Recent Advances in Microalgal Biology and Biotechnology

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last several decades, cultivation of microalgae has evolved into a globally established, economically important branch of biotechnology. Microalgal biotechnology and its derived technologies are now considered among the most promising responses to global challenges. They are at the foundation of CO2 biomitigation, sustainable usage of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, providing green alternatives for fossil fuels and raw materials for bulk chemistry.

The presently most mature and commercially successful are the microalgae-based processes for the production of fine chemicals, nutraceuticals, and food additives. The applications of microalgae in biotechnologies (biosequestration of CO₂ and nutrients from waste resources) for environmental protection are developing rapidly. Other microalgal technologies are on their way to the market.

Numerous bench-scale studies and technology demonstrators have highlighted, in addition to advantages, certain bottlenecks in practical application of microalgal biotechnology. Among the most obvious there are the limited productivity and robustness of the microalgal strain, trade-offs between the culture growth and the target compounds, lack of clear understanding of the optimal cultivation approaches, and downstream processing of the biomass.

This Special Issue is intended to integrate the current progress in overcoming the current barriers for improving the efficiency and practical implementation of microalgal biotechnologies. Submissions on the breakthroughs in basic science with a potential to solve hot problems in microalgal biotechnology are welcome as well as reports on their successful implementation. Preference will be given to contributions deepening the mechanistic insights into the key determinants of microalgal productivity and stress resilience. We would be happy to consider your minireviews summarizing the recent progress in the field after prior negotiation of the topic and structure with the editor of the Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Alexei Solovchenko
Guest Editor

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• Lipid metabolism
• Secondary carotenoids
• Stress resilience
• Nutrient biocapture
• Essential fatty acids
• CO₂ biomitigation