Abstract: A Robotic Algae Harvester (RAH) of the present invention works by providing a CO2 collection mechanism that is installed in power plants or vehicles. These systems are available using current technology and have been proven to be scalable. CO2 is then transported to RAH using ships. The RAH will feed and re-circulate algae broth through the photobioreactors (PBRs). The PBRs float in the ocean while the algae through photosynthesis will transform the CO2 into biomass in a continuous process. The extracted algae will processed into a stable mix of oil and bi-product and transferred to the ship that brought the CO2. The algae is then processed onshore in some of the following manners: converted to biodiesel via transesterification; converted to bio-ethanol via fermentation; burned for electricity generation; and/or used as protein for animal feed or food products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for microorganism growth are disclosed. The systems include continuous-culture processes for the growth of large volumes of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for harvesting algae in continuous fermentation. There is a harvester including a main moving belt, a plurality of rollers, and a motor for driving the main moving belt. There is a reactor tank and a vacuum extractor for applying a vacuum over a width of the main moving belt to extract biomass and to dry the main moving belt. The main moving belt has one end in the reactor tanks and another end extended into the vacuum extractor. The algae contained in the reactor tank is collected for further processing, including oil extraction. With algae harvested in the large-scale manner of the present invention, a more efficient oil extraction method can be used because the concentration, temperature, and pressure can be more easily controlled.

Abstract: A method of using sequential chemostat culture vessels to provide continuous H2 production, in which photosynthetic O2 evolution and H2 photoproduction are separated physically into two separate bioreactors, comprising: a) growing a microorganism culture able to continuously generate H2 by photosynthetically producing cells at about the early-to-late log state in a first photobioreactor operating as a sulfur chemostat under aerobic and/or conditions; b) continuously feeding cells from the first photobioreactor to a second photobioreactor operating under anaerobic conditions and sulfur deprivation conditions resulting from constant uptake of sulfate in the first bioreactor and a low rate of culture flow between the first and second bioreactors, for induction of hydrogenase and H2 photoproduction to allow for continuous cultivation of the microorganism's cells in the first photobioreactor and constant H2 production in the second photobioreactor, and c) H2 gas from the second photobioreactor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oxidative decarbonylase enzymes, methods of making hydrocarbons with such enzymes, hydrocarbons produced therefrom and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolated polypeptide sequences that are cytochrome P450 enzymes with oxidative decarbonylase activity and methods of their use to generate hydrocarbon products, such as biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical methods for altering a biological characteristic of an aquatic organism such as an algae or bacterium. The invention includes alterations to biological characteristics such as growth rate, membrane permeability and buoyancy.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a novel dinoflagellate alga; and a macrolide compound which can be used as a novel anticancer agent. Specifically disclosed is a macrolide compound produced by a dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. Strain HYA002 or HYA0024. The macrolide compound has excellent proliferation-inhibiting effect against a human tumor cell and therefore can be used as a novel anticancer agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention report compositions, methods and uses for growth and/or production of byproducts, products and/or co-products from algal cultures. Certain embodiments of the present invention report using wastewaters to grow microorganisms for producing one or more products, byproducts or co-products from the microorganisms. Other embodiments report compositions and methods for rapid growth of any photosynthetic organism in culture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for cultivating microorganisms. In one example, a system may include a plurality of containers for cultivating microorganisms therein. Each container may be adapted to contain water and may include media disposed therein and at least partially submerged in the water. The media may be adapted to support microorganisms during cultivation and a concentration of microorganisms supported by the media may be higher than a concentration of microorganisms suspended in the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising PUFAs produced by microalgae, in particular omega-3 and/or omega-6 fatty acids produced by members of the genus Rhodomonas, in particular Rhodomonas salina. The invention also provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising the PUFAs for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a disease or condition, in particular a cardiovascular and/or inflammatory disease or condition.

Abstract: A method controls growth in an open algae cultivation system. The cultivation system includes a high-yield species and at least one invasive native species. The method includes adjusting at least one parameter of the system to a first value such that a high-growth condition for the high-yield species is produced in the open algae cultivation system. The method also includes adjusting the parameter to a second value different from the first value such that a high-dominance condition for the high-yield species is produced in the open algae cultivation system. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting from the first value to the second value when the concentration of the high-yield species reaches a lower limit and adjusting from the second value to the first value when the concentration of the high-yield species reaches an upper limit.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a fat-and-oil in which the content of docosahexaenoic acid is increased. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A process for producing highly unsaturated fatty acids comprising culturing a stramenopile capable of producing highly unsaturated fatty acids in a culture medium containing an inhibitor for fatty acid desaturases; fats-and-oils in which the content of highly unsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid produced by the relevant method, is increased. A method for enhancing the productivity of highly unsaturated fatty acids in stramenopiles, comprising culturing a stramenopile in a culture medium containing an inhibitor for fatty acid desaturases; stramenopiles having the enhanced productivity of highly unsaturated fatty acids, generated by the relevant method.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing algae with high oil content. The system includes a chemostat formed with a conduit for growing algae, an input port for feeding a medium into the conduit, and an output port for passing an effluence from the conduit. Further, the chemostat includes a paddlewheel or other device that moves the medium around the conduit. Also, the system includes a plug flow reactor for receiving the effluence from the chemostat. In order to trigger high oil production in the algae, a modified nutrient mix is added to the effluence in the plug flow reactor. Specifically, the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger oil production in the algae. Further, the system includes an algae separator for removing high oil content algae from the plug flow reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a ferrous ferric oxyhydroxy salt of the dual lamellar hydroxide family as a catalyst, or as a precursor of the catalyst having the same crystalline structure as the catalyst, for implementing an oxidation-reduction method, the ferrous ferric oxyhydroxy salt being used in association with ferri-reducing bacteria capable of reducing FeIII into FeII in the presence of organic material, in order to reduce a substance (S) into a reduced substance, the redox potential of the Sreduced/S couple being higher than that of the FeII/FeIII couple at the crystallographic sites of FeII.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fermentation of algae or algaefaction method. The method includes feeding a hydrocarbon composition into a gasifier and pre-heating a biomass stream from a fermentation reactor. The biomass stream includes a liquid portion, a catalyst, and a biomass solids portion ranging between 15-92% by weight ofthe biomass stream. The biomass solids portion is algae or algal solids. The biomass stream is pre-heated to a temperature range between 200° F. and 500° F. Both the syngas and the pre-heated biomass stream are injected as a mixture into a reactor, where the mixture is separated into a gas component, liquid component, and solids component. The solids component is algal crude, which can be collected for processing as transportation fuels. The gas component is a lower temperature syngas, which can also be collected for processing as electricity or transportation fuels.

Abstract: A semi-closed loop diesel photobioreactor system and method are provided for producing diesel fuel from wild algae or from specialized algae that has been biologically modified for high efficiency oil production using waste water as a primary food source. The diesel photobioreactor provides a semi-closed loop system with an opening to acquire waste water below the surface to obtain waste water nutrients and to protect the algae species from contamination. The semi-closed loop diesel photobioreactor includes a container that can be designed in a variety of shapes with a tube design preferred, and containing a liquid culture medium for cultivating photosynthetic organisms. The system can utilize natural light and can also deploy an innovative lighting system integrated into the photobioreactor container. The diesel photobioreactor system also has one or more cleaning devices mounted within the container for cleaning the surface of the photobioreactor container.

Abstract: A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.

Abstract: A cellulosic ethanol production system. Implementations may include a feed stage that may produce a raw cellulose stream from a waste cellulose stream and an algae cellulose stream. A hydrolysis stage may produce a hydrolyzed cellulose stream. A liquefaction stage may produce a formed sugars stream and one or more liquefaction byproduct streams. A fermentation stage may react the formed sugars stream with a yeast feed in at least one fermenter to produce a raw ethanol stream. A separation stage may separate ethanol from the raw ethanol stream and to produce a fuel ethanol stream. An algae generation stage may include at least one algae bioreactor and may react the one or more liquefaction byproduct streams with algae in the at least one algae bioreactor to produce an algae stream. A biodiesel production stage may produce a biodiesel stream and the algae cellulose stream.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for releasing one or more cell components from a photosynthetic organism. A bioreactor system is operable for growing photosynthetic organisms. Some of the methods include contacting the photosynthetic organism with an energy-activatable sensitizer, and activating the energy-activatable sensitizer, thereby releasing a cellular component from at least one of, for example, a membrane structure, tubule, vesicle, cisterna, organelle, cell compartment, plastid, or mitochondrion, associated with the photosynthetic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel photobioreactors, modules thereof, and methods for use in culturing and harvesting algae and cyanobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosed, internally-lighted bioreactor apparatus, methods for growing photosynthetic microorganisms in the enclosed, internally lighted bioreactor and methods for enhancing growth of a photosynthetic microorganism culture in the enclosed internally-lighted bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydroxylapatite from a calcium carbonate-containing algae comprising the steps of: (a) converting at least some of the calcium carbonate in the algae to calcium oxide without changing the porosity of the algae; and (b) reacting the so-formed material of step (a) with phosphate ions in water.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for the use of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline in conjunction with algae. One exemplary method includes applying an effective amount of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline to algae in an aqueous environment to accelerate creation of a high-cell density of the algae. The effective amount of the 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline may be approximately 0.1 grams per liter of the aqueous environment, or up to approximately 0.1 grams per liter of the aqueous environment. The effective amount of the 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline may be applied to the aqueous environment at or near a same time, or applied to the aqueous environment over a period of time. Exemplary algae cultivation systems are also provided herein. One exemplary system includes an aqueous environment having a pale-green mutant Nannochloropsis, and an effective amount of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline to accelerate creation of a high-cell density of the pale-green mutant Nannochloropsis.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collection of a target material from a liquid sample comprising target species that contain the target material. The apparatus comprises a fluid flow conduit in communication with a filter medium having a pore size adapted to retain target species thereon and pass, as filtrate, lysate containing the desired target material. A lysing agent conduit communicates with the fluid flow conduit and delivers lysing agent to the filter medium to lyse the target cells thereby releasing the desired intracellular target material. The lysing agent may be recirculated through the filter medium for a sufficient time to permit sufficient quantity of lysate to circulate through the system for lysate collection and subsequent assay.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include photobioreactors with membranes to introduce carbon dioxide into media contained within film photobioreactors. Such membranes can also be used to remove dissolved oxygen from the media. In some embodiments, one or more membrane tubes are welded into a plastic film photobioreactor to make a one-piece reactor. According to some embodiments of the present invention, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using pressure, gas composition, and surface area along with sparging to control the pH in the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A method for the elimination of carbon dioxide from waste gases includes the following steps. First, waste gases, which include carbon dioxide, are provided from a source for waste gases. Next, the waste gases are contacted with an absorbent composition that includes perfluorodecalin solution. The waste gases, especially the carbon dioxide, are then absorbed by the absorbent composition. The absorbent composition thereby absorbs the waste gases to eliminate the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A technique for extracting biofuel from algae biomass using high velocity adiabatic impact compaction, comprising impacting a quantity of algae biomass with a power ram at a controlled velocity to deliver an impulse of sufficient magnitude to disrupt the outer cell wall structure.

Abstract: A system and methods for enhancing mass production of algae, diatoms or other photosynthetic organism is described. The system and methods are useful in applications such as energy production, fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and CO2 fixation. The system and methods involve the use of a submersed rotating pole(s) on which lights are branched out at strategic intervals in order to appropriately increase contact between photosynthetic water-based organisms and light. Rotation can timed so as to disperse light and/or nutrients when the organism is in a receiving mode. A process flow system is also described which can be scaled for the mass production of photosynthetic based organism. This process system makes use of centralized automatable controls and linear or parallel growth tanks. The system can be used for continuous or batch methods of production of bio-mass whose values such as lipids or carbohydrate can be extracted for the production of fuels or other byproducts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered photobioreactor capable of producing a useful metabolite simultaneously with the vegetative growth of a photosynthetic microorganism, including a first culture region (2) containing the microorganism and a culture medium to execute vegetative growth of the microorganism, and a second culture region (1) closely layered on a side surface of the first culture region and containing a culture medium and the microorganism to produce the useful metabolite. The two culture regions are separated from each other with a transparent partition, and the light sufficiently strong for induction of the useful metabolite production is irradiated to the first culture region, while the intensity of the light is reduced to a level proper to the microbial growth during a transmission of the light through the first culture region to arrive the second culture region. Also, the present invention discloses a method of culturing a photosynthetic microorganism using the photobioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized method of continuously culturing an auxotrophic marine microorganism in a fermentor under aerobic conditions at Y g/l of cell dry matter, CDM, wherein Y is in the range from 100-300 g/l, comprising culturing said auxotrophic marine microorganism in a culture medium comprising a carbon source, gradually added, in an amount of (Y×h) gram per litre of culture broth, wherein h is in the range from 1.1-3.0, and with a residence time of 20-100 h. The method maintains a high productivity of cellular lipids, especially polyenoic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.

Abstract: An image enhancing agent of a form comprising an effective quantity of an image enhancing material chemically or physically bound to or encapsulated within a support comprising, preferentially, an exine coating of spores of various plants or fungi, optionally with further excipients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining lipid from a composition comprising cells and water, said process comprising contacting the composition with a desiccant, and recovering the lipid from the cells. The invention also relates to a lipid obtainable by this process. The process according to then invention enables lipid of high quality to be obtained with a high yield, and does not require a heating step.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for treating biomass wastes to result in usable byproducts. Biomass is treated to remove debris, transferred to microbial digester units, such as anaerobic and aerobic digesters, and the resultant solids and liquids are provided to an algae production unit. Algae are harvested and beneficial byproducts are retained. Gases, heat and energy produced by energy conversion units are used in units of the system or provided to external sources. Water is cleaned and when separated from the algae and other solids in the algae harvesting unit may be provided to external sources, or may be used in other units of the system. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide for an efficient and substantially complete use of the components of the input biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for a copious bloom of diatom algae comprising macro and or micro nutrients adsorbed on metalate modified silica sol. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of a composition comprising of iron adsorbed onto metalate modified silica sol containing 0.01% to 50% of Fe, and a micronutrient adsorbed onto metalate modified silica sol consisting of Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, Mo, B, V, Ni, Se, I, Fl, Cr, Cd and mixtures thereof in the proportion 0.001% to 30% of the weight of silica and macronutrient adsorbed onto metalate modified silica sol consisting of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Cl, Na the elements of each macronutrient varying from 1% to 50% of the silica.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel microalga that produces hydrocarbons available as an alternative fuel to a diesel fuel (light oil). The present invention relates to a novel microalga Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea having the ability to produce hydrocarbons, and to a process for producing hydrocarbons, characterized by culturing a microalga belonging to the genus Pseudochoricystis or the genus Choricystis having the ability to produce hydrocarbons, and collecting the hydrocarbon from the resulting cultured product.

Abstract: A trough lining assembly is placed in a series of troughs at a biomass processing facility. The trough lining assembly includes a waterproof liner that lies against the sides of a trough, an aerator, and a retention mechanism that retains the aerator at the bottom of the trough. The aerator provides continuous aeration of biomass present in the trough by releasing aerating gas into the biomass along the length of the trough. The continuous aeration also churns the biomass, exposing more of it to the aerating gas and to sunlight. The trough lining assembly improves the efficiency of algae production by stimulating photosynthesis and consumption of carbon dioxide. The trough lining assembly has low production, transportation, installation, and maintenance costs.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of delivering light internally to a Photo-Bioreactor growing algae for production of Biodiesel fuel. The invention also provides an improved method of delivering liquid nutrients [I.e. sewage] and carbon dioxide to the growing algae in a Photo-Bioreactor. These results are achieved by a single system which delivers fiber optic light as well as liquid nutrients and carbon dioxide via jets. The net result attained by using this invention is a significant increase in the production of valuable algae with a very small increase in energy consumption. The increase in energy usage is the electrical energy required to power a 150 watt metal-halide bulb.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydroponically growing microorganisms within a self-contained air-supported structure, in which microorganisms are grown in an organic slurry, harvested, and processed to obtain and process and distribute molecules useful for biofuel or other purposes.

Abstract: A method of growing algae is described that is part of a cogenerational energy production plant in which solar energy from a solar collecting and concentrating field is used to provide photonic energy for the growth and stress phase of algae as well as to provide heat for driving a turbine. The supplementary energy for the power plant is provided by natural gas and by biomethane that is produced by fermentation of the algal biomass. The carbon dioxide that is a by-product of the combustion of both the natural gas and the biomethane is recycled to provide the carbon source for the algal growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a xanthophyll from a photosynthetic microalga, which includes inoculating a photosynthetic microalga containing a xanthophyll, preferably an encysted microalga, into a nutrient medium to grow the microalga; and encysting the grown microalga, by a single-step culture method in which the growth step and the encystment step are performed continuously using a nutrient medium having a low nitrogen source concentration, or by a two-step culture method in which the microalga is grown in a nutrient medium having a high nitrogen source concentration and then transferred to an encystment medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides commercially viable, large-scale methods for concentrating microalgae with an average diameter of about 20 ?m or less. The methods find use in concentrating microalgae with an average diameter of about 5 ?m or less, for example, Nannochloropsis.

Abstract: A method of mass production of algae is provided, including an algae growth trough having an algae introduction end having a first width and an algae extraction end having a second width wider than the first width. Water is supplied to the trough from a water treatment facility and carbon dioxide is introduced to the water from a combustion source. The algae is allowed to grow within the algae growth trough while light is provided to the trough. The algae is extracted from the extraction end of the trough, and as the algae continues to grow under optimal conditions, the algae is continuously harvested for commercial use. The mass production of algae allows for the consumption of enormous amounts of carbon dioxide which can be generated from a coal electrical generation facility or other industrial facility.

Abstract: Methods and systems of cultivating photosynthetic cells under autotrophic and heterotrophic growth conditions are described herein. Under different growing conditions, photosynthetic cells may produce different quantities and characteristics of lipids. The methods and systems herein utilize changing growth conditions to alter the macromolecular content of a photosynthetic cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydroponically growing microorganisms within a self-contained air-supported structure, in which microorganisms are grown in an organic slurry, harvested, and processed to obtain and process and distribute molecules useful for biofuel or other purposes.

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: The present invention relates to one or more peptides which may be used to test for the presence of antibodies to B. microti. These peptide are selected based on the strength and specificity of the human antibody response to B. microti. These peptides alone or in combination have a variety of uses, for example, as a component of a diagnostic assay or kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of circulating algae in growing containers using thermally-induced convection techniques. In particular, a method of growing algae by providing a thermal gradient in algae containing medium is disclosed.