Green strategies for enhanced microalgae processes: Leveraging bio-derived adsorbents, green solvents, and synthetic biology

Abstract

Microalgae-derived materials as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment have garnered attention due to their great remediation ability and contribution toward circular bioeconomy. Microalgal biomass can be converted to different materials, including biochar and nanoparticles (NPs), with enhanced properties and efficiency for removing various pollutants from wastewater. In addition, the produced biomass is a source of several high-value products (HVPs) that can generate bioproducts via biorefinery, improving environmental sustainability. This review focuses on distinct green methods for enhancing microalgae-based processes. It covers the recent advances in using different microalgae-derived materials as an advanced microalgae-based approach to wastewater treatment. Furthermore, it delves into the use of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as green solvents for enhanced and sustainable extraction of HVPs from microalgal biomass. The review also highlights the role of synthetic biology and genetic engineering as a pivotal approach in boosting microalgae’s properties and performance in different aspects. The challenges and future perspectives related to these green approaches are discussed. Further research is required to improve the derived materials' preparation and modification methods and explore more green solvents and systems of better efficacy and cost-effectiveness.