What Is Microalgae Biofuel?
Microalgae are tiny groups of algae that can only be discerned under a microscope. Microalgae generally refers to a general term for microorganisms containing chlorophyll a and capable of photosynthesis, which belongs to a type of protozoa. Microalgae that is currently being cultured or produced in large quantities using biotechnology belongs to four phycophyta: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta and Rhodophyta.
- Microalgae in the ocean are a simple type of plant with very small individuals who like to float freely with the sea water. Microalgae generally contain chloroplasts, so they can carry out photosynthesis, produce rich organic matter, release oxygen, and allow marine ecosystems to operate in an orderly manner [1]
- Microalgae is not a taxonomic term, but refers to tiny algae groups whose shape can only be discerned under a microscope. Microalgae generally refers to a general term for microorganisms containing chlorophyll a and capable of photosynthesis, and is a kind of protozoa. At present, microalgae cultivated or produced in large quantities by biotechnology belong to four phycophyta: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta, and Rhodophyta.
- Microalgae cells contain [2]
- In application, microalgae have three basic characteristics [2]
Microalgae Pharmaceutical Industry
- Natural -carotene has the effects of inhibiting tumors, anti-radiation and increasing white blood cells, and has obvious adjuvant treatment effects especially for patients with atrophic gastritis, oral ulcers, skin diseases and radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The products that have been developed include natural carotene oral liquid, granules, buccal tablets, water-dispersed dry powder and other products. In recent years, the use of unsaturated fatty acids (DHA, RHA) in baby foods and health products has been very popular. Microalgae colloid (ECP) has strong antitumor activity, which has attracted the attention of experts at home and abroad.
Microalgae Food Industry
- Algae has a crude protein content of more than 60%, and its biological yield is higher than that of any crop. The production of algae protein is rapidly developing. Chlorella, Selenium alga, Crescent algae, and spirulina have been used as protein sources. Chlorella, spirulina, and Dunaliella are also released as powders, pills, extracts, etc. The health products market may be used as a food additive.
Microalgae animal feed
- Microalgae has a high protein content and contains more nucleic acids than conventional feeds and foods. Artificial culture is used as bait for zooplankton. It has been successfully used to raise fish or as zooplankton (such as red worms, oysters, etc.).
Microalgae environmental testing
- The growth status of microalgae can directly reflect the water quality, judge the toxic gases in the air, and break the analysis and detection of conventional gas samples. Naessens. M et al. Fixed chlorella on a hydrophobic membrane and connected the membrane electrode to make a bioreactor. , Reflecting air methanol vapor and tetrachloroethylene content. Podola B et al. Used a modulated fluorometer (PAM-2000) to detect methanol and formaldehyde in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Microalgae purification environment
- Chung P. combined wastewater treatment with single-cell protein (SCP) production to treat pig manure wastewater with biogas-anaerobic fermentation. The yield of spirulina was 5 g / m2 / d. The use of membrane technology in the reactor can solve the problem of subsequent separation of algae and water. Nowadays, most of the sewage treatment methods rely on the activities of microorganisms. After treatment, the four nutrients have reached the national discharge standards. Microalgae grows to remove nitrogen and phosphorus, refractory organic matter, and Co, Mn, Hg and other heavy metal ions. Microalgae can also absorb certain concentrations of NOx, SOx, H2S, and research on the cultivation of microalgae for environmental protection has been started in Norway and Japan.
Microalgae Biotechnology
- Microalgae has a short growth cycle and tolerant genes are the focus of attention in biotechnology. The development of a new type of microalgae-bioreactor, the use of algae protein to produce oral vaccines, etc., using active substances to make dry powder, oral. Wang Yiqin et al. Transferred the defensin gene into chlorella ellipticum cells and produced some expensive defensins, but there is still a huge unknown algae to be developed.
Microalgae Renewable Energy
- The algae rich in esters and glycerol are good raw materials for the preparation of liquid fuels; the biomass fuel produced by pyrolysis of microalgae has a high calorific value, which is 1.4 to 2 times that of wood or crop straw. Biomass energy accounts for 14% of world energy consumption. Microbes and microalgae are mixed and cultured to produce high-purity energy compounds such as ethanol, methanol, butane. The biggest use of microalgae is that its stem cells contain more than 70% of microalgae oil. It is a subcritical biotechnology synthetic biodiesel The best raw material is the ideal renewable energy.
- China has a large population and fast growth rate. The cultivated land area is decreasing at a rate of 1.6% per year. The light and efficiency are higher than conventional crops. The low cost of microalgae production, rich nutrients, high economic benefits, and wide use make algae in various fields. The research work is booming, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, which has made outstanding contributions to human health and can bring huge economic benefits. It is a very promising economic development project.