Insights into upstream processing of microalgae: A review

The aim of this review is to provide insights into the upstream processing of microalgae, and to highlight the advantages of each step. This review discusses the most important steps of the upstream processing in microalgae research such as cultivation modes, photobioreactors design, preparation of culture medium, control of environmental factors, supply of microalgae seeds and monitoring of microalgal growth. An extensive list of bioreactors and their working volumes used, elemental composition of some well-known formulated cultivation media, different types of wastewater used for microalgal cultivation and environmental variables studied in microalgae research has been compiled in this review from the vast literature. This review also highlights existing challenges and knowledge gaps in upstream processing of microalgae and future research needs are suggested.

Automated summary

This review provides insights into the upstream processing of microalgae, discussing important steps such as cultivation modes and photobioreactors design. It also compiles a comprehensive list of bioreactors used, cultivation media composition, wastewater types for microalgal cultivation, and environmental variables studied in microalgae research. Existing challenges and future research needs in microalgae upstream processing are highlighted.