Process Parameter Screening for the Microalga Chlamydomonas asymmetrica in Batch and Turbidostat Cultivations

Abstract

Algae offer tremendous potential for the production of various high-value products (HVPs). Besides the light quantity and quality, factors such as temperature, medium composition, pH, and aeration are important algae-specific process parameters that influence growth behavior and their chemical composition. Screenings for algae and their HVPs are ongoing, but the available data for their cultivability and suitability as production organisms are limited. Turbidostat processes enable a simple and fast screening for light-specific influences, as constant biomass concentrations will result in constant self-shading. Here, the microalgae Chlamydomonas asymmetrica was cultivated in cylindrical photobioreactor screening modules. A detailed characterization the light and temperature dependency of the organisms' HVPs is provided.