Abstract: A simple alternative to separate filamentous bodies of Monostroma latissimum algae (large green algae) as seed stock. The filamentous bodies are easily separated and prepared for cultivation. At low luminosity (50 ?m mole s?1m?2), the filamentous bodies grow into the filamentous colony. If the filamentous colony is in turns irradiated at the luminosity greater than 100 ?m mole s?1m?2, it is turning into fronds. Thereby the filamentous bodies are evenly distributed into small segments so as to penetrate through the cotton rope for algal mass cultivation and further grow into fronds at high luminosity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve locating an algae production facility in close proximity to a livestock production facility whereby the outputs of one or both facilities promotes productivity levels in the facility. In an illustrative example, the algae production facility includes a bioreactor in fluid communication with the atmosphere inside, for example, a poultry facility, In some examples, the atmosphere inside the poultry facility may be around a substantially controlled temperature suitable for poultry. The atmosphere may further contain substantial Nitrogen-content suitable to promote algae growth. Various embodiments may symbiotically consume waste products from each facility to promote production of, for example, protein for food and algae, which may be used for animal feed, for example, and/or processed into fuel. In some examples, the algae production facility may be conveniently packaged into a module. In some examples, the module may be stored and shipped in a conventional shipping container.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, aqueous growth medium in a pond can be used to grow algae which can be pumped to a primary dewatering device where the algae can be separated from the harvested growth media based on the flow of the harvested growth media and gravity. The flow through the primary de-watering device can be optimized to maintain log phase growth in the pond, while minimizing the pumping cost and maximizing the concentration of total solids in the primary de-watered algae.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: Photochemical process and device adapted to breed, produce, or hydrocultivate microorganisms. The process includes conveying a reaction medium in a reactor in a meander-shaped way that includes moving the reaction medium along a direction that perpendicularly or inclined at an angle to an imaginary horizontal plane, wherein, during the conveying, the reaction medium moves in the reactor at least once along a first direction defined as one of a top down direction and a direction of gravity, moves in the reactor at least once along a second direction defined as one of a bottom up direction and against the direction of gravity, and moves in the reactor one of freely under atmospheric pressure and while exposed to the atmosphere. The process also includes introducing into and removing from the reactor the reaction medium in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides real-time adaptive manipulations of conditions in a bioreactor to optimize biochemical reactions occurring within the bioreactor. Optimization of a bioreactor does not need to be performed in small-scale, but real-time adaptive manipulations can occur in a bioreactor while the bioreactor is being used.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a bioreactor for growing photoautotrophic organisms is provided. The bioreactor includes a vessel configured to receive the photoautotrophic organisms, the vessel having a longitudinal axis, which a circumferential wall extends around said axis, wherein said circumferential wall is translucent so as to enable light to enter the vessel from the outside for acting on the photoautotrophic organisms, wherein a device for providing an uneven distribution of the light intensity within said vessel along said axis is provided.

Abstract: Biomass production apparatus is disclosed and comprises a stack of trays, each tray, in use, being in receipt of a respective layer of liquid, the layers being spaced apart from one another such that each layer has associated therewith a respective headspace. Light sources are provided for each layer and are disposed in the headspace associated with said each layer, to illuminate, at least in part, said each layer.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for separating solute material from an algal cell feed stream. The algal cell feed stream, which contains the solute material, can be introduced into on portion of a mixer-settler vessel, and a solvent feed stream can be introduced into another portion of the vessel to mix with the algal cell feed stream, with a goal of separating at least a portion of the solute material from the algal feed stream.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position.

Abstract: A photobioreactor apparatus in which a reaction chamber contains a slurry of water, nutrients and photosynthetic organisms. The sidewall of the reaction chamber is constructed of translucent material, thereby permitting light to be conveyed into the slurry to promote photosynthesis. The interior of the reaction chamber is in fluid communication with a gas dispenser. A lift member is disposed in the reaction chamber and gas is introduced in the slurry beneath the lift member, thereby providing buoyancy to lift the lift member, thereby providing agitation and movement of the slurry within the photobioreactor and enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve locating an algae production facility in close proximity to a livestock production facility whereby the outputs of one or both facilities promotes productivity levels in the facility. In an illustrative example, the algae production facility includes a bioreactor in fluid communication with the atmosphere inside, for example, a poultry facility. In some examples, the atmosphere inside the poultry facility may be around a substantially controlled temperature suitable for poultry. The atmosphere may further contain substantial Nitrogen-content suitable to promote algae growth. Various embodiments may symbiotically consume waste products from each facility to promote production of, for example, protein for food and algae, which may be used for animal feed, for example, and/or processed into fuel. In some examples, the algae production facility may be conveniently packaged into a module. In some examples, the module may be stored and shipped in a conventional shipping container.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.

Abstract: A system for inoculating soil with microalgae is provided. The system is portable and can be used with many different water sources to culture microalgae and form an inoculate that is added to irrigation water used for watering crops. The system provides improved crop production metrics as compared to crops grown without the microalgae-based inoculation system. The system can be integrated into existing irrigation systems to add macronutrients and micronutrients into the water, thereby providing highly bioavailable nutrients to crops.

Abstract: A method of increasing yield of cultivated algae, which entails the step of cultivating one or more species of algae in the presence of one or more species of PPFM bacteria, for at least a portion of the algae cultivation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing deep ocean water in the cultivation and harvesting of nutrients and CO2 for algae and other valuable aquaculture species for the production of algal biomass and the like. The systems of the present invention include a floating deep water harvesting barge, a containment device, and a storage or pumping device. The containment device may be a closed system, an open system, or a photo-bioreactor. The present invention is also directed to improved methods for drying algae biomass and further downstream applications and uses of the algae biomass.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems for optimizing organism growth, destruction or repair, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to an organism, through the high frequency modulation of photons in an individual color spectrum to the organism, where the photon modulation is based upon the specific needs of the organism. Devices for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrum to the organism are also provided. Further provided are methods for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the use of high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrums.

Abstract: Provided is an open diatom cultivation method where continuous production of one or more selected diatom species achieve dominancy in the production system and that dominancy is maintained. The algae culture solution containing diatoms is first introduced to an open microalgae culture system. Then, carbon dioxide and nutrient salts are added to form a culture solution for diatom cultivation. The method enables industrial scale cultivation of diatoms at economically competitive production cost, with a high cultivation density and for a high production volume. The method also enables continuous stable production of selected diatoms and solves the difficult problem of controlling invading algae by always using the most competitive of local diatoms without imposing a selected algae which may be superior in some localities and under some climate conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an open phototrophic culture with improved storage compound production capability. In accordance with the invention, a starting culture is submitted to selective pressure, thus giving a competitive advantage to storage compound producing species, by subjecting said starting culture to a cycle of alternating dark phases and light phases and providing limitation of availability of essential growth nutrients in one or more of said light phases. The resulting culture can be used to provide storage compounds in improved yields.

Abstract: A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination.

Abstract: Biomass production apparatus is disclosed and comprises a stack of trays, each tray, in use, being in receipt of a respective layer of liquid, the layers being spaced apart from one another such that each layer has associated therewith a respective headspace. Light sources are provided for each layer and are disposed in the headspace associated with said each layer, to illuminate, at least in part, said each layer.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a step (A) of irradiating a plant with a red light and a step (B) of irradiating a plant with a blue light, wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that a fertilizer is used for each of the step (A) and the step (B), of which at least the fertilizer used for the step (A) is applied in the form of a nutritious liquid containing fertilizer ingredients and further carbon dioxide added therein. Preferably, a nutritious liquid is applied at each of the step (A) and the step (B), and the nutritious liquid applied at the step (A) contains carbon dioxide at a concentration higher than that in the nutritious liquid applied at the step (B).

Abstract: A light pipe for use in aqueous environments comprising an optical rod capable of total internal reflection, and disposed in the optical path of a light source such as a light emitting diode or other source. The optical rod has frosted and unfrosted portions, such that the light is propagated distally along the rod at the unfrosted portions, but a portion of the light is coupled out of the rod into the aqueous environment at each of the frosted portions. The relative sizes of the frosted portions are arranged so that substantially the same light power is coupled out of the rod at each frosted section, thus facilitating rapid and uniform growth of algae in the aqueous environment.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for generating fluid flow in an algae cultivation pond are disclosed. Circulation of fluid in the algae cultivation pond is initiated via at least one jet. The circulation of fluid generates a velocity of fluid flow of at least ten centimeters per second in the algae cultivation pond. A head is provided to the at least one jet that overcomes a head loss associated with the velocity of fluid flow of at least ten centimeters per second in the algae cultivation pond.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial biomass composition produced from a heterotrophic fermentation whose fatty acid profile exhibits: an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (ARA) ratio of about 11:1 or more; an EPA to total co-concentrating fatty acid ratio of about 8:1 or more, extract compositions, and methods of producing such compositions.

Abstract: A three-dimensional grid for use as an algal turf growing surface contains a horizontal planar basal net containing a series of horizontal planar members and upwardly directed members.

Abstract: The system for fermentation using algae of the present invention includes a first reactor and a second reactor being in fluid communication with each other. A first valve placed between the first reactor and the second reactor controls the fluid connection between the reactors. A gas inlet, in fluid connection to the first reactor, is located at an end opposite the second reactor. A devolatization unit or cell lysis chamber is connected to the second reactor by a second valve. A biomass stream having gas, liquid and biosolids contents passes through the first reactor with gas. The biomass stream mixes and dissolves the gas in the reactors. The cellular structure of the biomass stream ruptures in the devolatization unit, allowing the processed materials, such as oil, gas, and biosolids, to be harvested for use.

Abstract: A production system includes a structure configured to house a light-activated biological pathway. The production system further includes an optical filter attached to the structure. The optical filter is configured to receive light, to reflect a first portion of the received light, and to transmit a second portion of the received light, wherein the first portion has a different wavelength from the second portion. The production system is further configured to position the light-activated biological pathway to receive the second portion of the receive light.

Abstract: A simple alternative to separate filamentous bodies of Monostroma latissimum algae (large green algae) as seed stock. The filamentous bodies are easily separated and prepared for cultivation. At low luminosity (50 ?m mole s?1m?2), the filamentous bodies grow into the filamentous colony. If the filamentous colony is in turns irradiated at the luminosity greater than 100 ?m mole s?1m?2, it is turning into fronds. Thereby the filamentous bodies are evenly distributed into small segments so as to penetrate through the cotton rope for algal mass cultivation and further grow into fronds at high luminosity.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: Solar-redshift systems comprise an integral array of redshift modules, each having at least a focusing device, a target, and a quantum-dot vessel. The quantum-dot vessel contains quantum dots that emit light having an emission wavelength. The focusing device directs incident solar radiation through a focusing gap and toward the quantum-dot vessel, or into a slab waveguide and then toward the quantum-dot vessel, causing the quantum dots to emit redshifted light having the emission wavelength. The redshifted light is directed to the target, examples of which include a photovoltaic material or a living photosynthetic organism. The target has increased sensitivity or response to photons having the wavelength of the redshifted light. A trapping reflector component of the quantum-dot vessel prevents loss of redshifted light to the environment outside the solar-redshift system and allows undesirable infrared light to be removed from the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining energy from a polychromatic energy source that emits radiation in a first and a second wavelength band comprises a reflector or an energy receiver having an aperture therein; and a holographic lens that diffracts and focuses the radiation within the first wavelength band from the energy source through said aperture towards a first energy receiver, and transmits the radiation within the second wavelength band from the energy source to the reflector or energy receiver. If a reflector is used, the reflector reflects the radiation transmitted by the holographic lens towards a second energy receiver.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an atmospheric bioremediation system focused to reduce the Carbon Dioxide content in the Earth's atmosphere. The disclosed system includes an apparatus to distribute iron in low oxidation states such as zero or plus two trough out the photic region of high nutrients low clorophylls (HNLC) oceans over a period of time. This special apparatus is needed to provide a slow and continuous release of the iron to prevent premature precipitation. It has been shown that microalgae growth is usually initiated by the addition of iron and its sustained feed in water whose only limiting nutrient to prevent algal growth is iron itself. It has also been shown that southern oceans are a possible large batch area where iron is the limiting nutrient.

Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in one of an open-ended system and a closed photo-bioreactor for a photosynthetic culture having an aqueous liquid is described. The system comprises: two light distribution walls made of a transparent material allowing sunlight to pass therethrough, the two light distribution walls creating an elongated channel with an interior space adapted to receive the sunlight and an exterior surface adapted to be partly immersed in the aqueous liquid in use; and a displacement system operatively connected to at least one of the two light distribution walls, the displacement system being adapted to change an orientation of the at least one of the two light distribution walls to track a solar position with respect to at least one axis.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an ultra high intensity micro algal bioreactor designed to minimize the area foot print while completely controlling and optimizing the conditions for growing one or more specific strains of micro algae at maximum efficiency and minimum cost. The innovative bioreactor is in the form of an algae growing assembly that comprises a plurality of growing trays vertically stacked together and retained within a transparent housing. Each growing tray is configured to flowingly transport nutrient enriched water to the growing tray positioned immediately beneath it. Each growing tray is composed of a stiff transparent plastic sheet having a pliable transparent gas permeable membrane affixed thereon. A carbon dioxide gas infusion system is fluidicly connected to each of the plurality of growing trays such that carbon dioxide gas is able to (1) inflate respective carbon dioxide gas chambers, and (2) diffuse into the nutrient enriched water.

Abstract: A light transformation particle is provided. The light transformation particle of the invention includes a light-shifting layer containing at least one light-emitting material, wherein the light-emitting layer transforms ultraviolet light, yellow-green light, or infrared light to red-orange light or blue-violet light. The light transformation particle further includes a core layer and/or a shell layer. The present invention further provides a photobioreactor containing the light transformation particle of the invention.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the production of macroalgae in a manner to provide a sustained, economical source of biomass that may be used in various end-use processes, including energy production. The invention provides specific combinations of macroalgae types, saltwater growth medium compositions, and open pond water containers that results in biomass production beyond what may occur naturally without the required manipulation. Specifically, macroalgae that produce an exoskeleton in the presence of brackish water (e.g., stoneworts) have been found to provide excellent biomass production under the conditions of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for producing and harvesting algae. The orientation of the production substrates is critical for maximizing production as a function of water area utilized. By employing an array of algae production substrates in a vertical configuration relative to the water surface, the yield of algae production per area of open water is increased substantially relative to prior art algae production systems.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a remediation agent and method of remediation of an algae bloom are disclosed. The remediation agent contains light absorbing compounds in a buoyant water semi-insoluble and biodegradable casein product. The remediation agent may be distributed by boat or seeded by airplane to remediate or prevent algae blooms.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body. Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described.

Abstract: A circulatory photobioreactor is provided. The circulatory photobioreactor comprises a first cultivating part, a second cultivating part and a pump part connecting the first cultivating part and the second cultivating part. The first cultivating part comprises a culture tank in which culture media are supplied and a first light source coupled to the culture tank, which illuminates the inside of the culture tank. The second cultivating part comprises a culture pipe placed outside of the culture tank and supplied with cultures from the culture tank and a second light source coupled to the culture pipe, which illuminates the inside of the culture pipe. The pump part is connected to both the first cultivating part and the second cultivating part in order to circulate the culture solution between them.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow-through photobioreactor containing at least one thermoplastic multi-wall sheet having an upper layer and a lower layer having arranged there between at least two sidewalls, at least one inner wall and two or more end caps. Also provided is a process for the production of a biofuel with the inventive photobioreactor. The photobioreactor and process of the present invention have the following advantages: genetically engineered microbes that give higher yields cannot escape into the environment, water in the system does not evaporate, no weeding (presence of unwanted algae), UV light from the sun is filtered out by the reactor walls, temperature control is possible, CO2 from power plants, breweries, etc. can be artificially fed to increase yield. The inventive photobioreactor is also less expensive to build than pipe reactors and may have low energy costs to operate, because little or no energy is needed for agitation and pumping in a preferred gravity assisted embodiment.

Abstract: An algae bioreactor having a system and method for the efficient cultivation of algae in systems using in part or in full bioreactor chambers and other units wherein algae are grown in the presence of light and are then harvested for various uses including, but not limited to, for producing specific molecules, including recombinant molecules and other molecules produced from algae especially adapted to produce such molecules (including, but not limited to, nutraceuticals and industrial polymers and polymer subunits), as food products and components of food products, and as biofuel or components of biofuel. Further wherein the pH of the algae slurry is manipulated to allow for automated removal of algae adhered to the light permeable surfaces of the bioreactor.

Abstract: A system for the production and harvesting of algae including one or more of the following components: A turbulator for dissolving carbon dioxide in water to form an algae growth media, a photobioreactor having a serpentine flow path for the algae growth media through spaced apart high and low baffles with an associated light source, a dewatering device for the algae slurry harvested from the photobioreactor, a turbulator for breaking up the cells in the algae sludge coming off the dewatering device, a cooker for cooking the broken up algae cells under pressure and a settling tank for separating the cooked cells into oil, spent media and biomass fractions.

Abstract: A method for supplying heat energy and carbon dioxide for vegetables and/or algae production using exhaust gas. The method includes: 1) introducing the exhaust gas to a primary heat exchanger to conduct a first indirect heat exchange between the exhaust gas and air from a vegetable greenhouse and/or an algae culturing house whereby providing hot air for the vegetable greenhouse and/or the algae culturing house; 2) introducing part of the exhaust gas after the first indirect heat exchange to a secondary heat exchanger to conduct a second indirect heat exchange between the exhaust gas and outdoor air; 3) introducing the exhaust gas to a CO2 pressure swing adsorption device, separating and pumping carbon dioxide to a carbon dioxide storage tank for storage; and 4) supplying the carbon dioxide to the vegetable greenhouse and/or a carbon-absorption tank of the algae culturing house.