Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. Prior to supplying a reaction zone feed material, including gaseous exhaust from a gaseous exhaust material producing process, supplying the reaction zone feed material with a supplemental gaseous dilution agent, wherein the carbon dioxide concentration of the supplemental gaseous dilution agent is less than the carbon dioxide concentration of the gaseous exhaust material which is supplied to the reaction zone feed material.

Abstract: This invention provides a metabolically enhanced cyanobacterium for the production of a chemical compound of interest, having at least two first production genes encoding first biocatalysts for the production of the first chemical compound. One of the two first production genes is under the transcriptional control of a first promoter for the first production gene, whereas the other of the two first production genes is under the transcriptional control of a second promoter for the first production gene. The first promoter and second promoter are separately inducible under different conditions and the at least two first biocatalysts catalyze the same chemical reaction. Metabolically enhanced cyanobacteria according to the present invention allow prolonged production of first chemical compounds.

Abstract: A cyanobacterial host cell, Cyanobacterium sp., that harbors at least one recombinant gene for the production of a chemical compounds is provided, as well as vectors derived from an endogenous plasmid isolated from the cell.

Abstract: A method of rapid simultaneous inoculation of cyanobacteria to multiple commercial-scale closed photobioreactors for the production of a target molecule such as ethanol.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the full segregation of recombinant marine cyanobacteria.

Abstract: A process is described for the creation of an inoculum for an organism capable of photosynthesis of a target compound within a closed bioreactor, involving steps of transfer of a sterile growth medium under pressure without exposure to atmosphere. The process is useful for the creation of inocula for the growth of cyanobacteria to produce target chemical products, such as ethanol, in closed photobioreactors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.

Abstract: There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone includes a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. The process includes supplying at least a fraction of gaseous exhaust material, being discharged from an industrial process, to the reaction zone, exposing the reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation and effecting growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone, wherein the effected growth includes growth effected by photosynthesis, and modulating distribution of a molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide, being exhausted from the reaction zone, as between a smokestack and at least another point of discharge.

Abstract: There is provided a process of operating a plurality of photobioreactors, comprising: while a carbon dioxide-comprising gaseous exhaust material producing process is effecting production of the carbon dioxide-comprising gaseous exhaust material, supplying at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide-comprising gaseous exhaust material to a respective reaction zone of each one of the phototobioreactors, in succession, wherein the at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide-comprising gaseous exhaust material being supplied defines a carbon dioxide-comprising gaseous exhaust supply.

Abstract: A cyanobacterial host cell, Cyanobacterium sp., that harbors at least one recombinant gene for the production of a chemical compounds is provided, as well as vectors derived from an endogenous plasmid isolated from the cell.

Abstract: A genetically enhanced cyanobacterial host cell, Cyanobacterium sp. ABICyano1, is disclosed. The enhanced Cyanobacterium sp. ABICyano1 produces a compound or compounds of interest.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a genetically enhanced cyanobacterium producing a first chemical compound comprising: a genetically enhanced genome with a first gene inactivation in a first essential or conditionally essential gene of the cyanobacterium, and a first extrachromosomal plasmid harboring the first essential or conditionally essential gene and at least one first production gene for production of the first chemical compound, wherein the cyanobacterium lacks a functional gene conferring biocide resistance. These cyanobacteria can produce a first valuable chemical compound in long-term cultures without the need to employ genes conferring biocide resistance.

Abstract: Improved biomass-gasification methods and apparatus are described, for cooling hot syngas without relying on recycling cool syngas. In some variations, methods are provided for producing cooled syngas from a carbon-containing feedstock, comprising: gasifying the feedstock; feeding hot gas along with liquid water to a cooling device to accomplish humidification, thereby reducing the temperature (but not the enthalpy) of the hot gas; and then feeding the stream to a waste-heat recovery unit to recover energy and produce cool syngas. The invented methods and apparatus can prevent fouling of waste-heat recovery units. Additionally, these methods allow for effective management of tars produced during biomass gasification as well as improved water management.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.

Abstract: There is provided a process for effecting growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction zone of a photobioreactor, comprising, after effecting at least a reduction in the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide to the reaction zone of the photobioreactor, supplying a gaseous photobioreactor exhaust, that includes diatomic (or molecular) oxygen being generated by photosynthesis effected within the reaction zone by the supplied carbon dioxide, to a combustion zone of a combustor.

Abstract: Cyanobacterial host cells are modified to produce 1,2-propanediol.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the pre-concentration of a target molecule from feed solution comprising a low concentration of the target molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the pre-concentration of a target molecule from feed solution comprising a low concentration of the target molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified photoautotrophic ethanol producing host cells. Ethanol production is controlled by an inducible promoter. Promoters utilized may be endogenous or heterologous, and genetic modification may be obtained by extrachromosomal means or chromosomal insertion.