Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for producing astaxanthin by using microalgae. The method comprises: heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae, dilution, photo-induction, collection of microalgal cells, and extraction of astaxanthin. The method according to the present invention takes full advantages of rapid growth rate in the heterotrophic stage and fast accumulation of astaxanthin in the photo-induction stage by using a large amount of microalgal cells obtained in the heterotrophic cultivation stage, so as to greatly improve the astaxanthin production rate and thereby achieve low cost, high efficiency, large scale production of astaxanthin by using microalgae. The method not only provides an important technical means to address the large scale industrial production of astaxanthin through microalgae but also ensures an ample source of raw material for the widespread utilization of astaxanthin.

Abstract: An integrated solar cell system applies energy created by a solar cell module. The integration system includes a solar cell module, a low-grade heat recovery means, and a process system. The low-grade heat recovery means recovers waste heat from the solar cell module and connects the solar cell module to the process system. The process system is powered at least partially by thermal energy derived from waste heat generated by the solar cell module.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of electrochemistry. In particular, the invention provides a method for assaying an analyte, using, inter alia, a reactant capable of binding and/or reacting with an analyte to be analyzed on an oxide electrode and a reducing agent not capable of being oxidized directly by said electrode to generate reduced electrochemically active molecule that participates in oxidation-reduction reactions repeatedly to generate an amplified electrochemical signal to determine presence and/or amount of said analyte in said sample.

Abstract: Formulations comprising bacterial of non-toxigenic strain Paenibacillus polymyxa or the cell-free filtrate obtained from its culture broth are provided as biological agents for control of plant pathogens. Particularly, the formulation of this invention is effective not only in inhibiting bacterial wilt and other plant diseases such as seedling Rhizoctonia, damping off (Pythium aphanidermatum), tomato Fusarium wilt, eggplant Fusarium wilt, cucumber Fusarium wilt, Tobacco brown leaf spot (Alternaria altelnata) and Soybean Fusarium root rot (Fusarium orthocreras), but also in promoting plant growth.