Article
Agricultural Engineering
P. Fernandez del Olmo, F. G. Acien, J. M. Fernandez-Sevilla
Summary: This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics and a dynamic photosynthesis model to analyze the efficiency of photosynthesis in different sizes and circulation velocities of tubular photobioreactors. The smallest diameters of reactors were found to have sufficient radial mixing for enhancing photosynthesis under optimal light regime, while high circulation velocities in larger diameters increased operating costs without enhancing photosynthetic productivity. The characteristic frequency of the strain (beta) was shown to be crucial for high productivity.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
P. Ferndez del Olmo, F. G. Acien, J. M. Fernandez-Sevilla
Summary: A study investigated the effect of circulation velocities on RWPs using CFD simulation, showing that RWPs operate as a segregated device in terms of photosynthesis and the average growth rate is the integration of local growth rates at different depths.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Amit Mahulkar, Smita Patil, Avinash Khopkar, Nitin Kirdat, Arun Banerjee, Thomas Griffin, Ajit Sapre
Summary: This study proposes a simple mathematical model to describe algal growth in a flashing light regime. By fitting the model constants to experimental data, the model is able to accurately predict the photosynthesis rate under different light conditions and successfully forecast the improvement in light utilization efficiency. Additionally, a simple modeling approach for simulating algal growth in a flat panel photo-bioreactor is presented, highlighting the impact of boundary layer thickness on reactor performance.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karolina Ranglova, Michal Bures, Joao Camara Manoel, Gergely Erno Lakatos, Jiri Masojidek
Summary: In this study, two models of annular-column photobioreactors were set up and tested to produce microalgae for fish hatcheries. Both models provided stable cultivation conditions and high biomass productivity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giorgio Perin, Alessandra Bellan, Tim Michelberger, Dagmar Lyska, Setsuko Wakao, Krishna K. Niyogi, Tomas Morosinotto
Summary: Life on earth relies on photosynthetic primary producers, including microalgae, to convert sunlight and CO2 into biomass. Microalgae have the potential to be a valuable biomass source and contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy. This study investigates the role of the xanthophyll cycle in protecting microalgae from excess light and optimizing biomass productivity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Alireza Khaleghzadeh Ahangar, Poone Yaqoubnejad, Keyhan Divsalar, Shokouh Mousavi, Mohsen Taghavijeloudar
Summary: 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 IIM-PBR increased microalgae growth rate up to 60 % and 30% compared to internally illuminated control photobioreactor (IIC-PBR) and externally illuminated control photobioreactor (EIC-PBR) respectively. Moreover, the IIM-PBR significantly improved nutrients removal and increased total bioproducts production by 89% and 46% compared to IIC-PBR and EIC-PBR, respectively. It also resulted in a significant reduction in total energy consumption (-10 times).
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lihua Shen, Xiaobo Yin
Summary: Photosynthesis is a vital biological process that converts solar energy to chemical energy. Photon engineering through spectral conversion materials shows promise in enhancing photosynthesis efficiency. This review focuses on the emerging spectral conversion materials and their potential applications in enhancing photosynthesis in plants and microalgae.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Avinash Khopkar, Amit Mahulkar, Satyendra Rajpoot, Ajit Sapre
Summary: In this study, a photosynthetic kinetic model was used to identify opportunities for improving the light utilization efficiency of algae in a flashing light regime. The model analyzed the effects of light/dark cycle times, light intensity, PI curve characteristics, and strain properties on the efficiency. The findings showed that optimizing the light flash time can reduce fast charge carriers and reoxidize a certain fraction in the subsequent dark period, resulting in maximum efficiency. The model also predicted potential improvements through other factors such as increased specific growth rate, reduced respiration loss rate, and higher fraction of fast charge carriers, with a potential improvement of over 20% in efficiency.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linlin Wang, Qi Wang, Runqi Zhao, Yi Tao, Ke-zhen Ying, Xian-zhong Mao
Summary: A novel flat-plate photobioreactor with inclined baffles was developed for high-density algae cultivation. Computational fluid dynamics model optimization showed that inclined baffles with a small angle could improve swirl flow and light regime performance, with the ratio of the baffle opening distance to the reactor width being a key parameter for light regime performance. Experiments demonstrated a significant increase in algal biomass with the optimal baffle parameters compared to reactors without baffles or with horizontal baffles.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Panneerselvam Ranganathan, Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Ranjna Sirohi, Anh Tuan Hoang, Sang-Hyoun Kim
Summary: This study reviews the application of computational flow modelling in photobioreactors and discusses an integrated modelling approach for these reactors. It also reviews intensified systems for improving the performance of photobioreactors. Future considerations include the development of multi-scale modelling methods and low-cost efficient computational frameworks, as well as the use of process intensification techniques to enhance hydrodynamics, mixing, and mass transfer in photobioreactors.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alejandro Molina-Miras, Alejandro Bueso-Sanchez, Maria del Carmen Ceron-Garcia, Asterio Sanchez-Miron, Antonio Contreras-Gomez, Francisco Garcia-Camacho
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of different nitrogen concentrations, phosphorus concentrations, and light intensities on the growth of Amphidinium carterae and the production of polyketide metabolites. A mathematical model was developed to predict the growth dynamics based on the cell quota concept. The results showed that nutrient concentrations and light intensity strongly influenced the growth and metabolite production, but it was possible to optimize both simultaneously.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hoang Tam Nguyen, Yeomin Yoon, Huu Hao Ngo, Am Jang
Summary: This paper reviews the potential and mechanisms of microalgae-based systems for removing organic micropollutants, compares them with other treatment methods, and provides recommendations for future research.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wai Hong Leong, Jun Wei Lim, Man Kee Lam, Sze Mun Lam, Jin Chung Sin, Abby Samson
Summary: The novel SFB-AlgalBac photobioreactor was found to perform optimally at an influent flow rate of 5.0 L/d, achieving the highest microalgal nitrogen assimilation rate and biomass productivity. Increasing the flow rate to 10.0 L/d reduced the reactor's performance and resulted in differences in microalgal biomass per unit of nitrogen assimilated between the two flow rates. Additionally, prior influent treatment by activated sludge improved microalgal biomass settleability by releasing extracellular polymeric substances.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ralf Steuer
Summary: It is argued in this communication that a high maximal growth rate is not necessarily sufficient or necessary for high phototrophic productivity. Rather, the specific growth rate of a phototrophic microorganism is determined by factors such as light absorption rate, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass yield per mol photons. Therefore, besides maximal growth rate, photosynthetic efficiency and maximal biomass yield should also be considered as predictors of culture productivity when evaluating fast-growing strains.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
P. Sathinathan, H. M. Parab, R. Yusoff, S. Ibrahim, V. Vello, G. C. Ngoh
Summary: Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals, nutrients, and soluble salts can cause eutrophication in water bodies. Microalgae biomass has the potential to produce various valuable products, but the high production cost and sensitivity of cultivation parameters limit its global output. Combining microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment, particularly in photobioreactors, can reduce operating costs. However, there is a limited amount of research on using industrial wastewater for microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors. Therefore, optimizing cultivation parameters using industrial wastewater in photobioreactors is crucial.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
P. Fernandez del Olmo, F. G. Acien, J. M. Fernandez-Sevilla
Summary: This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics and a dynamic photosynthesis model to analyze the efficiency of photosynthesis in different sizes and circulation velocities of tubular photobioreactors. The smallest diameters of reactors were found to have sufficient radial mixing for enhancing photosynthesis under optimal light regime, while high circulation velocities in larger diameters increased operating costs without enhancing photosynthetic productivity. The characteristic frequency of the strain (beta) was shown to be crucial for high productivity.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Angeles Hoyo, Enrique Rodriguez-Miranda, Jose Luis Guzman, Francisco Gabriel Acien, Manuel Berenguel, Jose Carlos Moreno
Summary: Cultivating microalgae in photobioreactors is a complex process affected by various variables. A new software tool has been developed to simulate microalgae production in raceway photobioreactors, allowing for analysis of different scenarios and control strategies to increase productivity. Real data from a semi-industrial raceway is used for simulations.
COMPUTERS & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Isaac Lisondro, Cintia Gomez Serrano, Claudia Sepulveda, Ariadna Indira Batista Ceballos, Francisco Gabriel Acien Fernandez
Summary: The study investigated the influence of irradiance and operation modes on the biomass production and biochemical composition of the diatom Nitzschia aff. pellucida, particularly focusing on fatty acid profile. Results showed that the growth rate increased with irradiance, but photo-inhibition was observed at higher irradiances. The model proposed considers the modification of saturation constant as a function of available irradiance, and the strain was found to be better adapted to low irradiances.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Ana Sanchez Zurano, Jose Maria Fernandez Sevilla, Ana Belen Esteban Garcia, Maria Guadalupe Pinna-Hernandez, Jose Luis Casas Lopez
Summary: This study describes the creation of a virtual laboratory using the Easy JavaScript Simulation platform. It focuses on the simulation of experiments in science, biotechnology, and engineering. A web-based simulation of an enzymatic stirred-tank bioreactor has been developed, allowing students to practice using practical scripts.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Martina Ciardi, Cintia Gomez-Serrano, Tomas Lafarga, Alicia Gonzalez-Cespedes, Gabriel Acien, Jose Gabriel Lopez-Segura, Jose Maria Fernandez-Seviila
Summary: This study assessed the potential of plastic covers to prevent or minimize water evaporation in open photobioreactors. The results showed that although covering the reactors reduced biomass productivity, it also significantly reduced water evaporation in different seasons. The use of inexpensive commercial plastics as covers can greatly decrease the water requirements of the system.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mariana Jimenez Veuthey, Ainoa Morillas-Espana, Ana Sanchez-Zurano, Elvira Navarro-Lopez, Gabriel Acien, Jose Gabriel Lopez-Segura, Tomas Lafarga
Summary: The utilization of effluents as nutrient sources for microalgae production is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. This study assessed the potential of using pig slurry as a nutrient source for outdoor production of Nannochloropsis gaditana, and found that the system was effective at removing pathogens from the slurry.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ainoa Morillas-Espana, Angela Ruiz-Nieto, Tomas Lafarga, Gabriel Acien, Zouhayr Arbib, Cynthia Gonzalez-Lopez
Summary: The world population is expected to grow by over 2 billion people, leading to an increased demand for agricultural production. This study focuses on producing high-quality microalgal biomass using wastewater and assessing its biostimulant capacity. The results show the potential of using microalgae as a sustainable source of biostimulants.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rebecca Nordio, Francisco Javier Delgado, Ana Sanchez-Zurano, Jose Gonzalez Hernandez, Enrique Rodriguez-Miranda, Jose Luis Guzman, Tomas Lafarga, Gabriel Acien
Summary: The present study aimed to evaluate the use of microalga Scenedesmus almeriensis for treating untreated urban wastewater. Two 12 m(3) raceway reactors, one supplemented with wastewater and the other with chemical fertilizer, were operated outdoors in a semi-continuous mode for eight months. The results showed that S. almeriensis could be produced in wastewater without affecting the photosynthetic apparatus, with an average productivity of 13 g center dot m(-2)center dot day(-1) in both systems. Moreover, the nutrient content of the wastewater, including nitrogen, phosphorous, and chemical oxygen demand, was reduced to meet European limitations, with average removal rates of 2.2, 0.2, and 3.0 g center dot m(-2)center dot day(-1) respectively. The raceway reactors demonstrated high potential for microalgal production and efficient biotreatment, proving to be robust and reliable. Additionally, an accurate model was developed to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on biomass productivity in the clean system (R-2 = 0.9, p = 0.0002).
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joseph Santhi Pechsiri, Jean-Baptiste E. Thomas, Naoufel El Bahraoui, Francisco Gabriel Acien Fernandez, Jamal Chaouki, Saad Chidami, Rodrigo Rivera Tinoco, Jose Pena Martin, Cintia Gomez, Michel Combe, Fredrik Grondahl
Summary: This study compares the environmental performance of conventional reactors and a proposed internally illuminated novel closed reactor design. The results show that the novel photobioreactor can significantly reduce impacts such as eutrophication and climate change when leveraging renewable energy sources and the photosynthesis process in urban-industrial symbiosis scenarios.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elvira Navarro-Lopez, Juan Jose Gallardo-Rodriguez, Maria del Carmen Ceron-Garcia, Inmaculada Gallego-Lopez, Francisco Gabriel Acien-Fernandez, Emilio Molina-Grima
Summary: The effect of different parameters on the extraction of biostimulant molecules from microalgal biomass was investigated, and the optimal conditions for using organic green solvents (acetone or ethanol) were determined for maximum germination index.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Jesus Vizcaino Antonio, Andre Barany, Alba Galafat, Gabriel Acien, Felix L. Figueroa, Javier Alarcon Francisco, Miguel Mancera Juan, Juan Antonio Martos-Sitcha, Salvador Arijo, Roberto Teofilo Abdala-Diaz
Summary: The study found that the combined administration of Chlorella fusca and ethanol-inactivated Vibrio proteolyticus significantly improved the growth performance and feed utilization of the thick-lipped grey mullet, while enhancing the lipid quality and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This has potential benefits for human nutrition.
Article
Microbiology
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Rosa Maria Rico, Francisco Gabriel Acien, Juan Miguel Mancera, Felix L. Figueroa, Antonio Jesus Vizcaino, Francisco Javier Alarcon, Miguel Angel Morinigo, Roberto Teofilo Abdala-Diaz
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a blend of microalgae on Sparus aurata juveniles. The results show that the addition of microalgae tends to decrease body lipids and affects fatty acid profile. In particular, the diet containing 25% of the microalgae blend increases DHA levels. Additionally, this diet promotes appropriate microbial diversity and influences fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism in fish.
Article
Mathematics
Pablo Otalora, Jose Luis Guzman, Manuel Berenguel, Francisco Gabriel Acien
Summary: The industrial production of microalgae is a sustainable and interesting process, especially in terms of its applications in wastewater treatment. Neural network models have been developed to optimize the process and characterize the pH dynamics in different raceway reactors. These models are able to predict pH profiles using available measurable process data and demonstrate the potential of artificial neural networks in modeling continuous dynamic systems in the industry.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Bruna Rodrigues Moreira, Piedad Valverde-Guillen, Sofia Latorre-Redoli, Candela T. Caneda-Santiago, Gabriel Acien, Eduardo Martinez-Manzanares, Manuel Mari-Beffa, Roberto T. Abdala-Diaz
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxic activity of ulvan polysaccharides obtained from Ulva rigida against human cancer cell lines and zebrafish embryos. The results showed that ulvan had cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines, particularly on colon cancer cells. However, ulvan also had negative effects on the growth rate and osmolar balance of zebrafish embryos, indicating that its use should be limited to specific concentrations.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Daniel Alvarez-Torres, Isabel M. Cerezo, Marta Dominguez-Maqueda, Felix L. Figueroa, Francisco Javier Alarcon, Gabriel Acien, Eduardo Martinez-Manzanares, Roberto T. Abdala-Diaz, Julia Bejar, Salvador Arijo
Summary: This study assessed the impact of dietary green microalgae and ethanol-inactivated Vibrio proteolyticus on thick-lipped grey mullet juvenile fish. The results showed that the diet influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota without affecting its functionality. Additionally, the diet effectively regulated the transcription of stress and immune-related genes, enhancing the fish's resistance against stress and infections.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sung-Yeoul Kim, Vikash Chandra Roy, Jin-Seok Park, Byung-Soo Chun
Summary: This study aims to extract functional substances from Undaria pinnatiida sporophyll using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results showed that the consecutive green extraction method can yield extracts rich in fucoxanthin and beta-carotene, and the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatiida contains health-beneficial fatty acids. Additionally, SWE can extract substances with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2024)