From Lab to Market: Advanced Manufacturing Strategies for Photosynthetic Bio-factory CO2 fixation

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Background

As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the demand for innovative decarbonization technologies is surging across various sectors, such as agriculture, maritime transport, and heavy industries like iron, steel, and chemicals. Among these, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies stand out for their potential to slash half of the industrial. A particularly promising approach within CCUS is the fixation of flue gas CO2 through photosynthetic bio-factories, which transforms CO2 into valuable bioproducts, ranging from alternative feedstocks to cosmetics and lipids. However, the commercial viability and scalability of these downstream bioproducts remain areas ripe for exploration and development.

With this in mind, we are launching this special issue titled "From Lab to Market: Advanced Manufacturing Strategies for Photosynthetic Bio-factory CO2 fixation." The issue aims to unlock the full potential of the microalgal bioeconomy. We invite submissions that cover a wide array of topics, from mechanistic studies and novel conceptual frameworks to industrial processes that can accelerate the practical applications of microalgae in CO2 fixation and bioproduct generation.

While there has been extensive research on microalgal CO2 fixation technology, much of the progress remains confined to the laboratory setting. When these innovations are scaled up for industrial applications, their effectiveness often diminishes. One critical issue is the scalability of the technology. Another challenge lies in optimizing CO2 fixation capacity in large-scale operations; the substantial land requirements and limited CO2 fixation capabilities currently hinder its broader development. Designing a comprehensive and efficient system to tackle this issue is crucial for advancing the technology. Additionally, the economic viability of microalgal CO2 fixation is pivotal. The technology's success hinges on generating sufficient revenue from microalgal biomass and its derivative bioproducts to offset the costs of CO2 capture. To address these multifaceted challenges, a collaborative approach that spans multiple disciplines is essential for overcoming practical obstacles in scaling this technology.

We invite contributions that explore various facets of microalgal production, with an emphasis on Original Research, Reviews, and Opinion articles. Specifically, we are interested in the following themes: Cutting-edge techniques for large-scale microalgal operations, Comprehensive life cycle assessments of microalgal CO2 fixation processes, Advances in microalgal bioproduct extraction methodologies, Business and market evaluations of existing microalgal CO2 fixation technologies, Diverse applications of microalgal bioproducts.

Within this Research Topic, we are particularly keen on submissions that focus on:

• Methods for CO2 capture and conversion to bicarbonate

• Strategies for microalgal strain selection, editing, and engineering

• Innovations in photobioreactor and fermentation reactor design and usage

• Life cycle evaluations of the entire pipeline, including its CO2 absorption efficiency

• Novel approaches and techniques for producing high-value bioproducts, such as C-phycocyanin, carotenoids, and chlorophyll.

• Market analyses of microalgal biomass and its derivative bioproducts

• Exploration of the application and market potential for microalgal biomass and its byproducts

We look forward to receiving submissions that will advance our understanding and application of microalgal technologies.

Keywords: Microalgae, Carbon neutrality, Bioproducts, Flue Gas CO2 Fixation, Decarbonization Technologies, Photosynthetic Cell Factories

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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