Algae Based Biofuel and Co-Products - A Review

^1*Yemisi A. Olawore, and ²Obinna C. Nwinyi

^1*Department of Applied Mathematics, National Mathematical Centre P.M.B. 118, Gwagwalada, Sheda-Kwali, Abuja, Nigeria.

²Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Applied Sciences College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Km 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, PMB 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Accepted February 26, 2019

Algae accounts for half total primary production at the base of the food chain worldwide as such their importance cannot be over emphasized. These fastest-growing photosynthetic organisms in the world have been discovered from several studies to produce exceptional variety of lipid patterns which could compose as much as 50% of their body mass. In the cell wall matrix of algae are the rich sulphated polysaccharide deposits including fucoidan, porphyran, and alginate promising to develop novel drugs in treatment of cancer and viral infections. Microalgae like the diatoms are also a good source of renewable energy as biofuel (such as biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol and biodiesel) which could provide alternative source of energy capable of meeting the global energy demand. Moreover, in the developing countries, little to nothing has been done in exploiting the vast potentials of algae, while its use in China dates back to centuries ago. In conclusion, renewable energy from algae will help to curtail environmental consequences emanating from the exploitation/distribution of fossil fuel.

Key words: Algae; Biofuel; Renewable energy; Alternative energy; Environment.

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