Recent Advances in Biotechnological Applications of Microalgae

Dear Colleagues,

Microalgae have attracted attention as promising candidates for biotechnological processes, such as pollutant remediation and world carbon neutralization due to their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency and environmental tolerance, and production of high-value-added products. Within the context of microalgae-based biotechnology, microalgae–bacteria consortia typically perform more complex tasks than monocultures and can execute functions that are challenging or even impossible for individual strains or species. Notably, the relationships between microalgae and functional bacteria influence carbon and nutrient cycling and regulate productivity and stability, which has undoubtedly played an important role in shaping ecosystem function and global biogeochemistry. In order to improve the application of microalgae-based biotechnology, we encourage the publication of research on advanced and sustainable techniques. In this Special Issue, we welcome original papers and review articles on microalgae-based biotechnology, including wastewater treatment, soil remediation, greenhouse gas reduction, and development of fossil fuel alternatives. Excellent and novel investigations are also certainly required, especially on the carbon accounting model, microalgae–bacteria interaction mechanism, application evaluation, etc.

Submissions are welcomed in the form of review articles, letters, and research articles, and the topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bioenergy or biodiesel production of microalgae or microalgae–bacteria consortia;
• Efficient processing and successful technologies for a high yield of bioenergy production;
• Environmental pollution removal or restoration, including wastewater treatment or soil pollution restoration, via microalgal techniques;
• Interaction mechanism between microalgae and bacteria during biotechnological application;
• Genetic engineering/gene editing of microalgae for biorefinery purposes;
• Novel or hybrid reactor configurations for engineering applications via the microalgal consortia;
• Life cycle or techno-economic analysis for microalgal biotechnology application.

Dr. Chaofan Zhang
Dr. Peng Xie
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• microalgae-based biotechnology
• microalgae–bacteria consortia
• wastewater treatment
• soil pollution remediation
• carbon neutralization
• microalgal biofuel
• microalgae–bacteria interactions