Microalgae Derived C10+ Biofuels

This project addresses the need for renewable energy by developing technologies for controlled growth of microalgae as a cost effective source of various oils that serve as starting materials for biodiesel and biojet fuels. The integrated Biorefinery technology platform utilizes carbon dioxide produced during bioethanol fermentation as the Carbon source for microalgae growth and capitalizes on the long photoperiods in Puerto Rico by using fiber optic delivery of sunlight. Molecular genetics and analytical expertise are being used to characterize unique indigenous microalgae and to optimize the production of different oils desired for manufacturing different Biofuels.