Micro-algae have been recognized as a promising feedstock for biofuel production. Effective combining microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment can reduce CO2 emissions and the cost of microalgae biofuel production, making it more feasible. However, the biomass and lipid productivity must be improved prior to large-scale production. The paper is therefore giving a critical review on microalgae productivity towards biofuel production focusing on the influencing factors in terms of strains and cultivation condition. Based on this review, we recommend the mixed native algae species and employment of two-stage cultivation strategy as potential breakthrough toward sustainable and economic microalgae biofuel production using wastewater as a medium for cultivation. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.