From Micro-Algae to Blue Oil

Microalgae, among the Earth’s earliest life forms, come in tremendous diversity, and scientists are making groundbreaking discoveries with what ParisTech Review calls the “tiny biochemical factories.” Some microalgae are rich in fats and fast to grow – these are the targets for new biofuels and expensive health products like beta-carotene and fatty acids like omega 3. “The vast majority of the oil existing today actually comes from micro-algae and was formed from their decomposition,” explains the article. The natural process takes millions of years, but by experimenting with temperature and pressure, teams of researchers have replicated the process in factories over two days. “Not only does this bio-oil have the ability to burn just like crude oil, but it also has the added advantage of not containing sulfur nor any heavy metal elements almost always present in natural deposits,” reports ParisTech. Research on biodiversity, the most appropriate species, genetic improvements and refining capability could eventually reduce costs of this alternative fuel. – YaleGlobal