Exploring microalgae applications in building facades: a bibliometric perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2025.15.01.10Keywords:
microalgae, photobioreactor, sustainable architecture, façade design, bibliometric analysis, biomass, energy productionAbstract
Microalgae are microorganisms that offer promising potential for application in sustainable environmental technologies due to their ability to photosynthesize, produce biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and treat wastewater. These versatile properties allow microalgae to be integrated into architectural façade systems. Photobioreactors that can be integrated into architectural facades can be used for energy generation, air quality improvement, shading, and wastewater treatment. In this context, although there are many bibliometric studies in the literature on the use of microalgae in environmental and industrial applications, no comprehensive bibliometric study focuses on the use of microalgae in architectural facade designs. This study aims to systematically reveal the research trends in this field by examining the literature on the use of microalgae in building facades and cladding systems through bibliometric analysis. According to the research findings, the scientific literature on the use of microalgae in building facades has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with interdisciplinary collaborations focusing on the themes of sustainability, energy efficiency, and biological interaction. The studies published between 2012 and 2024, with leading contributions from countries such as Germany, the USA, China, and the Netherlands, are shaped around keywords such as microalgae, bioreactor, green facade, bio-integration, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and building biotechnology. As a result, this research makes the current position of microalgae technologies visible and provides strategic recommendations to guide future academic work.
Downloads
References
AHMADI, F., WILKINSON, S., REZAZADEH, H., KEAWSAWASVONG, S., NAJAFI, Q., & MASOUMI, A. (2023). Energy efficient glazing: A comparison of microalgae photobioreactor and Iranian Orosi window designs. Building and Environment, 233, 109942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109942 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109942
ARBYE, S., ARIANTI, R. F., PRADANA, Y. S., SUYONO, E. A., KOERNIAWAN, M. D., SUWANTI, L. T., SIREGAR, U. J., & BUDIMAN, A. (2020). The design of microalgae (Chlorella sp.) photobioreactor as a façade bus shelter building in Indonesia. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2296(1), 020007. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0030408 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0030408
ARORA, R., SUDHAKAR, K., & RANA, R. S. (2024). Photobioreactors for building integration: A overview of designs and architectural potential. Heliyon, 10(15), e35168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35168 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35168
BILORIA, N., & THAKKAR, Y. (2020). Integrating algae building technology in the built environment: A cost and benefit perspective. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 9(2), 370-384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2019.12.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2019.12.004
BITOG, J. P., LEE, I. B., LEE, C. G., KIM, K. S., HWANG, H. S., HONG, S. W., SEO, I.-H., KWON, K.-S. & MOSTAFA, E. (2011). Application of computational fluid dynamics for modeling and designing photobioreactors for microalgae production: a review. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 76(2), 131-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2011.01.015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2011.01.015
CARVALHO, J. C. M., MATSUDO, M. C., BEZERRA, R. P., FERREIRA-CAMARGO, L. S., & SATO, S. (2014). Microalgae Bioreactors. In R. Bajpai, A. Prokop & M. Zappi (Eds.). Algal Biorefineries: Volume 1: Cultivation of Cells and Products (pp. 83–126). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7494-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7494-0_4
ELMALKY, A. M., & ARAJI, M. T. (2024a). Kinetics model with experimental validation for optimal microalgae generation in double-skin façades. Energy, 311, 133335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.133335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.133335
ELMALKY, A. M., & ARAJI, M. T. (2024b). Optimization models for photosynthetic bioenergy generation in building façades. Renewable Energy, 228, 120607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.120607 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.120607
ELRAYIES, G. M. (2018). Microalgae: Prospects for greener future buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81(1), 1175-1191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.08.032 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.08.032
GAO, C., XIN, H., YANG, S., LI, Z., LIU, S., XU, B., ZHANG, T., DUTTA, S., & TANG, Y. (2022). Trends and performances of the algal biofuel: a bibliometric approach. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 30(2), 284-300. https://doi.org/10.3846/jeelm.2022.16746 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/jeelm.2022.16746
GIRARD, F., TOUBLANC, C., ANDRES, Y., DECHANDOL, E., & PRUVOST, J. (2023). System modeling of the thermal behavior of a building equipped with facade-integrated photobioreactors: Validation and comparative analysis. Energy and Buildings, 292, 113147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113147 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113147
GOL, N., TAGHAVIJELOUDAR, M., JALILIAN, N., & REZANIA, S. (2025). Microalgae cultivation in semi-transparent photovoltaic bioreactor for sustainable power generation, wastewater treatment and biodiesel production. Energy Conversion and Management, 325, 119417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.119417 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.119417
HASNAN, M. T. I. M. T., & ZAHARIN, P. M. B. (2020). Exploration of microalgae photobioreactor (PBR) in tropical climate building envelope. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 5(14), 263-278. https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2166 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2166
HUANG, Q., JIANG, F., WANG, L., & YANG, C. (2017). Design of photobioreactors for mass cultivation of photosynthetic organisms. Engineering, 3(3), 318-329. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENG.2017.03.020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENG.2017.03.020
KINAWY, R. N., FATHY, W., HAMMOUDA, O., ABDELHAMEED, M. S., SAYED, A. F., & SHABAN, A. M. (2024). Revealing the utilization of microalgae in cosmetics: insights from a comprehensive scientometric analysis over the last two decades. International Aquatic Research, 16(4), 375-397. http://doi.org/10.22034/iar.2024.2008952.1753
LI, Z., & ZHU, L. (2021). The scientometric analysis of the research on microalgae-based wastewater treatment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 25339-25348. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12348-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12348-4
MELO, J. M., RIBEIRO, M. R., TELLES, T. S., AMARAL, H. F., & ANDRADE, D. S. (2022). Microalgae cultivation in wastewater from agricultural industries to benefit next generation of bioremediation: a bibliometric analysis. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(15), 22708-22720. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17427-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17427-0
METWALLY, W. M., & IBRAHIM, V. A. R. (2024). The Integration of Bio-Active Elements into Building Façades as a Sustainable Concept. Buildings, 14(10), 3086. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103086
NEGEV, E., YEZIORO, A., POLIKOVSKY, M., KRIBUS, A., CORY, J., SHASHUA-BAR, L., & GOLBERG, A. (2019). Algae Window for reducing energy consumption of building structures in the Mediterranean city of Tel-Aviv, Israel. Energy and Buildings, 204, 109460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109460 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109460
NWOBA, E. G., PARLEVLIET, D. A., LAIRD, D. W., ALAMEH, K., & MOHEIMANI, N. R. (2020). Pilot-scale self-cooling microalgal closed photobioreactor for biomass production and electricity generation. Algal Research, 45, 101731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101731 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101731
ÖNCEL, S. Ş., KÖSE, A., & ÖNCEL, D. Ş. (2016). 11 - Façade integrated photobioreactors for building energy efficiency. Start-Up Creation, The Smart Eco-Efficient Built Environment, 237-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100546-0.00011-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100546-0.00011-X
PRISMA. (2020). PRISMA 2020. https://www.prisma-statement.org/
PRUVOST, J., LE GOUIC, B., LEPINE, O., LEGRAND, J., & LE BORGNE, F. (2016). Microalgae culture in building-integrated photobioreactors: Biomass production modelling and energetic analysis. Chemical Engineering Journal, 284, 850-861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2015.08.118 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2015.08.118
PURBA, L. D. A., SUSANTI, H., ADMIRASARI, R., PRAHARYAWAN, S., & IWAMOTO, K. (2024). Bibliometric insights into microalgae cultivation in wastewater: Trends and future prospects for biolipid production and environmental sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management, 352, 120104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120104
REZAZADEH, H., KORDJAMSHIDI, M., AHMADI, F., & ESKANDARINEJAD, A. (2021). Use of double-glazed window as a photobioreactor for CO 2 removal from air. Environmental Engineering Research, 26(2), 200122. https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2020.122 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2020.122
RUMIN, J., NICOLAU, E., GONÇALVES DE OLIVEIRA JUNIOR, R., FUENTES-GRÜNEWALD, C., FLYNN, K. J., & PICOT, L. (2020). A bibliometric analysis of microalgae research in the world, Europe, and the European Atlantic area. Marine Drugs, 18(2), 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/md18020079 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/md18020079
SARMADI, H., & MAHDAVINEJAD, M. (2023). A designerly approach to Algae-based large open office curtain wall Façades to integrated visual comfort and daylight efficiency. Solar Energy, 251, 350-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.01.021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.01.021
SCHERER, K., STIEFELMAIER, J., STRIETH, D., WAHL, M., & ULBER, R. (2020). Development of a lightweight multi-skin sheet photobioreactor for future cultivation of phototrophic biofilms on facades. Journal of Biotechnology, 320, 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.06.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.06.004
SEDIGHI, M., POURMOGHADDAM QHAZVINI, P., & AMIDPOUR, M. (2023). Algae-powered buildings: A review of an innovative, sustainable approach in the built environment. Sustainability, 15(4), 3729. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043729 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043729
SILVA, S. C., FERREIRA, I. C., DIAS, M. M., & BARREIRO, M. F. (2020). Microalgae-derived pigments: A 10-year bibliometric review and industry and market trend analysis. Molecules, 25(15), 3406. http://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153406
SINGH, S. P., & SINGH, P. (2015). Effect of temperature and light on the growth of algae species: A review. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 50, 431-444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.05.024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.05.024
TALAEI, M., & PRIETO, A. (2024a). A review on performance of sustainable microalgae photobioreactor façades technology: exploring challenges and advantages. Architectural Science Review, 67(5), 387-414. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2024.2305889 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2024.2305889
TALAEI, M., MAHDAVINEJAD, M., AZARI, R., PRIETO, A., & SANGIN, H. (2021). Multi-objective optimization of building-integrated microalgae photobioreactors for energy and daylighting performance. Journal of Building Engineering, 42, 102832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102832 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102832
TALAEI, M., & SANGIN, H. (2024b). Thermal comfort, daylight, and energy performance of envelope-integrated algae-based bioshading and static shading systems through multi-objective optimization. Journal of Building Engineering, 90, 109435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109435 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109435
TALAEI, M., MAHDAVINEJAD, M., AZARI, R., HAGHIGHI, H. M., & ATASHDAST, A. (2022). Thermal and energy performance of a user-responsive microalgae bioreactive façade for climate adaptability. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 52, 101894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101894 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101894
TODISCO, E., LOUVEAU, J., THOBIE, C., DECHANDOL, E., HERVÉ, L., DURÉCU, S., TITICA, M., & PRUVOST, J. (2022). A dynamic model for temperature prediction in a façade-integrated photobioreactor. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 181, 371-383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2022.03.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2022.03.017
UGWU, C. U., AOYAGI, H., & UCHIYAMA, H. (2008). Photobioreactors for mass cultivation of algae. Bioresource technology, 99(10), 4021-4028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2007.01.046 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2007.01.046
UMDU, E. S. & UNIV, Y. (2020). 12- Building Integrated Photobioreactor. Bio-Based Materials and Biotechnologies for Eco-Efficient Construction. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819481-2.00012-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819481-2.00012-X
VAJDI, S., & ASLANI, A. (2023). Design and techno-economic analysis of direct CO2 capturing with integrated photobioreactors as a building façade. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 56, 103068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2023.103068 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2023.103068
VILLALBA, M. R., CERVERA, R., & SÁNCHEZ, J. (2023). Green solutions for urban sustainability: photobioreactors for algae cultivation on façades and artificial trees. Buildings, 13(6), 1541. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061541 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061541
WANG, B., LAN, C. Q., & HORSMAN, M. (2012). Closed photobioreactors for production of microalgal biomasses. Biotechnology advances, 30(4), 904-912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.01.019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.01.019
WOO, D.-O., LEE, D., & LEE, S. (2022). Parametric design study of a proposed photobioreactor-integrated vertical louver system for energy-efficient buildings. Journal of Green Building, 17(3), 33-61. https://doi.org/10.3992/jgb.17.3.33 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3992/jgb.17.3.33
WU, C., HERBST, G., LUJAN, A., & KIM, K. H. (2022, July). A Stochastic Approach To Simulate And Optimize The Coating Uniformity Of Rotational Molding for Microalgae Facades. In 2022 Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference (ANNSIM) (pp. 569-580). IEEE. http://doi.org/10.23919/ANNSIM55834.2022.9859444 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23919/ANNSIM55834.2022.9859444
YAMAN, Y., TOKUÇ, A., DENIZ, İ., EZAN, M. A., KÖKTÜRK, G., DALAY, M. C., & DEMIREL, Z. (2024). Photobioreactor facade panels: enhancing comfort, reducing energy use, and capturing carbon in temperate continental climates. Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing, 5, 357-370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43393-024-00300-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43393-024-00300-9
YILMAZ, H. K. (2006). Mikroalg Üretimi İçin Fotobiyoreaktör Tasarımları. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 23(2), 327-332. http://www.egejfas.org/tr/download/article-file/57730
YOO, J. J., CHOI, S. P., KIM, J. Y., CHANG, W. S., & SIM, S. J. (2013). Development of thin-film photo-bioreactor and its application to outdoor culture of microalgae. Bioprocess and biosystems engineering, 36(6), 729-736. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-013-0898-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-013-0898-2
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Aslı Taş, Güneş Mutlu-Avinç

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The content of articles which are published in each edition of Habitat Sustentable, is the exclusive responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the thinking or compromise the opinion of University of the Bio-Bio.
The author(s) conserve their copyright and guarantee to the journal, the right of first publication of their work. This will simultaneously be subject to the Creative Commons Recognition License CC BY-SA, which allows others to share-copy, transform or create new materials from this work for non-commercial purposes, as long as they recognize authorship and the first publication in this journal, and its new creations are under a license with the same terms.









Scientific Information Program/Concurso Fondos de Publicación de Revistas Científicas 2018/ Proyecto Mejoramiento de Visibilidad de Revistas UBB (Código:FP180007).




