Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatuses, methods, and systems for cultivating a microcrop involving a floating coupling device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments to apparatuses and methods for cultivating Lemna for extracting proteins and/or carbohydrate rich products. In some embodiments, a bioreactor system for culturing a microcrop may comprise: a bioreactor container configured to contain the aquatic species in sufficient growth medium to permit normal growth of the microcrop, at least one coupling device comprising a star, and a propulsion mechanism configured to apply sufficient force to the at least one coupling device to cause motion thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a method of continuously supplying a harvested biomass comprising a floating aquatic plant species to a processing facility. The method includes cultivating a microcrop (e.g., a floating aquatic plant species) in a bioreactor system, harvesting the microcrop to generate the harvested biomass, and conveying the harvested biomass to a first position of a harvest canal to form a conveyed biomass. A harvest canal may include a trough configured to contain the conveyed biomass in a volume of a medium and a propulsion mechanism configured to impart a motion on the first medium such that the harvested biomass may be transported from the first position to the second position within the harvest canal. The harvest canal may be positioned adjacent to an outer perimeter of bioreactor system and form an infinity loop.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatuses, methods, and systems for cultivating a microcrop involving a floating coupling device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments to apparatuses and methods for cultivating Lemna for extracting proteins and/or carbohydrate rich products. In some embodiments, a bioreactor system for culturing a microcrop may comprise: a bioreactor container configured to contain the aquatic species in sufficient growth medium to permit normal growth of the microcrop, at least one coupling device comprising a star, and a propulsion mechanism configured to apply sufficient force to the at least one coupling device to cause motion thereof.