Halophilic Archaea and Algae in Biofuel Production: Current Approaches and Prospects

In recent years, the use of microorganisms in biotechnology and environmental applications has expanded significantly, particularly in the search for sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Biofuels, such as biobutanol, biogas, hydrogen, and biodiesel, have attracted increasing attention as alternative energy sources. Among the promising microbial platforms, microalgae and halophilic archaea stand out due to their unique metabolic capabilities and adaptability to extreme environments. Various biofuel-related products, including biohydrogen, biomethanol, cellulosic biofuels, and algal fuels, are associated with these organisms through distinct metabolic pathways and enzymatic systems. This review discusses the roles of microalgae and halophilic archaea in biofuel production, highlighting the genes and biotechnological approaches used in each system. By presenting these two microbial platforms separately within a unified framework, this chapter aims to provide a broader understanding of their potential contributions to sustainable bioenergy development.