RETRACTED ARTICLE: Bio-processing of algal bio-refinery: a review on current advances and future perspectives
Open accessAbstract
Microalgae biomass contains various useful bio-active components. Microalgae derived biodiesel has been researched for almost two decades. However, sole biodiesel extraction from microalgae is time-consuming and is not economically feasible due to competitive fossil fuel prices. Microalgae also contains proteins and carbohydrates in abundance. Microalgae are likewise utilized to extract high-value products such as pigments, anti-oxidants and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are useful in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. These compounds can be extracted simultaneously or sequentially after biodiesel extraction to reduce the total expenditure involved in the process. This approach of bio-refinery is necessary to promote microalgae in the commercial market. Researchers have been keen on utilizing the bio-refinery approach to exploit the valuable components encased by microalgae. Apart from all the beneficial components housed by microalgae, they also help in reducing the anthropogenic CO2 levels of the atmosphere while utilizing saline or wastewater. These benefits enable microalgae as a potential source for bio-refinery approach. Although life-cycle analysis and economic assessment do not favor the use of microalgae biomass feedstock to produce biofuel and co-products with the existing techniques, this review still aims to highlight the beneficial components of microalgae and their importance to humans. In addition, this article also focuses on current and future aspects of improving the feasibility of bio-processing for microalgae bio-refinery.
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A recent techno-economic evaluation concluded that, with existing downstream-processing techniques, the microalgae bio-refinery approach is not sustainable and feasible.
“In a recent techno-economic evaluation of an algal biorefinery based on extraction of oil for biodiesel followed by sequential extraction of high value products concluded that, with the existing downstream-processing techniques, the microalgae bio-refinery approach is not sustainable and feasible [135].”
From Key Targets for Improving Algal Biofuel Production (2021) · cites this paper as [135]
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References 147 · Cited by 182
Research works printed but not linked: 4
- [27]Jha D, Jain V, Sharma B, et al Microalgae-based Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals: an Emerging Field with Immense Market Potential. Chem Bio Eng Rev. 2017; 4: 257– 272.
- [40]Mata TM, Nio Martins AA, Caetano NS Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev. 2009; 14: 217– 232.
- [41]Bruton T A review of the potential of marine algae as a source of biofuel in Ireland. Ireland: Sustainable Energy Ireland; 2009.
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- Authors
- Koyande, A. K., Show, P.-L., Guo, R., Tang, B., Ogino, C., & Chang, J.-S.
- Affiliations
- University of Nottingham (GB)
- China Pharmaceutical University (CN)
- University of Nottingham Ningbo China (CN)
- Kobe University (JP)
- Tunghai University (TW)
- Corresponding author
- Chang, Jo-Shu
- Venue
- Bioengineered
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2019-01
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 574-592
- ISSN
- 2165-5979 (ISSN-L)
- 2165-5987
- PMC
- PMC6844430
- OpenAlex
- W2983678700
- Cited by
- 182
- References
- 147
- Citations by year
- 2026: 26 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 47 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 12
- FWCI
- 4.89
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Status
- Retracted
- Update notices
- retraction (2026-01-19)
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Bioengineered (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Nottingham ePrints (University of Nottingham) (acceptedVersion)
- Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Kobe University Repository Kernel (Kobe University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (107-3113-E-006 -009, 107-2221-E-006 -112 -MY3, 107-2621-M-006 -003, and 107-2218-E-006 -016)
- Ministry of Science and Technology, Malaysia (MOSTI02-02-12-SF0256)
- Prototype Research Grant Scheme, Malaysia (PRGS/2/2015/SG05/UNIM/03/1)
- Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, Malaysia (FRGS/1/2015/SG05/UNIM/03/1)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction
- Keywords
- microalgae, biorefinery, microalgae biodiesel, microalgal proteins, microalgal pigments, antioxidants, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, CO2 sequestration
- MeSH terms
- Biotechnology, Biofuels, Microalgae
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