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Victoria AJ, Astbury MJ, McCormick AJ. Engineering highly productive cyanobacteria towards carbon negative emissions technologies. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103141. [PMID: 38735193 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are a diverse and ecologically important group of photosynthetic prokaryotes that contribute significantly to the global carbon cycle through the capture of CO2 as biomass. Cyanobacterial biotechnology could play a key role in a sustainable bioeconomy through negative emissions technologies (NETs), such as carbon sequestration or bioproduction. However, the primary issues of low productivities and high infrastructure costs currently limit the commercialisation of such applications. The isolation of several fast-growing strains and recent advancements in molecular biology tools now offer promising new avenues for improving yields, including metabolic engineering approaches guided by high-throughput screening and metabolic models. Furthermore, emerging research on engineering coculture communities could help to develop more robust culturing systems to support broader NET applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo J Victoria
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK; Centre for Engineering Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Michael J Astbury
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK; Centre for Engineering Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK; Centre for Engineering Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK.
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2
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Demirden SF, Erdogan B, Öncel DŞ, Oncel SS. Effect of culture hydrodynamics on Arthrospira platensis production using a single-use photobioreactor system through a CFD supported approach. Biotechnol Prog 2024:e3480. [PMID: 38766884 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Laboratory scale conventional single-use bioreactor was used to investigate the effect of different stirrer speeds on the Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) culture. Experiments were handled in two steps. First step was the selection of the stirring speeds, which was simulated via using CFD, and the second was the long term cultivation with the selected speed. During 10 days of batches as the first step, under identical culture conditions, stirrer speed of 230 rpm gave higher results, compared to 130 and 70 rpm, with respect to dry biomass weight, absorbance value (AB) and chlorophyll-a concentration. Volumetric productivity during the growth phase of the cultures were calculated as 0.39 ± 0.03, 0.28 ± 0.01, and 0.19 ± 0.02 g L-1 d-1, from the fast to the slower speeds. According to the results a 17 day batch was handled with 230 rpm in order to monitor the effects on the culture. The culture reached a volumetric productivity of 0.33 ± 0.04 g L-1 d-1. Statistical analysis showed the significance of the parameters related with the stirring speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Furkan Demirden
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, Turkey
| | - Barıs Erdogan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, Turkey
| | - Deniz Şenyay Öncel
- Department of Biomechanics, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Suphi S Oncel
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, Turkey
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3
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Sartori RB, Deprá MC, Dias RR, Fagundes MB, Zepka LQ, Jacob-Lopes E. The Role of Light on the Microalgae Biotechnology: Fundamentals, Technological Approaches, and Sustainability Issues. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2024; 18:22-51. [PMID: 38205773 DOI: 10.2174/1872208317666230504104051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Light energy directly affects microalgae growth and productivity. Microalgae in natural environments receive light through solar fluxes, and their duration and distribution are highly variable over time. Consequently, microalgae must adjust their photosynthetic processes to avoid photo limitation and photoinhibition and maximize yield. Considering these circumstances, adjusting light capture through artificial lighting in the main culture systems benefits microalgae growth and induces the production of commercially important compounds. In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive study of the role of light in microalgae biotechnology. For this, we present the main fundamentals and reactions of metabolism and metabolic alternatives to regulate photosynthetic conversion in microalgae cells. Light conversions based on natural and artificial systems are compared, mainly demonstrating the impact of solar radiation on natural systems and lighting devices, spectral compositions, periodic modulations, and light fluxes when using artificial lighting systems. The most commonly used photobioreactor design and performance are shown herein, in addition to a more detailed discussion of light-dependent approaches in these photobioreactors. In addition, we present the principal advances in photobioreactor projects, focusing on lighting, through a patent-based analysis to map technological trends. Lastly, sustainability and economic issues in commercializing microalgae products were presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Basso Sartori
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariany Costa Deprá
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Rodrigues Dias
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariane Bittencourt Fagundes
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leila Queiroz Zepka
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jacob-Lopes
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Teke GM, Anye Cho B, Bosman CE, Mapholi Z, Zhang D, Pott RWM. Towards industrial biological hydrogen production: a review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 40:37. [PMID: 38057658 PMCID: PMC10700294 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Increased production of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly needed. Amidst other strategies, one promising technology that could help achieve this goal is biological hydrogen production. This technology uses micro-organisms to convert organic matter into hydrogen gas, a clean and versatile fuel that can be used in a wide range of applications. While biohydrogen production is in its early stages, several challenges must be addressed for biological hydrogen production to become a viable commercial solution. From an experimental perspective, the need to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production, the optimization strategy of the microbial consortia, and the reduction in costs associated with the process is still required. From a scale-up perspective, novel strategies (such as modelling and experimental validation) need to be discussed to facilitate this hydrogen production process. Hence, this review considers hydrogen production, not within the framework of a particular production method or technique, but rather outlines the work (bioreactor modes and configurations, modelling, and techno-economic and life cycle assessment) that has been done in the field as a whole. This type of analysis allows for the abstraction of the biohydrogen production technology industrially, giving insights into novel applications, cross-pollination of separate lines of inquiry, and giving a reference point for researchers and industrial developers in the field of biohydrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Teke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - B Anye Cho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - C E Bosman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Z Mapholi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - D Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R W M Pott
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Yeh YC, Syed T, Brinitzer G, Frick K, Schmid-Staiger U, Haasdonk B, Tovar GEM, Krujatz F, Mädler J, Urbas L. Improving microalgae growth modeling of outdoor cultivation with light history data using machine learning models: A comparative study. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 390:129882. [PMID: 37884098 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129882] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Accurate prediction of microalgae growth is crucial for understanding the impacts of light dynamics and optimizing production. Although various mathematical models have been proposed, only a few of them have been validated in outdoor cultivation. This study aims to investigate the use of machine learning algorithms in microalgae growth modeling. Outdoor cultivation data of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in flat-panel airlift photobioreactors for 50 days were used to compare the performance of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) with traditional models, namely Monod and Haldane. The results indicate that the machine learning models outperform the traditional models due to their ability to utilize light history as input. Moreover, the LSTM model shows an excellent ability to describe the light acclimation effect. Last, two potential applications of these models are demonstrated: 1) use as a biomass soft sensor and 2) development of an optimal harvest strategy for outdoor cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Cheng Yeh
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Interfacial Process Engineering and Plasma Technology, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Tehreem Syed
- Institute of Automation, Dresden University of Technology, Georg-Schumann-Straße 18, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gordon Brinitzer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Konstantin Frick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Interfacial Process Engineering and Plasma Technology, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schmid-Staiger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bernard Haasdonk
- Institute of Applied Analysis and Numerical Simulation, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Günter E M Tovar
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Interfacial Process Engineering and Plasma Technology, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Felix Krujatz
- Institute of Natural Materials Technology, Dresden University of Technology, Bergstraße 120, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonathan Mädler
- Institute of Process Engineering and Environmental Technology, Dresden University of Technology, Georg-Schumann-Straße 18, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Leon Urbas
- Institute of Automation, Dresden University of Technology, Georg-Schumann-Straße 18, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Institute of Process Engineering and Environmental Technology, Dresden University of Technology, Georg-Schumann-Straße 18, 01069 Dresden, Germany
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6
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Masojídek J, Lhotský R, Štěrbová K, Zittelli GC, Torzillo G. Solar bioreactors used for the industrial production of microalgae. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:6439-6458. [PMID: 37725140 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12733-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are excellent sources of biomass containing several important compounds for human and animal nutrition-proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, pigments and antioxidants as well as bioactive secondary metabolites. In addition, they have a great biotechnological potential for nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals as well as for CO2 sequestration, wastewater treatment, and potentially also biofuel and biopolymer production. In this review, the industrial production of the most frequently used microalgae genera-Arthrospira, Chlorella, Dunaliella, Haematococcus, Nannochloropsis, Phaeodactylum, Porphyridium and several other species is discussed as concerns the applicability of the most widely used large-scale systems, solar bioreactors (SBRs)-open ponds, raceways, cascades, sleeves, columns, flat panels, tubular systems and others. Microalgae culturing is a complex process in which bioreactor operating parameters and physiological variables closely interact. The requirements of the biological system-microalgae culture are crucial to select the suitable type of SBR. When designing a cultivation process, the phototrophic production of microalgae biomass, it is necessary to employ SBRs that are adequately designed, built and operated to satisfy the physiological requirements of the selected microalgae species, considering also local climate. Moreover, scaling up microalgae cultures for commercial production requires qualified staff working out a suitable cultivation regime. KEY POINTS: • Large-scale solar bioreactors designed for microalgae culturing. • Most frequently used microalgae genera for commercial production. • Scale-up requires suitable cultivation conditions and well-elaborated protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Masojídek
- Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Science, Třeboň, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Richard Lhotský
- Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Science, Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Štěrbová
- Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Science, Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | | | - Giuseppe Torzillo
- Istituto Per La Bioeconomia, CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Centro de Investigation en Ciencias del Mar Y Limnologia (CIMAR), Ciudad de La Investigation, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
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7
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Buyel JF. Product safety aspects of plant molecular farming. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1238917. [PMID: 37614627 PMCID: PMC10442644 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1238917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant molecular farming (PMF) has been promoted since the 1990s as a rapid, cost-effective and (most of all) safe alternative to the cultivation of bacteria or animal cells for the production of biopharmaceutical proteins. Numerous plant species have been investigated for the production of a broad range of protein-based drug candidates. The inherent safety of these products is frequently highlighted as an advantage of PMF because plant viruses do not replicate in humans and vice versa. However, a more nuanced analysis of this principle is required when considering other pathogens because toxic compounds pose a risk even in the absence of replication. Similarly, it is necessary to assess the risks associated with the host system (e.g., the presence of toxic secondary metabolites) and the production approach (e.g., transient expression based on bacterial infiltration substantially increases the endotoxin load). This review considers the most relevant host systems in terms of their toxicity profile, including the presence of secondary metabolites, and the risks arising from the persistence of these substances after downstream processing and product purification. Similarly, we discuss a range of plant pathogens and disease vectors that can influence product safety, for example, due to the release of toxins. The ability of downstream unit operations to remove contaminants and process-related toxic impurities such as endotoxins is also addressed. This overview of plant-based production, focusing on product safety aspects, provides recommendations that will allow stakeholders to choose the most appropriate strategies for process development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. F. Buyel
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering (IBSE), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
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8
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Tavares J, Silva TP, Paixão SM, Alves L. Development of a bench-scale photobioreactor with a novel recirculation system for continuous cultivation of microalgae. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 332:117418. [PMID: 36753845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117418] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae cultivation can be used to increase the sustainability of carbon emitting processes, converting the CO2 from exhaust gases into fuels, food and chemicals. Many of the carbon emitting industries operate in a continuous manner, for periods that can span days or months, resulting in a continuous stream of gas emissions. Biogenic CO2 from industrial microbiological processes is one example, since in many cases it becomes unsustainable to stop these processes on a daily or weekly basis. To correctly sequester these emissions, microalgae systems must be operated under continuous constant conditions, requiring photobioreactors (PBRs) that can act as chemostats for long periods of time. However, in order to optimize culture parameters or study metabolic responses, bench-scale setups are necessary. Currently there is a lack of studies and design alternatives using chemostat, since most works focus on batch assays or semi-continuous cultures. Therefore, this work focused on the development of a continuous bench-scale PBR, which combines a retention vessel, a photocollector and a degasser, with an innovative recirculation system, that allows it to operate as an autotrophic chemostat, to study carbon sequestration from a biogenic CO2-rich constant air stream. To assess its applicability, the PBR was used to cultivate the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis using as sole carbon source the CO2 produced by a coupled heterotrophic bacterial chemostat. An air stream containing ≈0.35 vol% of CO2, was fed to the system, and it was evaluated in terms of stability, carbon fixation and biomass productivity, for dilution rates ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 d-1. The PBR was able to operate under chemostat conditions for more than 100 days, producing a stable culture that generated proportional responses to the stimuli it was subjected to, attaining a maximum biomass productivity of 183 mg/L/d with a carbon fixation efficiency of ≈39% at 0.3 d-1. These results reinforce the effectiveness of the developed PBR system, making it suitable for laboratory-scale studies of continuous photoautotrophic microalgae cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Tavares
- LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, IP, Unidade de Bioenergia e Biorrefinarias, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago P Silva
- LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, IP, Unidade de Bioenergia e Biorrefinarias, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana M Paixão
- LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, IP, Unidade de Bioenergia e Biorrefinarias, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luís Alves
- LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, IP, Unidade de Bioenergia e Biorrefinarias, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Toepel J, Karande R, Klähn S, Bühler B. Cyanobacteria as whole-cell factories: current status and future prospectives. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 80:102892. [PMID: 36669448 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria as phototrophic microorganisms bear great potential to produce chemicals from sustainable resources such as light and CO2. Most studies focus on either strain engineering or tackling metabolic constraints. Recently gained knowledge on internal electron and carbon fluxes and their regulation provides new opportunities to efficiently channel cellular resources toward product formation. Concomitantly, novel photobioreactor concepts are developed to ensure sufficient light supply. This review summarizes the newest developments in the field of cyanobacterial engineering to finally establish photosynthesis-based production processes. A holistic approach tackling genetic, metabolic, and biochemical engineering in parallel is considered essential to turn their application into an ecoefficient and economically feasible option for a future green bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Toepel
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rohan Karande
- Research and Transfer Center for bioactive Matter b-ACTmatter, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Klähn
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bruno Bühler
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
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Cornet JF, Dauchet J, Vourc’h T, Arnau C, Garcia-Gragera D, Gòdia F, Gros F, Peiro E. A Simple and Reliable Method to Determine Mean Incident Light Flux Densities on Cylindrical Photoreactors and Photobioreactors from a Unique Fluence Rate Measurement. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c04151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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11
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Prospects of cyanobacterial pigment production: biotechnological potential and optimization strategies. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Khan MJ, Gordon R, Varjani S, Vinayak V. Employing newly developed plastic bubble wrap technique for biofuel production from diatoms cultivated in discarded plastic waste. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:153667. [PMID: 35131253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Algal culturing in photobioreactors for biofuel and other value-added products is a challenge globally specifically due to expensive closed or open photobioreactors associated with the high cost, problems of water loss and contamination. Among the wide varieties of microalgae, diatoms have come out as potential source for crude oil in the form of Diafuel™ (biofuel from diatoms). However, culturing diatoms at large scale hypothesized as diatom solar panels for biofuel production is still facing a need for facile and economical production of value-added products. The aim of this work was to culture diatom (microalgae) in a closed system by sealing the reactor rim tightly with very cheap priced and used plastic bubble wrap material which is generally discarded in a lodging and transportation of goods. To optimize it, different plastic wraps discarded from a plastic industry were tested first for their permeability to gases and impermeability to water loss. It was found that among different varieties of plastic bubble wraps, low density polyethylene (LDPE) bubble wrap material which was used to seal glass containers as photobioreactors allowed harvest of maximum Diafuel™ (37%), lipid (35 μgmL-1), highest cell count (1152 × 102 cells mL-1), maximum CO2 absorbance (0.084) with almost no water loss and nutrient uptake for 40 days of experiments. This was due to its permeability to gases and impermeability to water. To check usability of such LDPE bubble wrap on other microalgae it was therefore tested on the red-green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, which showed scope to be scaled up for astaxanthin production using discarded bubble wrap packing material. This study thus would open up a new way for decreasing plastic disposal and with reuse for sustainable development and application of diatom in biofuel production which could find applications in environmental and industrial sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Jahir Khan
- Diatom Nano Engineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh 470003, India
| | - Richard Gordon
- Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 222 Clark Drive Panacea, FL 32346, USA; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382010, India.
| | - Vandana Vinayak
- Diatom Nano Engineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh 470003, India.
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Modeling and Simulation of Photobioreactors with Computational Fluid Dynamics—A Comprehensive Review. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) have been frequently applied to model the growth conditions in photobioreactors, which are affected in a complex way by multiple, interacting physical processes. We review common photobioreactor types and discuss the processes occurring therein as well as how these processes have been considered in previous CFD models. The analysis reveals that CFD models of photobioreactors do often not consider state-of-the-art modeling approaches. As a comprehensive photobioreactor model consists of several sub-models, we review the most relevant models for the simulation of fluid flows, light propagation, heat and mass transfer and growth kinetics as well as state-of-the-art models for turbulence and interphase forces, revealing their strength and deficiencies. In addition, we review the population balance equation, breakage and coalescence models and discretization methods since the predicted bubble size distribution critically depends on them. This comprehensive overview of the available models provides a unique toolbox for generating CFD models of photobioreactors. Directions future research should take are also discussed, mainly consisting of an extensive experimental validation of the single models for specific photobioreactor geometries, as well as more complete and sophisticated integrated models by virtue of the constant increase of the computational capacity.
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14
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Schad A, Rössler S, Nagel R, Wagner H, Wilhelm C. Crossing and selection of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains for biotechnological glycolate production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3539-3554. [PMID: 35511277 PMCID: PMC9151519 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract As an alternative to chemical building blocks derived from algal biomass, the excretion of glycolate has been proposed. This process has been observed in green algae such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a product of the photorespiratory pathway. Photorespiration generally occurs at low CO2 and high O2 concentrations, through the key enzyme RubisCO initiating the pathway via oxygenation of 1.5-ribulose-bisphosphate. In wild-type strains, photorespiration is usually suppressed in favour of carboxylation due to the cellular carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) controlling the internal CO2 concentration. Additionally, newly produced glycolate is directly metabolized in the C2 cycle. Therefore, both the CCMs and the C2 cycle are the key elements which limit the glycolate production in wild-type cells. Using conventional crossing techniques, we have developed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii double mutants deficient in these two key pathways to direct carbon flux to glycolate excretion. Under aeration with ambient air, the double mutant D6 showed a significant and stable glycolate production when compared to the non-producing wild type. Interestingly, this mutant can act as a carbon sink by fixing atmospheric CO2 into glycolate without requiring any additional CO2 supply. Thus, the double-mutant strain D6 can be used as a photocatalyst to produce chemical building blocks and as a future platform for algal-based biotechnology. Key Points • Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cia5 gyd double mutants were developed by sexual crossing • The double mutation eliminates the need for an inhibitor in glycolate production • The strain D6 produces significant amounts of glycolate with ambient air only Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Schad
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Rössler
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raimund Nagel
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany.
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The Effects of Photobioreactor Type on Biomass and Lipid Production of the Green Microalga Monoraphidium pusillum in Laboratory Scale. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12042196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mass production of microorganisms, algae among them, for new bioactive compounds and renewable innovative products is a current issue in biotechnology. The greatest challenge of basic research on this topic is to find the best solution for both physiology and scalability. In this study, the main goal was to highlight the contradictions of physiological and technological optimization in the same, relatively small, laboratory scale. The green alga Monoraphidium pusillum (Printz) Komárková-Legnorová was cultured in a conventional Erlenmeyer flask (as air bubbled in a tank-type photobioreactor) and in a hybrid (fermenter type + helical tubular type) photobioreactor of the same volume (2.8 L). Higher cell numbers from 1.7–2.3-fold, 2–2.8-fold higher dry masses, and 1.9–2.6-fold higher total lipid contents (mg·L−1) were measured in the tank reactor than in the hybrid reactor. Cultures in the conventional tank reactor were characterized with better nutrient utilization (42.8–77.7% higher phosphate uptake) and more diverse lipid composition than in the hybrid reactor. The study highlights that well-scalable arrangements and settings could be not optimal (or unsuitable in some cases) from a physiological point of view. The results suggest certain developmental directions for complex, well-scalable devices and highlight the importance of testing the gained physiological optima on these systems.
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16
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Chanquia SN, Vernet G, Kara S. Photobioreactors for cultivation and synthesis: Specifications, challenges, and perspectives. Eng Life Sci 2021; 22:712-724. [PMID: 36514531 PMCID: PMC9731602 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202100070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their versatility and the high biomass yield produced, cultivation of phototrophic organisms is an increasingly important field. In general, open ponds are chosen to do it because of economic reasons; however, this strategy has several drawbacks such as poor control of culture conditions and a considerable risk of contamination. On the other hand, photobioreactors are an attractive choice to perform cultivation of phototrophic organisms, many times in a large scale and an efficient way. Furthermore, photobioreactors are being increasingly used in bioprocesses to obtain valuable chemical products. In this review, we briefly describe different photobioreactor set-ups, including some of the recent designs, and their characteristics. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and advantages that each different type of photobioreactor presents, their applicability in biocatalysis and some modern modeling tools that can be applied to further enhance a certain process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago N. Chanquia
- Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing GroupDepartment of Biological and Chemical EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Guillem Vernet
- Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing GroupDepartment of Biological and Chemical EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Selin Kara
- Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing GroupDepartment of Biological and Chemical EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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