ABSTRACT
Some strains of algae show promise as a sustainable source of biofuel due to their rapid growth, ability to grow on non-arable land, and high triacylglycerol (TAG) content. TAGs can be easily converted to biodiesel, which is compatible with current fuel infrastructure [1]. Biodiesel has a higher energy density than ethanol, yet it is relatively non-toxic, biodegradable, and produces lower exhaust emissions than petroleum-based fuels, making it is one of the most attractive forms of alternative energy [2,3]. Additionally, when derived from plant sources such as algae, biodiesel has the potential of a near-neutral carbon footprint [4], though considerable work must be done in order to realize this goal in an economically and environmentally-feasible manner [5].
