Improving algae-assisted bioelectrochemical system with the integration of advanced cell disruption process for lipid recovery: A mini-review

Abstract

The production of sustainable biofuel from algae is hindered by energy-intensive conventional processes that provides low-quality yield at high cost, rendering them impractical for fulfilling global energy demands. In this regard, algal-microbial fuel cells (A-MFCs) offer a promising alternative by simultaneously recovering bioenergy while treating wastewater, and sequestering CO₂. However, lipid productivity in A-MFCs remains suboptimal due to challenges in nutrient management, low yields, operational instability, and inefficient reactor designs. Therefore, this review underscores the potential of cultivating lipid-rich algae in A-MFCs, coupled with advanced cell disruption and extraction technologies, to enhance biomass and bioenergy production. Chemical processes like Fenton oxidation, electro and photo-oxidation, facilitate in-situ cell disruption. Whereas, the biological like enzymatic process also provides an amicable condition for solvent-free algal lipid extraction. Hence, integrating A-MFCs with biorefinery frameworks can promote circular bioeconomy and direct lipid recovery, necessitating further research to address operational challenges and optimise sustainable biofuel production.