Here we present a brief review of current data on immobilization of oxygenic phototrophic microorganisms — cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae — in natural and artificial experimental systems. We emphasize that immobilization, e.g. in biofilms, is a basic, widespread in nature strategy ensuring the survival of microorganisms. Accordingly, the artificially immobilized microalgal cells might be considered as a special group of biomimetic (bioinspired) materials. Special attention is paid to the effect(s) of different immobilization methods on the physiology of microalgal cells and their stress tolerance as well as productivity of microalgal cultures. A comparison of the advantages and drawbacks of different immobilization techniques and cell carriers is presented. The review concludes with outlook on the possibilities of using of the immobilized phototrophic cells in biotechnology. Specific areas include (but not limited to) the biomass and metabolites production and harvesting, removal of heavy metals, biocapture of nutrients from wastewater and destroying of organic pollutants are explored.

The reactivity of the exometabolites allocated in the culture liquid in cultures of actinomy- cetes, cyanobacteria and microalgae as possible using like the ecophysiological criterion of the selection of partners for the create mixed cultures and associative pairs of microorganisms has been considered.

The present review considers a new methodology of biological treatment and conversion of farm waste (manure and wash water) with the use of intensively cultivated phototrophic microorganisms (microalgae). Criteria for selection of microalgae and peculiarities of their intensive cultivation for efficient removal of biogenic elements and detruction or organic components of the wastes as well as the possibilities of cost-effective utilization of the resulting microalgal biomass are reviewed. Advantages and drawbacks of the new methodology are compared with those of conventional anaerobic techniques. Special attention is paid to the integrated technologies combining the aerobic conversion methods with microalgal posttreatment.