect carbon emissions, especially if the energy used comes from non-renewable energy sources (Ugya et al., 2025).”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Ugya et al., 2025

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Authors
Ugya, A. Y., Chen, H., & Wang, Q.
Affiliations
Henan University (CN)
Corresponding author
  • Chen, Hui
  • Wang, Qiang
Venue
Materials Today Sustainability
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-09
Volume
31
Pages
101139
ISSN
2589-2347 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4410258563
Cited by
5
References
194
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 4
FWCI
0.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Materials Today Sustainability (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA0909600)
  • Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province (212300410024)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (32170138)
  • Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project
  • Henan University (22IRTSTHN024)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Innovations in Aquaponics and Hydroponics Systems
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Water Quality Monitoring Technologies
Keywords
microalgae cultivation, biosensors, sustainable aquaculture, real-time monitoring, lab-on-a-chip, optical sensing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, water scarcity, nutrient pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, microalgae productivity, biochemical composition

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