Algae Photobioreactors for High-Throughput, Low-Cost Research and Development
- MicroBio Engineering Inc
The goal of the Phase I concept was to demonstrate proof of concept for low-cost and high throughput photobioreactors (PBRs) that allow user control of key parameters important for algae cultivation and study. The objective was to improve experimental throughput and data quality in laboratory-scale photosynthetic cell-culture, leading to improved research efficiency and subsequent increase in commercial applications for microalgae biomass. Based on our own experience, as well as that from stakeholders in the field, we identified key features to incorporate into the reactor design. We identified a target price point of less than $5,000 per reactor array, not based on costs for comparable commercial units, but rather the need to compete with do-it-yourself (DIY) reactor systems, in which most cultivation studies are conducted. Low-cost biomass density monitoring and fluid handling systems were identified as the two most critical features for development and were the focus of the Phase I project. We successfully prototyped and tested the capabilities of the biomass density monitoring, automatic dilution, and temperature control sub-systems. The Phase I prototype, the Automated Algae Cultivator-PBR (AAC-PBR), incorporated our prototyped designs, off-the-shelf parts, and fabricated materials for a complete photobioreactor assembly with a projected price under $5,000 per array of three reactors. The immediate application is in bench-scale strain development at the 0.5 L scale, a sufficient volume for dry weight or particulate carbon microanalysis, leading to commercial deployment biofuels, bioplastics, and other bioproducts derived from microalgae.
- Research Organization:
- MicroBio Engineering Inc
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0019818
- OSTI ID:
- 1725818
- Type / Phase:
- SBIR (Phase I)
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-MBE-19818
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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