Nutraceuticals Production Under a Water-Food-Energy-Waste Integration Concept

Algal biorefinery: a potential solution to the food–energy–water–environment nexus

“…PHB has resembling features to fossil fuel-based polymers and is produced by microorganisms. 114 One of the applications of the lipid-extracted algal biomass residue after the transesterification is biohydrogen production. Also, using residues for biomethane production with the anaerobic digestion process can supply some energy requirements of biorefinery.…”

“…20 In this stage, a combined heat and power cycle (CHP) can reduce the dependency of external energy sources to transform the biogas generated. 114…”

“…Indeed, residual water from harvesting and dewatering steps and a nutrient-rich stream exhausted from the anaerobic digester can be recycled into the microalgae cultivation system to reduce exterior nutrients and water requirements. 114 One approach to improve biogas yield is disrupting microalgae's cell walls. For reducing costs and supplying required energy, the generated power by biomethane in anaerobic digestion can be injected into the cell disruption section.…”

Process Systems Engineering Approach for the Sustainable Design of Cyanobacteria-Based Integrated Biorefineries and Their Heat Exchanger Network

“…Biofuels produced from algae biomass are considered third-generation but are not yet commercially produced due to the high production costs, leading to the need to improve production rates and separation processes efficiency . As algae produce other commercial products, like pigments, bioplastics, and pharmaceuticals, among others, research efforts have been made to study the cultivation of algae alongside the production of value-added compounds under an integrated biorefinery approach. − Furthermore, fourth-generation biofuels, which are produced directly by genetically modified microorganisms, constitute a more recently studied alternative. Cyanobacteria are a promising source for this type of biofuels as they can grow only on light, CO 2 , and minimal nutrient concentration through photosynthesis, producing bioplastics and other value-added compounds, such as pigments, along with biofuels.…”