Advancements in the application of surfactants in microalgal production, harvesting and processing: A review

While the possibility of a microalgae industry is exciting, commercial practice has been hampered by the high operational costs. Surfactants-assisted microalgae industrial innovations, which are primarily based on the unique structure of surfactants with hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, have garnered significant interest in recent years. However, lack of systematic overview of coupling of surfactant and microalgae industry so far. Here, we begin with an overview of main direction of surfactant coupled with microalgae industry, followed by a summary of the background, advantages, and research status of each main direction in the order of microalgae growth, harvesting, and processing. Additionally, we addressed the mechanisms involved in certain key directions. Final concluding remarks on the future potential for expanding surfactant applications in the microalgae industry are also suggested