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Ahangar AK, Yaqoubnejad P, Divsalar K, Mousavi S, Taghavijeloudar M. Design a novel internally illuminated mirror photobioreactor to improve microalgae production through homogeneous light distribution. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129577. [PMID: 37517708 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a novel internally illuminated mirror photobioreactor (IIM-PBR) was designed to improve microalgae biomass production through providing a homogenous light distribution in cultivation medium. The performance of the IIM-PBR was compared with internally illuminated control photobioreactor (IIC-PBR) and externally illuminated control photobioreactor (EIC-PBR) in terms of cell growth, wastewater treatment and bioproducts generation. Compared with the IIC-PBR and EIC-PBR, the IIM-PBR increased microalgae growth rate up to 60 % and 30%, respectively. Municipal wastewater treatment revealed that the IIM-PBR could significantly improve nutrients removal as the final removal efficiencies of 90%, 95% and 90% were obtained for nitrate, phosphate and COD, respectively. Moreover, the IIM-PBR increased the total bioproducts production by 89% and 46% compared to in the IIC-PBR and EIC-PBR, respectively. Based on the energy consumption calculation, the mirror's light-reflective properties of the IIM-PBR resulted in a significant reduction of total energy consumption (∼10 times).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Khaleghzadeh Ahangar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 47148-71167 Babol, Iran
| | - Poone Yaqoubnejad
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 47148-71167 Babol, Iran
| | - Keyhan Divsalar
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 47148-71167 Babol, Iran
| | - Shokouh Mousavi
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 47148-71167 Babol, Iran
| | - Mohsen Taghavijeloudar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 151-744 Seoul, South Korea.
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Bioenergy, Biofuels, Lipids and Pigments—Research Trends in the Use of Microalgae Grown in Photobioreactors. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15155357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
This scientometric review and bibliometric analysis aimed to characterize trends in scientific research related to algae, photobioreactors and astaxanthin. Scientific articles published between 1995 and 2020 in the Web of Science and Scopus bibliographic databases were analyzed. The article presents the number of scientific articles in particular years and according to the publication type (e.g., articles, reviews and books). The most productive authors were selected in terms of the number of publications, the number of citations, the impact factor, affiliated research units and individual countries. Based on the number of keyword occurrences and a content analysis of 367 publications, seven leading areas of scientific interest (clusters) were identified: (1) techno-economic profitability of biofuels, bioenergy and pigment production in microalgae biorefineries, (2) the impact of the construction of photobioreactors and process parameters on the efficiency of microalgae cultivation, (3) strategies for increasing the amount of obtained lipids and obtaining biodiesel in Chlorella microalgae cultivation, (4) the production of astaxanthin on an industrial scale using Haematococcus microalgae, (5) the productivity of biomass and the use of alternative carbon sources in microalgae culture, (6) the effect of light and carbon dioxide conversion on biomass yield and (7) heterotrophy. Analysis revealed that topics closely related to bioenergy production and biofuels played a dominant role in scientific research. This publication indicates the directions and topics for future scientific research that should be carried out to successfully implement economically viable technology based on microalgae on an industrial scale.
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Elvis Cao X, Hong T, Hong S, Erickson D. Engineering waveguide surface by gradient etching for uniform light scattering in photocatalytic applications. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2021.100192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Sun Y, Duan D, Chang H, Guo C. Optimizing Light Distributions in a Membrane Photobioreactor via Optical Fibers To Enhance CO 2 Photobiochemical Conversion by a Scenedesmus obliquus Biofilm. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c03854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Sun
- Engineering Laboratory for Energy System Process Conversion & Emission Control Technology of Jiangsu Province, School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Danru Duan
- School of Electrical and Power Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Haixing Chang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Chenglong Guo
- School of Electrical and Power Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
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Assunção J, Malcata FX. Enclosed “non-conventional” photobioreactors for microalga production: A review. ALGAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Nguyen MK, Moon JY, Bui VKH, Oh YK, Lee YC. Recent advanced applications of nanomaterials in microalgae biorefinery. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Wang S, Guo C, Wu W, Sui K, Liu C. Effects of incident light intensity and light path length on cell growth and oil accumulation in Botryococcus braunii (Chlorophyta). Eng Life Sci 2019; 19:104-111. [PMID: 32624992 PMCID: PMC6999195 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201800128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Botryococcus braunii was cultured in different light path length under different incident light intensity to investigate the effect of light on alga growth as well as hydrocarbon and fatty acid accumulation. Results indicated that longer light path length required higher incident light intensity in order to meet the light requirement of algal growth and hydrocarbon accumulation during the course of cultivation. However, hydrocarbon profile was only affected by the incident light intensity and not influenced by the light path length. High incident light intensity enhanced the accumulation of hydrocarbons with longer carbon chains. Besides, the fatty acid content and profiles were significantly influenced by both incident light intensity and light path. Higher fatty acid content and higher percentage of C18 and monounsaturated fatty acid components were achieved at the higher incident light intensity and lower light path length. Taken together, these results are benefit to improve its biomass and oil productivity through the optimization of light and photobioreactor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi‐Kai Wang
- College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyYangzhou UniversityYangzhouP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Key Laboratory of Green Process and EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Key Laboratory of Green Process and EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio‐fibers and Eco‐textilesInstitute of Biochemical EngineeringShandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textilesCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringQingdao UniversityQingdaoP. R. China
| | - Kun‐Yan Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Bio‐fibers and Eco‐textilesInstitute of Biochemical EngineeringShandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textilesCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringQingdao UniversityQingdaoP. R. China
| | - Chun‐Zhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio‐fibers and Eco‐textilesInstitute of Biochemical EngineeringShandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological textilesCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringQingdao UniversityQingdaoP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Key Laboratory of Green Process and EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
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Dexter J, Dziga D, Lv J, Zhu J, Strzalka W, Maksylewicz A, Maroszek M, Marek S, Fu P. Heterologous expression of mlrA in a photoautotrophic host - Engineering cyanobacteria to degrade microcystins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:926-935. [PMID: 29454496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In this report, we establish proof-of-principle demonstrating for the first time genetic engineering of a photoautotrophic microorganism for bioremediation of naturally occurring cyanotoxins. In model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 we have heterologously expressed Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 microcystinase (MlrA) bearing a 23 amino acid N-terminus secretion peptide from native Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 PilA (sll1694). The resultant whole cell biocatalyst displayed about 3 times higher activity against microcystin-LR compared to a native MlrA host (Sphingomonas sp. ACM 3962), normalized for optical density. In addition, MlrA activity was found to be almost entirely located in the cyanobacterial cytosolic fraction, despite the presence of the secretion tag, with crude cellular extracts showing MlrA activity comparable to extracts from MlrA expressing E. coli. Furthermore, despite approximately 9.4-fold higher initial MlrA activity of a whole cell E. coli biocatalyst, utilization of a photoautotrophic chassis resulted in prolonged stability of MlrA activity when cultured under semi-natural conditions (using lake water), with the heterologous MlrA biocatalytic activity of the E. coli culture disappearing after 4 days, while the cyanobacterial host displayed activity (3% of initial activity) after 9 days. In addition, the cyanobacterial cell density was maintained over the duration of this experiment while the cell density of the E. coli culture rapidly declined. Lastly, failure to establish a stable cyanobacterial isolate expressing native MlrA (without the N-terminus tag) via the strong cpcB560 promoter draws attention to the use of peptide tags to positively modulate expression of potentially toxic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Dexter
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15, Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China; Cyanoworks, LLC, 1771 Haskell Rd., Olean, NY 14760, USA.
| | - Dariusz Dziga
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 31-007 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Jing Lv
- New Energy Research Center, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), 18 Fuxue Road, Changping District, Beijing 102249, China.
| | - Junqi Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15, Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Wojciech Strzalka
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 31-007 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Anna Maksylewicz
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 31-007 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Maroszek
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 31-007 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Marek
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 31-007 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15, Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China.
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Mortezaeikia V, Yegani R, Tavakoli O. Membrane-sparger vs. membrane contactor as a photobioreactors for carbon dioxide biofixation of Synechococcus elongatus in batch and semi-continuous mode. J CO2 UTIL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Sun Y, Liao Q, Huang Y, Xia A, Fu Q, Zhu X, Zheng Y. Integrating planar waveguides doped with light scattering nanoparticles into a flat-plate photobioreactor to improve light distribution and microalgae growth. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 220:215-224. [PMID: 27573475 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Industrially manufactured planar waveguides doped with light scattering nanoparticles, which can dilute and redistribute the intense incident light within microalgae suspension more uniformly, were introduced into a flat-plate photobioreactor (PBR) with a width of 25cm to alleviate the adverse effect of poor light penetrability on microalgae growth. Compared with the flat-plate PBR without waveguides, the illumination surface area per unit volume in the proposed PBR was increased by 10.3 times. During the whole cultivation period, the illuminated volume fractions in the proposed PBR were 21.4-410% higher than those in the flat-plate PBR without waveguides. Consequently, attributed to the optimized light distribution in the proposed PBR, a 220% improvement in biomass production was obtained relative to that in the flat-plate PBR without waveguides. Furthermore, higher light output intensities emitted from the planar waveguide surfaces and increased microalgae growth rates were achieved by decreasing the length of planar waveguides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ao Xia
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yaping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Bland E, Angenent LT. Pigment-targeted light wavelength and intensity promotes efficient photoautotrophic growth of Cyanobacteria. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 216:579-86. [PMID: 27285573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.05.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A consensus is lacking whether monochromatic rather than broad-spectrum illumination is more efficient for photosynthetic microbe production platforms. Light wavelength and intensity were tuned to pigment composition for growth of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803. Phycocyanin (PC)-targeting LEDs (620nm) provided more than 6times the peak efficiency of white LEDs, with peak efficiency growth rates of 0.063h(-1) at 81μEm(-2)s(-1) and 0.039h(-1) at 126μEm(-2)s(-1) for red and white LEDs, respectively. Chlorophyll a (Chl a)-targeting LEDs (680- and 440-nm) performed poorly. Indeed, 10 times greater mass abundance was observed for PC than Chl a. PC levels did not change while Chl a levels decreased when Synechocystis transitioned from white light at 50μEm(-2)s(-1) to 250μEm(-2)s(-1) with 620nm, 680nm, or white LEDs. This work demonstrates that light wavelengths and intensity need to be optimized for each strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Bland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 226 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Largus T Angenent
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 226 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Faculty fellow, Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, 200 Rice Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Pierobon SC, Riordon J, Nguyen B, Sinton D. Breathable waveguides for combined light and CO2 delivery to microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 209:391-396. [PMID: 26996260 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Suboptimal light and chemical distribution (CO2, O2) in photobioreactors hinder phototrophic microalgal productivity and prevent economically scalable production of biofuels and bioproducts. Current strategies that improve illumination in reactors negatively impact chemical distribution, and vice versa. In this work, an integrated illumination and aeration approach is demonstrated using a gas-permeable planar waveguide that enables combined light and chemical distribution. An optically transparent cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) slab is used to supply both light and CO2 at various source concentrations to cyanobacteria. The breathable waveguide architecture is capable of cultivating microalgae with over double the growth as achieved with impermeable waveguides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Pierobon
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Jason Riordon
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada.
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Sun Y, Huang Y, Liao Q, Fu Q, Zhu X. Enhancement of microalgae production by embedding hollow light guides to a flat-plate photobioreactor. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 207:31-38. [PMID: 26868153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.01.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To offset the adverse effects of light attenuation on microalgae growth, hollow polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) tubes were embedded into a flat-plate photobioreactor (PBR) as light guides. In this way, a fraction of incident light could be transmitted and emitted to the interior of the PBR, providing a secondary light source for cells in light-deficient regions. The average light intensity of interior regions 3-6cm from surfaces with 70μmolm(-2)s(-1) incident light was enhanced 2-6.5 times after 3.5days cultivation, resulting in a 23.42% increase in biomass production to that cultivated in PBR without PMMA tubes. The photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae in the proposed PBR was increased to 12.52%. Moreover, the installation of hollow PMMA tubes induced turbulent flow in the microalgae suspension, promoting microalgae suspension mixing. However, the enhanced biomass production was mainly attributed to the optimized light distribution in the PBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Cheng X, Ooms MD, Sinton D. Biomass-to-biocrude on a chip via hydrothermal liquefaction of algae. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:256-60. [PMID: 26667244 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01369k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrothermal liquefaction uses high temperatures and pressures to break organic compounds into smaller fractions, and is considered the most promising method to convert wet microalgae feedstock to biofuel. Although, hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae has received much attention, the specific roles of temperature, pressure, heating rate and reaction time remain unclear. We present a microfluidic screening platform to precisely control and observe reaction conditions at high temperature and pressure. In situ observation using fluorescence enables direct, real-time monitoring of this process. A strong shift in the fluorescence signature from the algal slurry at 675 nm (chlorophyll peak) to a post-HTL stream at 510 nm is observed for reaction temperatures at 260 °C, 280 °C, 300 °C and 320 °C (P = 12 MPa), and occurs over a timescale on the order of 10 min. Biocrude formation and separation from the aqueous phase into immiscible droplets is directly observed and occurs over the same timescale. The higher heating values for the sample are observed to increase over shorter timescales on the order of minutes. After only 1 minute at 300 °C, the higher heating value increases from an initial value of 21.97 MJ kg(-1) to 33.63 MJ kg(-1). The microfluidic platform provides unprecedented control and insight into this otherwise opaque process, with resolution that will guide the design of large scale reactors and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cheng
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Institute of Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8 Canada.
| | - Matthew D Ooms
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Institute of Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8 Canada.
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Institute of Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8 Canada.
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Ahsan SS, Gumus A, Jain A, Angenent LT, Erickson D. Integrated hollow fiber membranes for gas delivery into optical waveguide based photobioreactors. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 192:845-849. [PMID: 26116445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Compact algal reactors are presented with: (1) closely stacked layers of waveguides to decrease light-path to enable larger optimal light-zones; (2) waveguides containing scatterers to uniformly distribute light; and (3) hollow fiber membranes to reduce energy required for gas transfer. The reactors are optimized by characterizing the aeration of different gases through hollow fiber membranes and characterizing light intensities at different culture densities. Close to 65% improvement in plateau peak productivities was achieved under low light-intensity growth experiments while maintaining 90% average/peak productivity output during 7-h light cycles. With associated mixing costs of ∼ 1 mW/L, several magnitudes smaller than closed photobioreactors, a twofold increase is realized in growth ramp rates with carbonated gas streams under high light intensities, and close to 20% output improvement across light intensities in reactors loaded with high density cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Saad Ahsan
- Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Abdurrahman Gumus
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Aadhar Jain
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Largus T Angenent
- The Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David Erickson
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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