Value Added Products from Bioalgae Based Biorefineries: Opportunities and Challenges

This book covers wide aspects of algal technology and algae-based biorefinery aspects. Algae are the most prevalent, primitive, and abundant microbes on Earth, however, the commercialization of algal-based value-added products is still low due to the negligible dissemination of knowledge flow among the stakeholders and researchers.

This book provides up-to-date information on the cultivation of microalgae, their harvesting, downstream processing, and diverse applications. It further discusses the macromolecules existing in microalgae, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, exo-polysaccharides, flavonoids and antioxidants. This book also highlights the advantages and some real-time challenges before the establishment of sustainable algal-based biorefineries. Further, it includes clear flow charts and figures in each chapter to aid in interpretation of every technical concept.

This book motivates readers, entrepreneurs, and young farmers to exploit easily growing microalgae through cottage to large-scale biorefineries and start their own businesses for the production of value-added products.

Dr. Shailendra Kumar Arya presently holds the position of an associate professor at the Department of Biotechnology Engineering, University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University, India. He obtained his doctoral degree in biotechnology from Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, in 2010. His primary research focus is enzyme engineering and bioremediation, showcasing a profound expertise in enzymes, wastewater treatment, and sustainable development. Dr. Arya has an extensive publication record, contributing over 100 research articles to prestigious international journals.

Dr. Madhu Khatri is currently working as an assistant professor at the Department of Biotechnology, UIET, Panjab University. She received her PhD in biomedical engineering and biotechnology degree in 2012 from University of Massachusetts, USA. During her PhD and postdoctoral training, she worked in close collaboration with Harvard School of Public Health and Northeastern University, Boston, USA, and joined Panjab University in 2014. Dr. Khatri works in the field of environmental nanobiotechnology. She has expertise in the area of nanomaterial synthesis and studying their applications and environmental effects. She has published more than 60 research articles in reputed international journals and participated in various national and international conferences as a speaker.

Dr. Gursharan Singh is working as an associate professor in the Department of Medical and Laboratory Sciences, Lovely Professional University, India. He received his PhD from Biotechnology Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh in 2009, and post-doctorate from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, USA. He also did post-doctorate from Agriculture and Agrifood, Canada. He has published more than 90 articles in scientific journals of repute.