Algae BiofuelTEAM – 6CHEN – 282Jennifer Gilmer, Tyler Goodall, Avanti Kavarthapu, Angela Martinez

Outline

What is Biodiesel?

Types of Bioreactors

Algae Extraction Methods

Why would a bio-based system be beneficial?

Drawbacks of using Biodiesel

Improvements

Conclusions

What is Biodiesel? A type of biodiesel being looked at is that made from

cultivating algae. The process for converting the oil from algae to biodiesel

is called transesterification.

Types of Bioreactors Open ponds—Shallow pools of water open to the

atmosphere. Photobioreactors– Enclosed ponds.

Algae Extraction Methods Current methods for oil extraction from

algae are: Expeller/press method presses out

70 – 75% of the oil from the algae.

Hexane solvent method is a little more efficient than a press. Most common method.

Algae Extraction Methods Supercritical fluid method is the most efficient method

where almost 100% of the oil can be extracted.

Why would a bio-based system be beneficial? Cost at the pump Reliable Up to 17% of U.S. oil imports could be met with algae. Environmentally favorable Carbon neutral

Drawbacks of using Biodiesel Performance Expensive Cost at the pump revisited Diesel engines

Improvement to current standard Introduction of the enzyme:

monoterpene synthase from basil. Monoterpene synthase creates and

automatically secretes the lipid oil geraniol.

Conclusion

References Rosenberg, J., Oyler, G., Wilkinson, L., and Betenbaugh, M. “A green

light for engineered algae: redirecting metabolism to fuel a biotechnology revolution.” “Biotechnology.” 2008. 19:430-436.

Schenk, P., Thomas-Hall, S., Stephens, E., Marx, U., Mussgnug, J., Posten, C., Kruse, O., and Hankamer, B. “Second Generation Biofuels: High-Effiency Microalgae for Biodiesel Production. “Bioenergy Res.” 2008. 1:20-43. 

Demirbas, A., and Demirbas, M.F. “Importance of algae oil as a source of biodiesel.” “Energy Conversion and Management.” 2011. 52:163-170.

Christ, Yusuf. “Biodiesel from microalgae beats bioethanol.” “Trends in Biotechnology.” 2007. 26:3:126-131.

Vijayaraghavan, K., and Hemanathan, H. “Biodiesel Production from Freshwater Algae.” “Energy Fuels.” 2009. 32:5448-5453.

Hossain, S., Salleh, A., Nasrulhag Boyce, A., Chowdhury, P., and Naqiuddin., M. “Biodiesel Fuel Production from Algae as Renewable Energy.” “American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology.” 2008. 4(3):320-254.

Questions?