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This comprehensive review investigates the potential of cyanobacteria, particularly nitrogen-fixing strains, in addressing global challenges pertaining to plastic pollution and carbon emissions. By analyzing the distinctive characteristics of cyanobacteria, including their minimal growth requirements, high photosynthetic efficiency, and rapid growth rates, this study elucidates their crucial role in transforming carbon sequestration, biofuel generation, and biodegradable plastic production. The investigation emphasizes cyanobacteria's efficiency in photosynthesis, positioning them as optimal candidates for cost-effective bioplastic production with minimized land usage. Furthermore, the study explores their unconventional yet promising utilization in biodiesel production, mitigating environmental concerns such as sulfur emissions and the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. The resulting biodiesel exhibits significant combustion potential, establishing cyanobacteria as a viable option for sustainable biofuel production. Through a comprehensive assessment of both achievements and challenges encountered during the commercialization process, this review offers valuable insights into the diverse contributions of cyanobacteria. Its objective is to provide guidance to researchers, policymakers, and industries interested in harnessing bio-inspired approaches for structural and sustainable applications, thereby advancing global efforts towards environmentally conscious plastic and biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review investigates the potential of cyanobacteria, particularly nitrogen-fixing strains, in addressing global challenges pertaining to plastic pollution and carbon emissions. By analyzing the distinctive characteristics of cyanobacteria, including their minimal growth requirements, high photosynthetic efficiency, and rapid growth rates, this study elucidates their crucial role in transforming carbon sequestration, biofuel generation, and biodegradable plastic production. The investigation emphasizes cyanobacteria’s efficiency in photosynthesis, positioning them as optimal candidates for cost-effective bioplastic production with minimized land usage. Furthermore, the study explores their unconventional yet promising utilization in biodiesel production, mitigating environmental concerns such as sulfur emissions and the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. The resulting biodiesel exhibits significant combustion potential, establishing cyanobacteria as a viable option for sustainable biofuel production. Through a comprehensive assessment of both achievements and challenges encountered during the commercialization process, this review offers valuable insights into the diverse contributions of cyanobacteria. Its objective is to provide guidance to researchers, policymakers, and industries interested in harnessing bio-inspired approaches for structural and sustainable applications, thereby advancing global efforts towards environmentally conscious plastic and biofuel production.

The paper investigates the potential of biomass pyrolysis as a sustainable and renewable energy solution. The study focuses on three biomass types: corn cob, vine rod, and sunflower, which are abundant agricultural residues with potential for biofuel production. The pyrolytic gas, oil, and char produced during pyrolysis at a heating rate of 10 °C/min were analyzed. At the pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C, the corn cob showed the smallest final residual mass of 24%, while the vine rod exhibited the largest mass loss of 40%. Gas analysis revealed the concentrations of CO2, CO, H2, and CH4 in the pyrolytic gas, indicating its energy potential. Sunflower presented the largest calorific value of the produced biogas, while corn cob was the lowest. The chemical composition of the bio-oils was determined, with aliphatic acids identified as the dominant compounds, suggesting their potential for biodiesel production. Fourier Transform–Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of raw biomass and char products demonstrated varying extents of decomposition among the biomass samples. A multicriteria assessment approach was employed to evaluate the differences between the selected three biomass feedstock and determined that sunflower biomass ranked the highest among the three, although the overall difference was small, confirming the suitability of all three biomass samples for pyrolysis conversion to higher-value-added fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for generation of biofuel from solid biomass was derived in this study. The model would assist in utilization of biomass which has always been a reliable source of energy generation through sustainable technology. In this research study, standard methods were used to generate the biofuel and its calorific values. Model was derived based on the assumption that biofuel generation Bf, is related to biomass utilization Bm, by the expression Bf = aBbm. Linearizing and calibration of model using data corresponding to first to the sixth runs resulted in calculating the constants "a" and "b" which are 37.751 and 0.767 respectively, with coefficient of correlation r = 0.75, while coefficient of correlation after verification of model using data from seventh to the twelfth runs was, r = 0.965 an indication that the model is adequate. Results also show that gross calorific value (GCV) and net calorific value (NCV) of biomass were 30400.28 kJ/Kg and 30022.84 kJ/Kg respectively. It is concluded that biomass can be recycled for sustainable energy and recommendation is given that biomass should not be indiscriminately disposed into the environment. Rather, collection stations should be established centrally for effective utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is looking forward to partially switching for a more sustainable option reducing the dependence on fossil fuel, thus complementing with a more environment-friendly option. Biomass as energy resource is a very prominent candidate for the same. Several researches are working on the commercialization of biomass-energy but many issues arise in the process. Some of the major challenges in the commercialization of biofuel as identified in this analysis are important to work upon. To mention a few, cutting down the cost of feedstock, placing the refineries more centrally to cut down the logistic expenses, to work on enzymatic hydrolyzation to make the process faster, making large volume products or high value goods as the secondary by-products. This article identifies these challenges, analyzed the root cause alongside suggesting some solutions like, preferring second generation biorefineries than first generation to avoid the controversy with the food security issue, introduction of newest technologies like circular bio-base production to reduce its adverse environmental impact and many more. This analysis can cater the requirement of a cross-section of researchers working on biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive water hyacinth (WH), Eichhornia crassipes, poses a severe environmental and economic threat to Ethiopian water bodies, particularly in the Rift Valley water bodies and Lake Tana. Known for its rapid proliferation, WH outcompetes native vegetation, doubling its coverage every 13 days, and has the potential to produce 140–350 tons of dry weight per hectare/annum. Lake Tana's northern shore alone bears the brunt of this issue, with an estimated 50,000 hectares of affected areas in Lake Tana alone covering approximately 130 km of lakeshore length as of 2015, apart from other lakes. In response to this pressing concern, the present study is dedicated to formulating a comprehensive circular bioeconomy policy framework focusing on effectively utilizing WH biomass. This innovative framework aims to convert WH biomass into valuable biofuels and other products, acknowledging its potential for environmental mitigation. It integrates diverse policy instruments – informational, economic, cooperative, and regulatory – to encourage sustainable WH biomass production and processing. With a focus on fostering economic advantages for local communities, the framework tackles challenges and outlines implementation strategies, highlighting the importance of international collaboration and robust monitoring systems. Success depends on alignment with existing policies related to environmental protection, energy production, and economic development. The framework unlocks economic, social, and ecological benefits and emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, community participation, and international cooperation. It offers a proactive approach to managing the invasive WH threat sustainably, transforming adversity into sustainable growth. Furthermore, it serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, contributing to the global shift towards a circular bioeconomy. [Display omitted] • Water hyacinth (WH) is Ethiopia's significant environmental and economic problem. • WH presents immense biofuel potential & eco-mitigation via a biorefinery framework. • A Circular bioeconomy policy framework with Adaptive Management strategies developed. • Global support seems vital for invasive WH circular bioeconomy to share best practices. • Key recos: Policies, R & D funding, incentives, stakeholder engagement, monitoring for the way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancement of growth rates and biochemical composition of marine microalgae are necessary for biofuel generation and other applications. Thus, the aim of the current review is to collect the recently published data on marine microalgae. Followed by cultivation conditions (such as media, light, temperature, pH, and cultivation time) of marine microalgae which are responsible for variations in biochemical composition (including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins). The strategies for the enhancement of marine microalgae productivity in terms of biomass and biochemical composition are discussed. The desatur ase /elong ase pathway for fatty acids (including oleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and other acids) production is elucidated. The low lipid content in marine microalgae could be enhanced by targeting the microalgal cell factories under the application of genetic engineering and synthetic biology. The genetic modification strategies combined with omics under stress conditions to enhance the potential of marine microalgae are highlighted. The applications of marine microalgae for environmental (i.e., pollutant removal, biodiesel, and/or other biofuel generation) and human health (such as supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other value-added products) are also emphasized. [Display omitted] • Data collection of potential marine microalgae from seawater for biodiesel generation. • High lipid content was found in A. coffaeiformis (>46%) and N. salinicola (>36%). • Lipid productivity in marine microalgal biomass enhanced by gene overexpression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the ever-increasing global demand and limiting the dependency on exhaustible fossil fuels led to the foundation for renewable energy research. Biomass obtained from algae seems as a promising feedstock for biofuel production. For the optimal recovery of biofuel, pretreatment of algal biomass is a primary element. This review discusses different biological routes of pretreatment used for algal feedstock, including whole-cell, fungal, and bacterial pretreatments. This manuscript also extensively covers enzymatic pretreatment and its approaches toward augmenting enzyme performances and enhancing biofuel production. Additionally, mutagenesis approaches by rational, semi-rational, and de novo designs using bioinformatics and biotechnological tools are also discussed. Furthermore, how chemical modification of enzymes using non-canonical amino acids and organo-metallo cofactors improve biofuel production is highlighted. Bioprospecting for biofuel production is an important area of research that contributes to sustainable and renewable energy development using screening of natural habitats, genetic modifications, synthetic biology, and metagenomics approaches. This study gives insight into different biomass pre-treatment and biofuel production methods, especially biogas, biohydrogen, and bioethanol. Furthermore, the review explores the comparative assessment of biological pretreatment of algal biomass and shows that biological processes can result in better biofuel yield from algal biomass. [Display omitted] • Algal cells are rich in fuel precursors, but their recovery is challenging. • Effective recovery strategy is needed for optimal biofuel production. • Biological route of biomass pretreatment seems promising for biofuel generation. • Enzymes play a key role in sustainable biofuel recovery from algal biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to growing interest in biofuels as alternative renewable energy sources, several recent studies have assessed the sustainability of their production. Emergy is a widely used environmental indicator for this purpose, as it counts exploitation of natural resources and direct and indirect solar energy requirements of biofuel production. Depending on whether a biofuel is first, second or third generation, its production system differs in nature and the indications derived from emergy evaluations vary as well. This article aims to provide guidelines on how to interpret and properly use the results of emergy evaluation of first, second and third generation biofuels. These guidelines are useful for correct emergy assessment of biofuels and clarify the actual meaning of emergy evaluation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impact of nanomaterials on the growth and lipid profile of microalgae was reviewed. • Low concentrations of nanomaterials are preferred for increasing lipid profile in microalgae. • Mg and Zn nanoparticles of 100 nm at 1000 mg/L yield 300 % more lipid accumulation in microalgae. • Genetically modified microalgae with engineered nanoparticles are promising future directions. Traditional fossil fuels used today have innumerable adverse effects on man and environment. Fuel derived microalgae is reported to be quite a healthier and eco-friendly alternative, as it contains lesser sulphur contents. This current review focuses on the application of nanoparticles in conjugation with microalgae for fuel quality production based on their effect on algal biomass and lipid profile. Processing of the microalgae leads to fuel generation of different viability and precision. Cultivation mode used, harvesting technique utilized and extraction procedure followed will determine the fuel quality and cost associated with it. Nanoparticles can complement any nutritional deficiencies pertaining to growing microalgae in wastewater or ponds. They can stimulate rapid absorption of nutrients and lipid accumulation with antibacterial properties. Aluminium nanoparticles have been reported to enhance the growth in Chlorella sp. by 19 % in a span of 4 days. Lower concentrations seem to favour the growth and biomass quality in microalgae. Iron nanoparticles incorporated in nanofibers of polymer are reported to have higher capture of gas molecules as well as an increase in biomass (794 mg/L) in Chlorella fusca. However, the limit of nanoparticles administration varies from species to species. Iron and zinc nanoparticles have been administered in maximum dosages up to 1000 mg/L till date. The current review highlights the possible application of nanomaterials on microalgal growth and their effect on lipid accumulation, which determines the quality of fuel generated by these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising demand for energy resources alongside climate emergency concerns has attracted the urgent attention of researchers towards the preparation and utilization of biofuels. This review will investigate the different generations of biofuels and more particularly, the developmental and production processes for creating liquid biofuels. Initially, the first-generation biofuel was dependent on edible resources, which has caused controversy and arguments on whether to fulfil the "food or fuel requirement" for civilization. Second-generation biofuels employed inedible resources, however, the cost of production at a commercial scale has restricted its expansion. Recently, third and fourth-generation use microorganisms and genetically modified microorganisms, respectively, to produce biofuels and create an efficient synthetic fuel switch route. Although the last two generations are still in the developmental phase, thorough research is required before commercial-scale production. In conclusion, this review has found that first- and second-generation biofuel production approaches will soon be inadequate to satisfy the exponentially rising demand for biofuels. Therefore, substantial research efforts currently and in the future should focus on the production of third and fourth-generation biofuels, especially on engineered microorganisms. Ultimately, the structure of this review is to outline the current state of the art research regarding biofuels, their production processes and limitations/challenges. This was done through critically reviewing the most up-to-date literature and utilizing bibliometric analysis tools to put forward the guidelines for the future routes of the four generations of biofuels. [Display omitted] • Biofuels have a significant responsibility in meeting the global energy requirements. • Fourth generations still need developmental before its commercial-scale production. • Large-scale biofuel production is urgent and entirely achievable to meet energy needs. • Thermochemical conversion processes heavily outweigh physical one to produce biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]