ABSTRACT
The use of nanotechnology for biological application emerged as a nanobiotechnology. This chapter discusses on microalgae cultivation, harvesting, biodiesel production, properties of biodiesel, bioreactors developed for biodiesel production, the concept of green building for self-sustained infrastructure, characterization techniques for biodiesel analysis, nanobiocatalysts for biodiesel production and microstructured devices for biodiesel production. It also briefly addresses the variety of microreactors used in biodiesel production. The chapter presents the importance of an integrated microscale system for biodiesel production and purification and their role in large scale production. Microalgae biomass is a potential feedstock for biodiesel production over other microbial biomass due to its higher biomass productivity and accumulation of lipid content. Lipid extraction from microalgal biomass is a crucial step in the downstream process and subsequently, the transesterification of lipids produces biodiesel. The chapter critically discusses various steps of biodiesel production from microalgae. The research studies proved that nanomaterials are highly potential for maximizing the biodiesel production.
