Review

Microalgae: A promising feedstock for biodiesel

Xiaodong Deng^1*, Yajun Li^1* and Xiaowen Fei^{1, 2}

¹¹Key Laboratory of Tropical Crop Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, Haikou 571101, China.

²Department of Biochemistry, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571101, China.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: xiaodong9deng@hotmail.com.

Accepted 29 October, 2009

   Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source fuel produced through transesterification of plant oils or animal fats with short chain alcohols. The global market for biodiesel has been growing rapidly during the past few years, and it is poised for explosive growth in the next years. However, the lack of oil feedstocks limits the large-scale development of biodiesel to a large extent. Recently, microalgae have attracted increasing attention due to their many advantages for biodiesel production. Compared to traditional feedstocks such as rapeseed and soybean, microalgae can rapidly grow on nonagricultural land or in brackish water with high oil content and rapid growth rate. Moreover, they can absorb carbon dioxide as the carbon source for growth. Although many challenges remain in microalgal biodiesel production, more and more inventors committed to believe that the rewards would eventually outweigh the risks. To date, microalgae investments have reached over $900 million world wild. In this review paper, the related researches about microalgae as promising sources for biodiesel production were discussed.

Key words: Biodiesel, microalgae, investment, review.