Use of Microalgae for Biofuel Production in the Northeast Region of Brazil, with Emphasis on Genus Botryococcus:A Review

The search for renewable energy sources is one of today's most pressing challenges, and biofuels have emerged as a viable solution to meet demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Brazil presents the necessary conditions to stand out as a producer and exporter of biofuels worldwide, due to the country's great biodiversity and favorable climate. Among its biomass sources, microalgae stands out for presenting several advantages, such as high productivity and possibility of cultivation anywhere. This work aims to address the advantages and disadvantages of biofuel production from microalgae focused on the genus Botryococcus, known for the formation of liquid hydrocarbons and high lipid content. The species of the genus have great biotechnological potential, but are little studied, especially B. terribilis, which has diverse distribution and is generally found in alkaline reservoirs, not only in Brazil, but in other tropical climate regions.