Microalgae have been considered as one of the most promising feedstock for biofuels (bioethanol, higher alcohols (C2-C5), and biodiesel) production that can replace fossil fuels. The energy recovery from microalgal is significantly influenced by their physiological properties such as cell wall thickness and proportions of biocomponents. We developed a novel integrated approach to achieve unprecedented conversion efficiency (80-93%), total energy recovery (46-48%) from Pseudochlorella sp., Chlamydomonas mexicana, Chlamydomonas pitschmannii via microwave pretreatment (at 210 W, 2 min), successive fermentations, and transesterification. Scanning electron microscopy visualized significant disruption of microalgal cells. Carbohydrate fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae YPH499 produced 0.45-0.47 g g−1 bioethanol yield and fermentation of the leftover microalgal proteins after carbohydrate fermentation by S. cerevisiae S288C produced 0.44-0.45 g g−1 higher alcohols yield. Fermentations served as a bio-pretreatment to enhance the bioavailability of intracellular compounds, which minimized the use of expensive and laborious methods for their extraction from the microalgal biomass. The transesterification of the remaining lipid portion produced 0.62-0.74 g g−1 biodiesel. Microwave pretreatment saving ca. 32 times specific energy than ultrasonic pretreatment. This study provides a proof-of-concept that it can encourage the use of microalgal biomass for cost-effective biofuels production in a large-scale process.

Whole conversion of microalgal biomass to biofuels through energy efficient microwave pretreatment and fermentation process

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.