A Comparative Review on Different Trophic Modes and Usable Carbon Sources for Microalgae Cultivation, Approaching to Optimize Lipid Production in Trade Scale

Abstract

Microalgae are considered as an outstanding feedstock to produce high value lipid products like biodiesel and biomedicine. Reaching commercial maturity in this field is possible in the case of maximizing lipid yield and minimizing prime costs. In order to clarify the best features of carbon source (for microalgae cultivation) to reach optimum efficiency of biomass and lipid production, this paper reviews the merits and demerits of different trophic modes as well as type and concentration of carbon source. Furthermore carbon supplementation for large scale microalgae cultivation and lipid production is discussed as an economical point of view.