Abstract: At least one elongated photobioreactor, at a small angle relative to horizontal and mixed substantially or entirely by large bubble flow, is used for contained cell culture, e.g., microalgae cultivation. Elongated, flexible, transparent, polymeric photobioreactor tubes, in near-grade and near-horizontal (e.g. sloped 1 degree to 3 degrees) orientation, and use of low-pressure air mixing, allow very inexpensive construction and operation. Multiple elongated tubes may be used for an independent operation of the multiple photobioreactor tubes for the same or different cells, e.g., microalgae and different applications. Low-pressure air is delivered near the low end of the bioreactor at less than 10 psig and without sparging, to produce large air bubbles that travel from the low end to the high end of the bioreactor, for turbulent mixing and gas exchange.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include: inoculating a bioreactor with one or more first microorganisms and a first fluidic support medium, the bioreactor having one or more bioreactor walls at least partially enclosing a bioreactor cavity, being configured to be at least one of folded up or rolled up, and being sterile when the bioreactor is inoculated with the one or more first microorganisms, the one or more bioreactor walls having at least one bioreactor wall material, and the at least one bioreactor wall material being flexible and at least partially transparent; and vitally supporting the one or more first microorganisms with the bioreactor, a supply of light, and a supply of organic carbon. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include: inoculating a bioreactor with one or more first microorganisms and a first fluidic support medium, the bioreactor having one or more bioreactor walls at least partially enclosing a bioreactor cavity, being configured to be at least one of folded up or rolled up, and being sterile when the bioreactor is inoculated with the one or more first microorganisms, the one or more bioreactor walls having at least one bioreactor wall material, and the at least one bioreactor wall material being flexible and at least partially transparent; and vitally supporting the one or more first microorganisms with the bioreactor, a supply of light, and a supply of organic carbon. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a growth vessel to simulate algae growth and/or productivity in a reference environment, such as an open pond, a closed photobioreactor, or a hybrid system. Based on predicted algae sample trajectories in the reference environment, an illumination profile is developed. An algae sample in the growth vessel can then be exposed to the illumination profile under controlled conditions. Properties of algae in the reference environment can then be characterized based on the sample exposed to the illumination profile.

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: Systems and methods are provided for using a growth vessel to simulate algae growth and/or productivity in a reference environment, such as an open pond, a closed photobioreactor, or a hybrid system. Based on predicted algae sample trajectories in the reference environment, an illumination profile is developed. An algae sample in the growth vessel can then be exposed to the illumination profile under controlled conditions. Properties of algae in the reference environment can then be characterized based on the sample exposed to the illumination profile.

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: 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: 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 process for extracting carotenoids from a carotenoid-containing starting material produced by microorganisms is described. Said starting material is admixed with edible solvent to effectuate the transfer of carotenoids. Separation of the carotenoid-enriched edible solvent is improved by the formation of a “cake”, composed of said carotenoid-containing particulate solids, and, as required, a certain quantity of suitable filtration aid to modify the cake's consistency. Mechanical aids accelerate the separation of the carotenoid-enriched edible solvent. Said mixture may be hydrated to aid the removal of solids and gums from the carotenoid containing edible solvent. The carotenoid-enriched edible solvent is filtered though said cake to reduce the particulate load including any undesirable microbial load. A counter-current process increases the carotenoid concentration of the extract.