A mini review of biochemical conversion of algal biorefinery

Algal biomass is rich in essential components such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, which are considered as a potential feedstock for algae-based fuel and chemical production. The commercial application of algae-based fuel production is a challenging task because algal cultivation and harvesting demand high energy and cost. It is a common bottleneck problem in algae processed for fuel or chemical production at the pilot scale. The execution of the concept of integrated algal biorefinery has the possibility to reduce the demand for energy and costs. It is comparatively economical to conventional methods in terms of the recovery of various value-added bioproducts including biopolymers, biochemicals, biofertilizers, and biofuels. In addition, this approach will decrease the overall production costs and aid in making an algal-based green economy viable. This mini review aims to provide certain information regarding development of and updates on cost-effective integrated biorefinery of algal-based bioproducts recovery and its potential application. In connection to this, life cycle assessment and techno-economic aspects of integrated algal biorefinery are discussed. Finally, present challenges and future research directions for integrated algal biorefinery are outlined.