Chitosan and Its Derivatives Applied in Harvesting Microalgae for Biodiesel Production: An Outlook

Abstract

Although oil‐accumulating microalgae are a promising feedstock for biodiesel production, large‐scale biodiesel production is not yet economically feasible. As harvesting accounts for an important part of total production cost, mass production of microalgae biodiesel requires an efficient low‐energy harvesting strategy so as to make biodiesel production economically attractive. Chitosan has emerged as a favorable flocculating agent in harvesting of microalgae. The aim of this paper is to review current research on the application of chitosan and chitosan‐derived materials for harvesting microalgae. This offers a starting point for future studies able to invalidate, confirm, or complete the actual findings and to improve knowledge in this field.