Algal biofuels: The research

Microalgae are microscopic unicellular species, ranging in size from a few microns to hundreds of microns, that exist individually, or in chains or flocs, in freshwater and marine systems. Microalgae contribute approximately 40-50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere and simultaneously consume carbon dioxide to grow photoautotrophically. Maximizing lipid production at the molecular level involves a thorough understanding of the metabolic pathways, especially those associated with lipid synthesis, and with packaging and secretion. Significant research has been conducted on establishing the optimal nutritional composition and culture conditions for hydrocarbon production by microalgae. The production of hydrocarbons in microalgae cells is growth-associated and usually reaches its maximum around the early stationary phase of the algal growth cycle.