Microalgae have attained significant interest in renewable energy, food production, environmental management, water purification, and synthesis, such as biofertilizers, cosmetics, and healthcare products. The rate of biomass production and biomolecule accumulation presents an opportunity to replace traditional products and foster a sustainable circular economy. Microalgal biotechnology is integral to the circular economy concept, emphasizing the production of low-volume, high-value products. This strategy enhances economic returns while utilizing waste streams and minimizing environmental impact, aligning with the circular economy, and sustainable development goals. The viability of microalgae as a renewable biofuel feedstock is highlighted alongside various commercial prospects. Microalgae yield high-value products, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and pigments, and other bioactive compounds for nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Emphasizing high-value, low-volume outputs renders microalgal biorefineries economically sustainable, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly and health-oriented products. Carotenoids such as astaxanthin, β-carotene, fucoxanthin, and lutein have been used in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and natural coloring agents. The global carotenoid market is anticipated to surpass USD 1.5 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2024 to 2030, propelled by the demand for natural antioxidants and food additives. Along with pigment, EPA and DHA derived from microalgae also serve as sustainable substitutes for fish oil in dietary supplements and functional foods, while other bioactive compounds, such as sulfated polysaccharides and polyphenols, exhibit promising health applications in wellness industries. Post-extraction of high-value products like pigments or PUFAs, residual biomass can be processed into biofertilizers or biostimulants rich in macronutrients for agricultural purposes, thereby ensuring effective waste management. The proteins and lipid-rich residual biomass can be utilized for aquaculture feed supplementation. Additionally, leftover wet biomass can undergo anaerobic digestion to generate biogas, with CO₂ being recycled into algal cultivation to complete the resource loop. By incorporating CO₂ sequestration into the high-value compound production process, microalgal platforms can play a role in pollution reduction and climate change mitigation. The utilization of microalgal biomass thus presents a comprehensive strategy for fostering economic growth and societal welfare while addressing environmental challenges and endorsing the principles of a circular economy.

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Microalgal Circular Economy: Harnessing Biomass Utilization with Low-Volume High-Value and High-Volume Low-Value Products

  • Jayshri Khadilkar,
  • Gunjan Prakash

摘要

Microalgae have attained significant interest in renewable energy, food production, environmental management, water purification, and synthesis, such as biofertilizers, cosmetics, and healthcare products. The rate of biomass production and biomolecule accumulation presents an opportunity to replace traditional products and foster a sustainable circular economy. Microalgal biotechnology is integral to the circular economy concept, emphasizing the production of low-volume, high-value products. This strategy enhances economic returns while utilizing waste streams and minimizing environmental impact, aligning with the circular economy, and sustainable development goals. The viability of microalgae as a renewable biofuel feedstock is highlighted alongside various commercial prospects. Microalgae yield high-value products, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and pigments, and other bioactive compounds for nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Emphasizing high-value, low-volume outputs renders microalgal biorefineries economically sustainable, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly and health-oriented products. Carotenoids such as astaxanthin, β-carotene, fucoxanthin, and lutein have been used in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and natural coloring agents. The global carotenoid market is anticipated to surpass USD 1.5 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2024 to 2030, propelled by the demand for natural antioxidants and food additives. Along with pigment, EPA and DHA derived from microalgae also serve as sustainable substitutes for fish oil in dietary supplements and functional foods, while other bioactive compounds, such as sulfated polysaccharides and polyphenols, exhibit promising health applications in wellness industries. Post-extraction of high-value products like pigments or PUFAs, residual biomass can be processed into biofertilizers or biostimulants rich in macronutrients for agricultural purposes, thereby ensuring effective waste management. The proteins and lipid-rich residual biomass can be utilized for aquaculture feed supplementation. Additionally, leftover wet biomass can undergo anaerobic digestion to generate biogas, with CO₂ being recycled into algal cultivation to complete the resource loop. By incorporating CO₂ sequestration into the high-value compound production process, microalgal platforms can play a role in pollution reduction and climate change mitigation. The utilization of microalgal biomass thus presents a comprehensive strategy for fostering economic growth and societal welfare while addressing environmental challenges and endorsing the principles of a circular economy.