Microalgae and cyanobacteria cultivation has traditionally depended on synthetic growth media, a practice that increases both production costs and environmental impact. In contrast, industrial wastewaters and residual liquid phases from chemical or thermochemical processes represent nutrient-rich, underutilized resources that could serve as cost-effective alternatives. Their valorization offers multiple benefits: lowering operational expenses, reducing environmental burdens, and contributing to the principles of a circular bioeconomy. Recent studies have shown that these unconventional substrates can support competitive growth rates and maintain desirable biochemical profiles, comparable to conventional culture media. However, challenges such as compositional variability and the presence of inhibitory compounds remain, highlighting the need for targeted research and process optimization.

This Research Topic aims to advance knowledge and innovation in integrating alternative culture media into microalgae and cyanobacteria bioprocesses. Specifically, it seeks to investigate the potential of industrial wastewaters and process byproducts as sustainable nutrient sources, exploring their effects on growth kinetics, biomass yield, and biochemical composition. By focusing on real-world waste streams from diverse industrial sectors, this initiative strives to bridge biotechnology with waste valorization, turning low-value or problematic effluents into high-value biomass. Key questions include how microalgae and cyanobacteria adapt to variable or inhibitory conditions, how waste-derived substrates can be pretreated or blended to enhance nutrient balance, and how these approaches can be scaled up for industrial integration. Ultimately, the goal is to provide robust, evidence-based strategies that make algal biotechnology more economically viable, environmentally responsible, and industrially compatible.

We invite contributions that address the use of unconventional substrates in microalgae and cyanobacteria cultivation, particularly focusing on:
-Industrial process wastewaters: brewery/distillery yeast wash waters; textile dyeing wastewater post-oxidation; pulp and paper bleaching effluents; cooling tower blowdown; saline industrial effluents.
-Residual phases from chemical/thermochemical processes: hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase; autohydrolysis/steam explosion liquors; black liquor; hydrothermal carbonization liquids; pyrolysis aqueous condensates; regeneration brines.
-Hybrid and integrated approaches: nutrient-balanced blends; sequential or multi-stage cultivation to mitigate inhibitory effects.
-Physiological mechanisms, adaptation and resilience in waste-derived media.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, case studies, and technical notes. Submissions should emphasize innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable strategies that open new opportunities for industrial integration, waste reduction, and the generation of high-value microalgae/cyanobacteria products.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Alternative Culture Media for Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Biotechnology: Advancements in Industrial Wastewaters and Process Residuals for Sustainable Biomass Production