The repertoire of novel biobased materials is continually expanding as they represent green alternatives to carbon-intensive fossil materials. Lipid-extracted algae (LEA) biomass is a promising feedstock for the production of a spectrum of biobased materials, such as hydrochar and biochar, electrodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), supercapacitors, biocomposites, biopolymers, activated carbon including N-doping, and biosorbents. By selecting appropriate process conditions, these renewable products can be designed to possess desirable properties and, at the same time, be more sustainable. Most importantly, we view LEA as a potentially significant additional source of revenue for algae biorefineries that can accelerate the commercial development of algae. The present study assesses the utilization of LEA for the production of biobased materials, their applications and sustainability profile, and future trends.
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Algae is a very promising source for renewable energy production since it can fix the greenhouse gas (CO2) by photosynthesis and does not compete with the production of food. Compared to microalgae, researches on biofuel production from macroalgae in both academia and industry are at infancy for economically efficient and technological solutions. This review provides up to-date knowledge and information on macroalgae-based biofuels, such as biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel and bio-oils respectively obtained from anaerobic digestion, fermentation, transesterification, liquefaction and pyrolysis technique methods. It is concluded that bioethanol and bio-oils from wet macroalgae are more competitive while biodiesel production seems less attractive compared to high lipid content microalgae biomass. Finally, a biorefinery concept based on macroalgae is given. &
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The imminent need for transition to a circular bioeconomy, based on the valorisation of renewable biomass feedstocks, will ameliorate global challenges induced by climate change, environmental pollution and population growth. A reduced reliance on depleting fossil fuel resources and ensured production of eco-friendly and costeffective bioproducts and biofuels, requires the development of sustainable biorefinery processes, with many utilising macroalgae as feedstock, showing promising and viable prospects. Nonetheless, macroalgal biorefinery research is still in its infancy compared to lignocellulosic biorefineries that utilise terrestrial plants. This article presents a review on the latest scientific literature associated with the development and status of macroalgal biorefineries, and how bioproducts generated from these bioprocesses have contributed towards the bioeconomy. The fundamental need to understand how the unique biochemical composition of macroalgae fit within a biorefinery concept are explained, alongside discussion of the novel biotechnologies that have been applied. In order to comprehend the increasing significance of this exciting field, the review will also provide insight, for the first time, on the current global funding and intellectual property landscape related to macroalgae and their implementation across the entire biorefinery concept. Imperative areas for further research and development, to bridge the gap between fundamental bioscience in the laboratory and the successful application of compatible biotechnologies at a commercial scale, to boost the macroalgae industry are also covered.
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This review focuses on the diversity of French tropical overseas macroalgae and their biotechnological applications. After listing the specific diversity, i.e. 641 species in French Antilles in the Atlantic Ocean, 560 species in the Indian Ocean, and 1015 species in the South Pacific Ocean, we present the potential of their metabolites and their main uses. Among the great diversity of metabolites, we focus on carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, pigments and secondary metabolites, in particular terpenes and phenolic compounds. The main applications of reef macroalgae are described in human and animal consumptions, phycocolloids extraction, production of active ingredients for health, cosmetics, agriculture, and bioremediation. For each application, we list what has been done, or will be done in French tropical overseas territories and point out the challenges faced when using this chemo-diversity, and problems linked to their exploitation. Finally, we discuss challenges to develop seaweed farming, their uses in carbon sequestration and resilience to global change, their uses for alternative proteins together with the production of bioenergy and biomaterials. As a conclusion, we encourage the research on the chemo-diversity of French reef macroalgae for industrial applications as these organisms represent a reservoir of active ingredients that is still insufficiently explored.
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Primary production and respiration rates were studied for six seaweed species (Cystoseira abies-marina,Lobophora variegata, Pterocladiella capillacea, Canistrocarpus cervicornis, Padina pavonica and Corallina caespitosa)from Subtropical North-East Atlantic, to estimate the combined effects of different pH and temperature levels.Macroalgal samples were cultured at temperature and pH combinations ranging from current levels to thosepredicted for the next century (19, 21, 23, 25 °C, pH: 8.1, 7.7 and 7.4). Decreased pH had a positive effect onshort-term production of the studied species. Raised temperatures had a more varied and species dependenteffect on short term primary production. Thermophilic algae increased their production at higher temperatures,while temperate species were more productive at lower or present temperature conditions. Temperature alsoaffected algal respiration rates, which were higher at low temperature levels. The results suggest that biomassand productivity of the more tropical species in coastal ecosystems would be enhanced by future ocean con-ditions.
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The recently domesticated marine macroalga Derbesia tenuissima is suitable for intensive land-based production and is a promising species for functional food applications and bioproducts as it is rich in bioactive components and has high biomass productivity. For the first time, we quantified the effects of inducing different degrees of light stress by managing culture conditions (as biomass density) in land-based 2000 L cultures, on the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS), and biomass and antioxidant productivity of Derbesia. We demonstrate that it is possible to manipulate the antioxidant content of Derbesia by managing culture conditions, with up to 88% higher antioxidant capacity in biomass stocked at 0.5 g L−1 than when stocked and maintained at 2 g L−1 , or stocked at 2 g L−1 and harvested weekly. Antioxidant productivity of tank-cultured D. tenuissima is high – up to 680 μmol gallic acid equivalents m−2 day−1 – and can be maximised by selecting low initial stocking densities without compromising productivity per unit land area
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Macroscopic marine algae form an important living resource of the oceans. Seaweeds are food important for humans and animals, as well as fertilizers for plants and a source of various chemicals. Seaweeds have been gaining momentum as a new experimental system for biological research and as an integral part of integrated aquaculture systems. We all use seaweed products in our day-to-day life in some wayor other. For example, some seaweed polysaccharides are used in toothpaste, soap, shampoo,cosmetics, milk, ice cream, meat, processed food, air freshener, and many other items. In many oriental countries such as Japan, China, Korea, and others, seaweeds are diet staples.
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The science and economics of producing crops in the sea. Intensive systems = life cycle, hatcheries, company owned farms that are usually mechanized, usually long grow out – 1 year+ (Laminaria japonica) Extensive farms = usually vegetative, no inputs, maybe coastal, short grow in ponds but usually out – 4 to 6 weeks. (Kappaphycus alvarezii)
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Utilization of marine algae has increased considerably over the past decades, since biodiversity within brown, red and green marine algae offers possibilities of finding a variety of bioactive compounds. Marine algae are rich sources of dietary fibre. The remarkable positive effects of seaweed dietary fibre on human body are related to their prebiotic activity over the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota. However, dietary modulation of microorganisms present in GIT can be influenced by different factors such as type and source of the dietary fibre, their molecular weight, type of extraction and purification methods employed, composition and modification of polysaccharide and oligosaccharide. This review will demonstrate evidence that polysaccharides and oligosaccharides from marine algae can be used as prebiotics, emphasizing their use in human health, their application as food and other possible applications. Furthermore, an important approach of microbial enzymes employment during extraction, modification or production of those prebiotics is highlighted.
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Slow to find a commercial foothold on the west coast, commercial kelp production is growing rapidly on the Atlantic seaboard where growers in Maine have been cultivating it successfully for several years.
The Hood Canal project funded by a Paul Allen Grant is the first of its kind on the West Coast to investigate the potential of kelp to combat ocean acidification. The first kelp seedlings of a five-year project were unfurled into Puget Sound’s Hood Canal in Washington this spring. The spores, or sori, are raised in tanks at NOAA’s Manchester Research Facility. Scientists from NOAA and the Puget Sound Restoration Fund will monitor the kelp and surrounding waters over time to gauge it’s efficacy at taking up carbon dioxide from the water column.
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Marine Agronomy Group, CAFNRM, UH-Hilo
200 W. Kawili st., HI 96720, USA
Contact: Marine.Agronomy.Group@gmail.com
Funding for this web portal is provided by the World Wildlife Fund and the University of Hawaii-Hilo.