Cultivating microalgae has the potential to produce biofuels and bioproducts from solar energy with low land use and without competing with food crops.
Microalgae cultivation
Algae Mass Cultivation:
Algae are photosynthetic organisms that can grow much faster and more efficiently compared to other plants. As these organisms have a short doubling time, they are considered as fastest growing creatures.
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Using algae as raw material and supercritical alcohol transesterification as conversion process, a more sustainable biodiesel production technology can be developed. It would reach large-scale production capabilities on a long-term basis without adverse effect on the food supply chain.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that becomes one of the most popular dietary supplements and has been unofficially labeled as a “superfood” to the world. Spirulina is high in protein and vitamins, and since it comes from algae, it’s considered to be safe for in-take.
Spirulina extract inhibited viral plaque formation and reduced viral replication in cell cultures and was shown to be safe and well-tolerated at high doses in cellular and animal toxicity studies.
Furthermore, influenza-infected mice given Spirulina extract had higher survival rates compared to vehicle-treated controls.
Spirulina can be used as an antioxidant and probiotic. Probiotics help aid digestion and calm intestinal inflammation, often individuals with dietary restrictions of any kind take a probiotic to make up for the nutrients they may or may not be getting based on their specific diet.
