Innovative technologies and sources of energy must be developed to replace fossil fuels and contribute to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases associated with their use. Biofuels
are particularly important as an alternative option for
transportation fuels. However, biofuels derived from terrestrial
crops such as sugarcane, soybeans, maize, rapeseed, among
others, impose pressure on food markets, contribute to water
scarcity and precipitate forest devastation. In this way, the sustainability
of biofuels will depend on the development of viable,
sustainable, second-generation technologies that do not
appear to be yet commercially viable. In this perspective, algal
biofuels are generating substantial awareness in many countries.
As of today, it has been shown that it is scientifically
and technically possible to derive the desired energy products
from algae in the laboratory. The question lies, however, in