Chapter 21 - Photosynthetic cell factories, a new paradigm for carbon dioxide (CO2) valorization

Abstract

With the advent of industrial revolution, global progress has been mainly based on the overutilization of natural resources. Anthropogenic activities such as the widespread exploitation of non-renewable energy sources, forest cover, etc. have all become a factor to rising greenhouse gas (GHGs) concentrations. Such an increase of the GHGs has led to an ever-increasing challenge of climate change and global warming. With the consistent global efforts, scientific advances have been made in carbon dioxide capture and utilisation (CCU) research. While individual CO2-based technologies have been introduced to market, the scientific and economic implications of large-scale CO2 remain partly elusive. Additionally, the outline of different methods of CCU also elucidate their mechanism. Microalgal biorefineries have the potential to make a significant contribution to tackling current global concerns in energy, the ecosystem, and sustainable development. These photosynthetic cell factories are efficient in converting atmospheric CO2 in the presence of sunlight into high-value renewables. In addition, the synergistic effects of utilising wastewater and carbon dioxide use by microalgae have resulted in biorefineries that are both sustainable and economically viable. In conclusion, advanced CCU technologies have been available with several bottlenecks, however, a rational design of these cell factories along with the other CCU technologies can pave the way for a sustainable bioeconomy.