Microalgal Biotechnology

Microalgae Biotechnology: A Water–Soil–Air Nexus Sustainable Perspective offers a comprehensive and integrated overview of microalgal biotechnology, emphasizing its role within the interconnected systems of water, soil, and air. This book brings together cutting-edge research and multidisciplinary perspectives to explore how microalgae contribute to sustainable development, addressing global challenges related to environmental management, resource efficiency, and bio-based innovation.

This volume covers the full spectrum of microalgal biotechnology, from strain bioprospecting, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology to production systems and technological scalability. It examines microbial interactions in the phycosphere, as well as bioethical and risk considerations associated with environmental release and genome editing. This book highlights advances in high-value compounds such as pigments, lipids, exopolysaccharides, and biopolymers, alongside applications in food, feed, agriculture, and functional ingredients. Environmental applications are strongly represented, including wastewater treatment, bioremediation, carbon capture, and odor control. Emerging frontiers―such as sustainable aviation fuels and space life-support systems―are also explored. Finally, this book provides a robust discussion on sustainability assessment, including metrics, life cycle assessment (LCA), and consumer perception, offering readers both scientific depth and practical insight into the viability of microalgal technologies.

This book is designed for researchers, graduate students, and professionals in microalgal biotechnology and related disciplines, including biotechnology, environmental science, food science, and process engineering. It is also a valuable resource for industry stakeholders and decision-makers seeking to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with microalgae, particularly within the context of the water–energy–food nexus and the growing demand for sustainable technologies.

Dr. Mariany Costa Deprá is currently a researcher at the Department of Food Technology and Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. She has published more than 150 scientific publications/communications, including books, book chapters, original research papers, research communications in national and international conferences, and patents. She acts as a reviewer for several international journals. Her research interests include sustainability metrics and indicators with an emphasis on microalgal biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Jacob-Lopes is currently an associate professor at the Department of Food Technology and Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. He has more than fifteen years of teaching and research experience. He has coordinated/coordinates more than fifty research projects and/or technological developments financed by public funding agencies and private initiatives. He has published more than 800 scientific publications/communications, including books, book chapters, original research papers, research communications in national and international conferences, and patents. He is a member of the editorial board of ten journals and acts as a reviewer for several national and international journals. His research interests include environmental engineering with an emphasis on microalgal biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Leila Queiroz Zepka is currently an associate professor at the Department of Food Technology and Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. She has more than fifteen years of teaching and research experience. She has published more than 700 scientific publications/communications, including books, book chapters, original research papers, research communications in national and international conferences, and patents. She is a member of the editorial board of five journals and acts as a reviewer for several national and international journals. Her research interest includes microalgal biotechnology with emphasis on biomolecules and novel products.