Biodiesel is a promising alternative for petro- diesel. A lot of works have been done on it. recently experiments are going on on several feed stock to reduce the price of the same. Several researchers are working on different homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts and how to reduce the steps and price of biodiesel production. I have worked on algal biodiesel which was produced from unused algae. Please find the links attached.
Article Production of biodiesel from unused algal biomass in Punjab, India
Article Fuel properties and emission characteristics of biodiesel pr...
As you are citing the technique of transesterification as a modified method, it is to know that this is an intellectual property protected by international patent right (KOVÁCS A., et. al: Improvements to transesterification of vegetable oils, EP 1444191, 2007).
Latest discoveries are working on optimising the process for better kinetics and dynamics, including developments f catalysts and catalytic systems, striving for circular economy means in addition to using drop in fuels.
Nowadays, Catalysis for green fuel which can be produce by Deoxygenation/Hydrodeoxygenation has more attention than bio-diesel, due to the weak properties such as viscosity, oxygen content and the storability problem. I have done some research on it you may find it on my profile.