Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products: Fundamentals and Advances in Energy, Food, Feed, Fertilizer, and Bioactive Compounds

The Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products provides a complete overview of all aspects involved in the production and utilization of microalgae resources at commercial scale. Divided into five parts (foundations of microalgae research, microalgae cultivation and downstream processing, microalgae compounds and their multifaceted applications, engineering, bioeconomy, and sustainability in microalgae-based systems, and emerging technologies and breakthroughs), the book explores the microbiological, physiological, and metabolic aspects of microalgae, microalgal production systems, wastewater treatment and bioremediation using microalgae, CO₂ capture, microalgae harvesting techniques, and extraction of biomolecules from microalgae. It covers a wide range of microalgal compounds and applications of commercial relevance, including food ingredients, proteins and bioactive peptides, polysaccharides, lipids and fatty acids, pigments, sterols, industrial enzymes, volatile organic compounds, and bioactive molecules. The book also discusses applications in food and feed, human health, agriculture, cosmeceuticals, bioplastics, and biofuels, as well as innovative uses such as cultured meat production and photosynthetic materials for biomedical applications. Moreover, it presents and discusses engineering and sustainability tools applied to microalgae biotechnology, such as process integration, process intensification, exergy analysis, industrial-scale production strategies, microalgal biorefineries, and the role of microalgae technologies in the circular bioeconomy and sustainable development. The coverage of a broad range of potential microalgae processes and products in a single volume makes this handbook an indispensable reference for engineering researchers in academia and industry in the fields of bioenergy, sustainable development, and high-value compounds from biomass, as well as graduate students exploring those areas. Engineering professionals in bio-based industries will also find valuable information here when planning or implementing the use of microalgal technologies.