Prospects of Oil Production From Algae: A Review | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 63, Volume 29, Issue 4, July and August 2025, Page 1115-1128 PDF (328.56 K) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.442760 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Author | ||||
| Mahmoud Sami | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| The global demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional oils has driven intensive research into microalgae-derived lipids. This review examined the current state of algal oil production, encompassing cultivation techniques, extraction technologies, applications, and prospects. Open and closed cultivation systems were analyzed highlighting how advanced photobioreactors achieve 30-50% higher productivity than traditional ponds. The work critically evaluates mechanical, chemical, and emerging green extraction methods, with particular focus on supercritical CO₂ extraction that preserves 95% of PUFAs. Algal oil can be considered as a superior source of bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids (200-300 mg DHA/g), while its biofuel potential shows 70-90% lower lifecycle emissions than petroleum. The review identified key challenges including production costs ($3-8/kg) and scaling limitations, while presenting cutting-edge solutions like CRISPR-engineered strains with 2.5× lipid yields. The integrated biorefineries combining biofuel production with high-value co-products represent the most viable commercialization pathway. With appropriate technological maturation and policy support, algal oil could displace 10-15% of conventional vegetable oil production by 2035, addressing food security, energy sustainability, and climate change mitigation. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Algal oil; Sustainable omega-3 sources; Biofuel; Circular bioeconomy; Green extraction methods | ||||
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