This course aims to help students develop knowledge in the field of microalgae development and utilization, from cultivation to conversion into products with high economic value. The material begins with initial information regarding the specifications of microalgae types, cultivation and harvesting techniques, and their potential to become products with high economic value.

• Gain insight into the use of microalgae, from the cultivation process to its conversion into high economic value products.
• Develop the utilization of microalgae using a variety of emerging technologies.

• Introduction to Microalgae

  • Overview of microalgae: characteristics, types, and biological significance
  • Applications of microalgae in energy, pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors
  • Advantages of microalgae as a sustainable resource

• Microalgae Cultivation Process

  • Cultivation methods: open pond systems and closed photobioreactors
  • Key factors influencing growth: light, nutrients, CO₂, and temperature
  • Challenges and advancements in scaling up microalgae cultivation

• Microalgae Harvesting Techniques

  • Overview of harvesting methods:
    • Centrifugation
    • Filtration
    • Flocculation
    • Sedimentation
  • Comparison of harvesting techniques based on cost, efficiency, and scalability

• Process of Extracting Microalgae into Algal Oil and Its Residues

  • Techniques for extracting algal oil:
    • Solvent extraction
    • Mechanical extraction (e.g., pressing)
    • Supercritical CO₂ extraction
  • Conversion of algal oil into biofuels and other valuable products
  • Utilization of extraction residues for animal feed, fertilizers, and bioactive compounds

• Economic Analysis of the Development and Utilization of Microalgae

  • Cost analysis of microalgae cultivation, harvesting, and processing
  • Economic feasibility of algal-based products: biofuels, nutraceuticals, and bioplastics
  • Market potential and challenges in the commercialization of microalgae technology

1. Richmond, Amos, et al., Handbook of Microalgal Culture: Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
2. E. W. Becker, Microalgae: Biotechnology and Microbiology, Cambridge University Press, London, 1994.