Biofuels

Certain biological organisms convert sugars and other organic matter into energy-rich compounds, such as lipids that can be converted into biofuels, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

For example, microalgae are a promising feedstock for producing biodiesel, a renewable biofuel.

They grow in aquatic environments, including freshwater, seawater, and wastewater.

Under nutrient stress, particularly nitrogen limitation, these photosynthetic algae accumulate lipids, like triglycerides, that form droplets.

These droplets are extracted from the algae using various methods, like bead milling, which breaks the cells, releasing intracellular contents.

Extracted lipids undergo transesterification with an alcohol, usually methanol, and a base catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide.

This reaction produces fatty-acid methyl esters, FAMEs, commonly known as biodiesel, and releases glycerol as a byproduct.

The resulting biodiesel is purified and can be blended with conventional diesel for use in compatible diesel engines, offering a biodegradable fuel alternative.