Biorefinery potential of Dunaliella (Chlorophyta) for production of value-added compounds

Dunaliella functions as a microscopic bioindustry that can capture atmospheric carbon dioxide and amass it into a range of economically viable compounds. Dunaliella-based biorefineries have emerged as sustainable platforms for fostering a green economy and reducing carbon emissions. Dunaliella-derived value-added compounds are commercially important due to their application in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. The present study highlights the economic application of different Dunaliella species and the available sustainable technologies for the cultivation, harvesting, and extraction of bioactive compounds that have the potential for commercial scaleup. Their incorporation into biorefinery processes can reduce dependency on energy-intensive and low-yield processes.

This review briefly discusses the technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of Dunaliella-driven industrial approaches for the optimization of effective yield and determination of final production costs. The major algal biorefineries are operational in countries like Australia, China, India, Israel, Japan, Portugal, Spain and the USA. The authors have comprehensively deliberated different aspects of Dunaliella from physiological to industrial applications, meanwhile underscoring the existing knowledge gaps that impede the success of Dunaliella biorefineries. The current industrial methods being employed for biorefineries are limited to producing individual bioproducts, which may not be fully cost effective, making them less competitive in the global market. However, the analysis carried out can serve as a starting point and can guide stakeholders towards the future direction of Dunaliella-based research and the circular bioeconomy.