Photobioreactors for Improved Algal Biomass Production: Analysis and Design Considerations

Abstract

Production of microalgal biomass has a long history due to its biotechnological potential for commercial applications such as high value nutraceutical products (PUFA, pigments, vitamins), human nutrition, animal nutrition, cosmetics, wastewater treatment, etc. (Spoalore et al., J Biosci Bioeng 101:87–96, 2006). Most recently, microalgae received much attention as a potential source for biofuels to replace fossil fuel, and for CO2 capture due to its high photosynthetic efficiency. Many of these commercial applications require a photobioreactor system in which monoculture of microalgal biomasses can be developed with high productivity for an extended period of time. A number of open ponds, outdoor and enclosed photobioreactor systems have been developed for growing phototrophic algae such as cyanobacteria and microalgae. Photobioreactor facilitate in maximization of solar energy capture and conversion, preferably using sunlight, atmospheric CO2 and water, to chemical energy stored as organic carbon sources (such as carbohydrates and lipids) (Pulz and Scheinbenbogen, Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol 59:123–152, 1998).