Insights into microalgal biotechnology: Current applications, key challenges, and future prospects.

Zhang, H; Wu, Y; Liu, D; Feng, S; Xuan, X; Dong, G; Cheng, J; Qin, Y; Ngo, HH

Insights into microalgal biotechnology: Current applications, key challenges, and future prospects.

Zhang, H Wu, Y Liu, D Feng, S

Xuan, X Dong, G Cheng, J Qin, Y Ngo, HH

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Publisher:: ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: J Environ Manage, 2025, 394, pp. 127263
Issue Date:: 2025-11

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Zhang, H
dc.contributor.author	Wu, Y
dc.contributor.author	Liu, D
dc.contributor.author	Feng, S https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0051-0751
dc.contributor.author	Xuan, X
dc.contributor.author	Dong, G
dc.contributor.author	Cheng, J
dc.contributor.author	Qin, Y
dc.contributor.author	Ngo, HH
dc.date.accessioned	2025-12-22T03:11:34Z
dc.date.available	2025-09-07
dc.date.available	2025-12-22T03:11:34Z
dc.date.issued	2025-11
dc.identifier.citation	J Environ Manage, 2025, 394, pp. 127263
dc.identifier.issn	0301-4797
dc.identifier.issn	1095-8630
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/191087
dc.description.abstract	Microalgae have emerged as multifunctional biofactories capable of simultaneously supporting carbon capture, renewable energy production, environmental remediation, and the synthesis of high value bioproducts. Despite this promise, large-scale deployment remains limited by techno-economic barriers, particularly the high costs of biomass harvesting and dewatering. Recent advances including bioflocculation, magnetic separation, and solar-assisted drying are helping to reduce energy inputs and enhance feasibility. In parallel, breakthroughs in synthetic biology, such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing, are enabling the development of engineered strains with enhanced lipid, carbohydrate, and hydrogen productivity. Innovations in photobioreactor design have further improved light-use efficiency, reduced contamination risks, and supported high-density cultivation. Life cycle assessments indicate that integrating microalgal systems with flue gas utilization and wastewater treatment can substantially lower freshwater use and greenhouse gas emissions. To unlock the full potential of this technology, future efforts should prioritize modular biorefinery systems, intelligent process control, and supportive policy frameworks that incentivise negative-emission technologies. These integrated strategies can help position microalgae as a key enabler of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
dc.relation.ispartof	J Environ Manage
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127263
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject.classification	Environmental Sciences
dc.subject.mesh	Microalgae
dc.subject.mesh	Biotechnology
dc.subject.mesh	Biomass
dc.subject.mesh	Biofuels
dc.subject.mesh	Biotechnology
dc.subject.mesh	Biomass
dc.subject.mesh	Biofuels
dc.subject.mesh	Microalgae
dc.subject.mesh	Microalgae
dc.subject.mesh	Biotechnology
dc.subject.mesh	Biomass
dc.subject.mesh	Biofuels
dc.title	Insights into microalgal biotechnology: Current applications, key challenges, and future prospects.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	394
utslib.location.activity	England
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW)
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-12-22T03:11:15Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	394

Abstract:

Microalgae have emerged as multifunctional biofactories capable of simultaneously supporting carbon capture, renewable energy production, environmental remediation, and the synthesis of high value bioproducts. Despite this promise, large-scale deployment remains limited by techno-economic barriers, particularly the high costs of biomass harvesting and dewatering. Recent advances including bioflocculation, magnetic separation, and solar-assisted drying are helping to reduce energy inputs and enhance feasibility. In parallel, breakthroughs in synthetic biology, such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing, are enabling the development of engineered strains with enhanced lipid, carbohydrate, and hydrogen productivity. Innovations in photobioreactor design have further improved light-use efficiency, reduced contamination risks, and supported high-density cultivation. Life cycle assessments indicate that integrating microalgal systems with flue gas utilization and wastewater treatment can substantially lower freshwater use and greenhouse gas emissions. To unlock the full potential of this technology, future efforts should prioritize modular biorefinery systems, intelligent process control, and supportive policy frameworks that incentivise negative-emission technologies. These integrated strategies can help position microalgae as a key enabler of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/191087