Introduction - Biotechnological Applications of Microalgae - page 4

of flight (MALDI-TOF), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), etc. Chapter 7 explores
in detail the lipid extraction and identification techniques that are commonly used.
Microalgal lipids are converted into biodiesel through transesterification steps.
Transesterification of microalgal lipids into biodiesel is accomplished either
chemically or biologically using lipolytic enzymes. These methods are outlined in
Chapter 8. To establish the feasibility of biodiesel production from microalgae, it is
prudent to perform a life cycle analysis (LCA). The procedures involved in LCA are
discussed in Chapter 9. Apart from generating biofuels and other value-added prod-
ucts, microalgae cultivation is also profoundly involved in climate change abatement
through CO 2 sequestration. This important application of microalgae is discussed in
Chapter 11. Microalgae can use wastewater rich in nitrates and phosphates as sub-
strates for growth while simultaneously removing these macronutrients and thereby
arresting eutrophication. Therefore, microalgae are involved in the phycoremedia-
tion of domestic and industrial wastewaters, and this is achieved in high-rate algal
ponds (Chapter 12). Finally, Chapter 13 discusses general microalgal biotechnology
in terms of its potential as today's “green gold rush.” The chapter gives an overview
of advanced techniques such as genetic engineering of microalgae so as to increase
lipid yield.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author hereby acknowledges the National Research Foundation (South Africa)
for financial assistance.
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