Researchers in Brazil grew microalgae to extract lipids and other metabolites for biofuel and cosmetic production. Stress increased lipid production by 49%.

Microalgae has emerged as a promising source of renewable energy in recent years. These microscopic photosynthetic organisms have the potential to produce clean and sustainable fuel that can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Researchers around the world are exploring various methods for cultivating microalgae and extracting their lipid content for biofuel production. This article delves into the science of microalgae cultivation for biofuel and highlights some of the recent breakthroughs in this field.


A group of researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have made a breakthrough in the production of biofuels by growing microalgae in laboratory environments. The team focused on the metabolites, especially lipids, that could be used to produce biofuels. According to the report published in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, under controlled conditions, researchers grew the microalgae and extracted various valuable compounds like protein, carbohydrates, and other useful elements like beta-carotene, a natural blue pigment which could be used in cosmetics. The study highlights the significance of Botryococcus terribilis cultivation, which has great economic and environmental importance yet has scarcely been addressed in the literature. The study was supported by FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation.
 
The research analyzed the growth and productivity of the microalga Botryococcus terribilis in both open and closed systems. Closed systems, such as photobioreactors, can control conditions, while open systems like raceways have a controlled air input and nutrient circulation. Through the study, researchers were able to extract the first time hydrocarbons and quantified various metabolites. Microalgae are the source of approximately 50% of the world’s oxygen, and grow through photosynthesis by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy, generating oxygen as a byproduct. 
 
Microalgaes are unicellular and reproduce by mitosis, each cell divides into identical daughter cells. To take advantage of the biocompounds in their cells, they need to be killed. However, these organisms grow fast and are usually abundant, which suggests the use of a highly sustainable resource. As Botryococcus terribilis oils comprise long-chain hydrocarbons and larger quantities of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for biofuel synthesis.  
 
According to Luisa Fernanda Ríos, chemical engineering researcher and co-author of the article, the team stressed the organism by eliminating nutrients required for growth. This caused the organism to accumulate lipids as a survival strategy. The proportions of proteins and carbohydrates decreased while the compound of interest/study increased, and the right balance must be achieved.
 
The research represents a major step towards the University’s sustainability aims, and UNICAMP hopes that their findings will be utilized in the cultivation and application of microalgae through biorefinery techniques. Microalgae remains an untapped source of biofuels, cosmetics, and food additives due to a scarcity of information on cultivation, stress, and composition.


In conclusion, it is clear that microalgae hold immense potential as a source of biofuels. The cultivation of these tiny organisms by researchers and scientists around the world represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy systems. While there are still some challenges facing the large-scale production of biofuels from microalgae, ongoing research and technological advancements offer hope for a greener and more sustainable future. As we continue to explore the potential of these versatile, renewable resources, it is certain that microalgae will play a critical role in powering the world’s energy needs in the years to come.