Current Issues and Developments in Cyanobacteria-Derived Biofuel as a Potential Source of Energy for Sustainable Future

Abstract

Biofuel production using cyanobacteria aims to maintain the sustainability of an ecosystem with minimum impact on the environment, unlike fossil fuels, which cause havoc on the environment. The application of biofuel as an alternative energy source will not only help in maintaining a clean environment and improving air quality but also decrease harmful organic matter content from aquatic bodies. Cyanobacteria are valuable sources of many novel bioactive compounds, such as lipids and natural dyes, with potential commercial implications. One of the advantages of cyanobacteria is that their biochemical constituents can be modified by altering the source of nutrients and growth conditions. Careful changes in growth media and environmental conditions altering the quality and quantity of the biochemicals and yield capacity have been discussed and analyzed. In the present review, the challenges and successes achieved to date in the commercial production of biofuel and its application in the transportation industry are discussed. The authors also focus on different types of feedstocks obtained from biomass, especially from cyanobacterial species. This review also discusses the selection of appropriate cyanobacterial species with merits and demerits in the post-harvesting process. In sum, the current review provides insight into the use of organic bioresources to maintain a sustainable environment.