Morphology, composition, production, processing and applications of Chlorella vulgaris: A review

Economic and technical problems related to the reduction of petroleum resources require the valorisation of renewable raw material. Recently, microalgae emerged as promising alternative feedstock that represents an enormous biodiversity with multiple benefits exceeding the potential of conventional agricultural feedstock. Thus, this comprehensive review article spots the light on one of the most interesting microalga Chlorella vulgaris. It assembles the history and a thorough description of its ultrastructure and composition according to growth conditions. The harvesting techniques are presented in relation to the novel algo-refinery concept, with their technological advancements and potential applications in the market. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.