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The exhaustion of fossil fuel supplies and their notable role in climate change via greenhouse gas emissions have underscored the unsustainable nature of traditional energy sources. Consequently, the rise of zero-waste microalgal biorefineries provides an intriguing and environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of renewable biofuels and multiple biobased goods. This framework not only bolsters economic sustainability but also advocates for carbon neutrality. Although scientific investigations into microalgae-driven technologies have surged in recent decades, widespread industrial application remains scarce. Thus, a deep comprehension of the current cutting-edge landscape coupled with the pinpointing of critical research deficiencies and technological innovations is vital for fostering industrial-scale deployment. A detailed knowledge map of the sector indicates that microalgal biorefinery research is swiftly advancing, with a robust emphasis on harmonizing unit processes to improve both ecological and economic viability. A key strategy to improve feasibility involves the utilization of nutrient-rich wastewater from industrial, agricultural, and municipal sources as a cost-effective medium for algal cultivation to produce bioenergy. This dual-purpose approach facilitates nutrient recycling/waste remediation and bioenergy production while mitigating expenses and emissions. The review highlights the recent advances in biorefinery-driven bioenergy, emphasizing on nutrient recycling, waste valorization, and carbon neutrality. The role of genetic and metabolic engineering in strain optimization to bolster the promise of microalgae in sustainable biorefineries has also been comprehensively discussed. Further, it delves into the impact of smart technologies on carbon-neutral biorefinery advancements, showcasing the capability of the Internet of Things to streamline biorefinery operations and boost efficiency. From an economic perspective, the review highlights market potentials, regulatory frameworks, the role of rural economies, and the importance of embracing circular bioeconomy principles to facilitate a viable and sustainable implementation of microalgal bioenergy-based biorefineries.
Choudhary et al. (Mon,) studied this question.