Integrative Biology

There are still on-going debates on the role of carbon dioxide fi xation technologies on climate change. Nevertheless, we could not disregard the strong correlation between carbon dioxide concentration and global warming. Th is scenario has induced many researchers not only to reduce the carbon dioxide emission but also utilize or fi x carbon dioxide. Mainly two approaches

which are biological and chemical have been aggressively developed for carbon dioxide fi xation. Th e photoautotrophic cultivation of microalgae is the most promising biological method for carbon dioxide fi xation and utilization. Th is is because the microalgal biomass can be further processed as feedstock for biofuel and bio-based chemicals production. We have made used of microalgal technologies to be integrated into wastewater treatment such as in the palm oil mill effl uents. Meanwhile, the chemical pathways are: (i) utilization of carbon dioxide via catalytic conversion into fuel or chemical e.g., methanol and methane and (ii) fi xation of carbon dioxide into certain matrix such as cement. Recently, photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol has gained much interested because the process is less energy intensive. Defi nitely there are many new technologies being developed, but the feasibility of this technology on a large scale should be carefully evaluated. Th e biological and chemical perspectives on future of carbon dioxide fi xation and utilization are outlined.