Cyanofuels: biofuels from cyanobacteria. Reality and perspectives

• Published in: Photosynthesis research 2015-08, Vol.125 (1-2), p.329-340
• Main Authors: Sarsekeyeva, Fariza, Zayadan, Bolatkhan K, Usserbaeva, Aizhan, Bedbenov, Vladimir S, Sinetova, Maria A, Los, Dmitry A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alcohols; Algae; autotrophs; Bacteria; Biochemistry; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Biomass; Biomass energy; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biotechnology; carbohydrates; carbon; Carbon Cycle; carbon dioxide; Cyanobacteria; Cyanobacteria - chemistry; Cyanobacteria - growth & development; Fatty acids; freshwater; Life Sciences; microorganisms; Photosynthesis; phytoplankton; Plant biochemistry; Plant Genetics and Genomics; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Pyrolysis; Review
• ISSN: 0166-8595; 1573-5079
• DOI: 10.1007/s11120-015-0103-3

Cyanobacteria are represented by a diverse group of microorganisms that, by virtue of being a part of marine and freshwater phytoplankton, significantly contribute to the fixation of atmospheric carbon via photosynthesis. It is assumed that ancient cyanobacteria participated in the formation of earth’s oil deposits. Biomass of modern cyanobacteria may be converted into bio-oil by pyrolysis. Modern cyanobacteria grow fast; they do not compete for agricultural lands and resources; they efficiently convert excessive amounts of CO₂ into biomass, thus participating in both carbon fixation and organic chemical production. Many cyanobacterial species are easier to genetically manipulate than eukaryotic algae and other photosynthetic organisms. Thus, the cyanobacterial photosynthesis may be directed to produce carbohydrates, fatty acids, or alcohols as renewable sources of biofuels. Here we review the recent achievements in the developments and production of cyanofuels—biofuels produced from cyanobacterial biomass.