Advances in microalgae-based carbon sequestration: Current status and future perspectives

Abstract

The advancement in carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration technology has received significant attention due to the adverse effects of CO₂ on climate. The mitigation of the adverse effects of CO₂ can be accomplished through its conversion into useful products or renewable fuels. In this regard, microalgae is a promising candidate due to its high photosynthesis efficiency, sustainability, and eco-friendly nature. Microalgae utilizes CO₂ in the process of photosynthesis and generates biomass that can be utilized to produce various valuable products such as supplements, chemicals, cosmetics, biofuels, and other value-added products. However, at present microalgae cultivation is still restricted to producing value-added products due to high cultivation costs and lower CO₂ sequestration efficiency of algal strains. Therefore, it is very crucial to develop novel techniques that can be cost-effective and enhance microalgal carbon sequestration efficiency. The main aim of the present manuscript is to explain how to optimize microalgal CO₂ sequestration, integrate valuable product generation, and explore novel techniques like genetic manipulations, phytohormones, quantum dots, and AI tools to enhance the efficiency of CO₂ sequestration. Additionally, this review provides an overview of the mass flow of different microalgae and their biorefinery, life cycle assessment (LCA) for achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions, and the advantages, challenges, and future perspectives of current technologies. All of the reviewed approaches efficiently enhance microalgal CO₂ sequestration and integrate value-added compound production, creating a green and economically profitable process.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; CO(2) sequestration; Genetic engineering; Microalgae; Phytohormones; Quantum dots.