Recent advancements in algae technology

Bioethanol utilises biological materials like plants to extract sugar for fermentation. The type of biomass determines the biofuel generation. Algae, which is associated with third generation biofuel, has advantageous characteristics that can be more efficient and sustainable compared to first and second generation biofuels. Pretreatment of third generation biofuel has gained attention. The addition of enzymes and acids along with alterations of the physical environment (i.e. temperature or pH) can optimise the pretreatment stage. This paper discusses studies done on macroalgae Ulva Lactua as well as the microalgae Asterarcys quadricellulare. Fourth generation uses genetic modifications to optimise biomass extraction. Technologies such as the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats System have been used in studies to alter genomes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutagenesis was also part of a study, which was utilised to weaken the cell wall of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Commercialisation has not been seen in these two generations, but their advances in research can be promising...