Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 171-185 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 172 (Branco-Vieira et al., 2020). By integrating advances in biotechnology and engineering, the research seeks to enhance the feasibility and sustainability of marine microalgae as a biodiesel feedstock, ultimately contributing to the development of a viable alternative energy source (Sabu et al., 2017). 2 Marine Microalgae Species for Biodiesel Production 2.1 Selection criteria for marine microalgae species Selecting appropriate marine microalgae species for biodiesel production involves evaluating several critical factors. One of the primary criteria is the lipid content and quality of the microalgae. High lipid content, particularly in the form of triacylglycerols (TAGs), is essential because these lipids can be efficiently converted into biodiesel. Moreover, the fatty acid composition is crucial as it affects the biodiesel's properties, such as cetane number and cold flow performance (Arroussi et al., 2017). Another important factor is the growth rate of the microalgae. Species that grow rapidly can produce more biomass in a shorter time, thereby increasing the overall yield of biodiesel. This is particularly important for large-scale production where efficiency and speed are crucial (Taleb et al., 2016). The resilience of the microalgae to environmental conditions is also a key consideration. Species that can withstand variations in temperature, salinity, and light intensity are preferred, as they can be cultivated in diverse environments, including those with non-arable land and saline water. This flexibility reduces competition with agricultural crops for resources (Nwokoagbara et al., 2015). 2.2 High-yield lipid-producing microalgae species Several marine microalgae species have been identified as high-yield lipid producers suitable for biodiesel production. Nannochloropsis gaditana is one such species, known for its high lipid content and robustness in various cultivation conditions. Studies have shown that it can achieve significant lipid productivity, making it a prime candidate for biodiesel production (Arroussi et al., 2017). Another promising species is Chlorella vulgaris, which not only has a high lipid content but also a favorable fatty acid profile for biodiesel. This species is widely studied and has demonstrated consistent performance in biodiesel production trials (Shanmugam et al., 2020). Isochrysis galbana and Dunaliella tertiolecta are also notable for their high lipid yields and adaptability to different environmental conditions. These species have been shown to produce high-quality biodiesel with suitable properties for commercial use (Atmanli, 2020). 2.3 Genetic and metabolic traits influencing biodiesel suitability The genetic and metabolic traits of marine microalgae play a significant role in determining their suitability for biodiesel production. Genetic engineering and metabolic optimization can enhance lipid accumulation and improve the efficiency of biodiesel production processes. For instance, certain genetic modifications can increase the synthesis of TAGs, thereby boosting the lipid content of the microalgae (Sabu et al., 2017). Metabolic pathways that favor the production of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are particularly beneficial for biodiesel quality. These fatty acids improve the cetane number and oxidative stability of the biodiesel, making it more efficient and durable as a fuel source. Strains that naturally exhibit these traits or can be engineered to do so are highly valuable in biodiesel production (Deshmukh et al., 2019). Additionally, traits such as high growth rate, resilience to environmental stress, and ease of harvesting are crucial for large-scale production. Species that can maintain high lipid productivity under varying conditions are preferred as they ensure consistent output and lower production costs (Wen et al., 2016).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==