Microalgal biomass as a fermentation feedstock for bioethanol production

BACKGROUND: The increasing cost of fossil fuels as well as the escalating social and industrial awareness of the environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil fuels has created the need for more sustainable fuel options. Bioethanol, produced from renewable biomass such as sugar and starch materials, is believed to be one of these options, and it is currently being harnessed extensively. However, the utilization of sugar and starch materials as feedstocks for bioethanol production creates a major competition with the food market in terms of land for cultivation, and this makes bioethanol from these sources economically less attractive. RESULT: This study explores the suitability of microalgae (Chlorococurn sp.) as a substrate for bioethanol production via yeast (Saccharomyces bayanus) under different fermentation conditions. Results show a maximum ethanol concentration of 3.83 g L-1 obtained from 10 g L-1 of lipid-extracted microalgae debris. CONCLUSION: This productivity level (similar to 38% w/w), which is in keeping with that of current production systems endorses microalgae as a promising substrate for bioethanol production. (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry