ABSTRACT
Microalgae have been investigated as a potential feedstock for a variety of biofuels among, which biodiesel production has been most commonly researched. In general, the production chain for algal biofuels includes strain development, mass cultivation of algal cells, harvesting and dewatering of algal biomass, extraction of desired components from the biomass, and conversion of the target components into fuel products. In recent years, the use of thermochemical-based methods particularly the hydrothermal liquefaction to treat the whole biomass has also gained interest in recent years. This chapter 336will provide an overview of the algal biofuel production chain and discuss the current hurdles to commercialization and possible solutions.
