Abstract: A photosynthetic reactor (1) suitable for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, notably algae, comprising at least one photosynthetic reaction pipe (2) at least one return pipe (3), at least one means (4) for circulating the liquid culture medium, at least one gas injection means (5) and at least one exhaust means (6) positioned in the high portion of the reactor (1), wherein the placement of the gas injection means (5) and/or the conformation of the reaction pipe (2) or of the return pipe (3) are designed so that the gas injected by the injection means (5) rises again to the exhaust means (6) by circulating in the reaction pipe (2), in a low-to-high flow direction, so that the injected gas and the liquid culture medium establish a gas/liquid two-phase flow in a substantially horizontal reaction section (23) of the reaction channel (2). The present invention finds application in the field of cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms and notably algae.

Abstract: Provided is a method of culturing green algae which promotes the growth of the green algae which is in a state of being a green swarm cell by irradiating the green algae that accumulate astaxanthin with an artificial light, in which the green algae are grown in a liquid medium while maintaining a state in which the color of a culture solution of the green algae is green or brown by intermittently radiating a red illumination light while continuously radiating a blue illumination light.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for culturing microorganisms. The disclosure includes mixtures of different microorganisms, especially mixtures of cyanobacteria with fermentative microorganisms. For example, methods and compositions related to co-cultures of yeast and cyanobacteria are provided. Also provided are feedstocks derived from cyanobacteria as well as methods of making such feedstocks and methods of culturing microorganisms in such feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing flocculation moieties in photosynthetic organisms. The photosynthetic organisms are genetically modified to effect production, secretion, or both, of the flocculation moieties. Also provided are methods of flocculating organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microalgae culture and specifically relates to a trap-type carbon supplement device and carbon supplement method for cultivating microalgae in an open pond. The trap-type carbon supplement device for cultivating microalgae in an open pond, comprises a trap-type container, a partition plate and a gas distributor, wherein the gas distributor is positioned at the culture solution inlet of the trap-type carbon supplement device; the thickness of the trap-type carbon supplement device on the side of the culture solution inlet is 0.5-2 times of the depth of the culture solution in the open pond; the gap between the lower end of the partition plate and the bottom of the trap-type container is 0.5-2 times of the thickness of the trap- type carbon supplement device on the side of the culture solution inlet; the upper end of the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap-type container; and the width of the partition plate is matched with the trap-type container.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or to benefit pipeline maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of producing algae derived oils comprising growing, stressing, and harvesting algae and then extracting total lipids from which specific oil fractions are purified.

Abstract: The introduction of tools to study, control or expand the inner-workings of algae has been slow to develop. Provided are embodiments of a molecular method based on guanidinium-rich molecular transporters (GR-MoTrs) for bringing molecular cargos into algal cells. The methods of the disclosure have been shown to work in wild-type algae that have an intact cell wall. Developed using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, this method is also successful with less studied algae, including Neochloris oleoabundans and Scenedesmus dimorphus, thus providing a new and versatile tool for algal research and modification. The method of delivering a cargo compound to an algal cell comprises contacting an algal cell with a guanidinium-rich delivery vehicle comprising a guanidinium-rich molecular transporter (GR-MoTr) linked to a cargo compound desired to be delivered to the algal cell, whereby the guanidinium-rich molecular transporter can traverse the algal cell wall, thereby delivering the cargo compound to the algal cell.

Abstract: A method and system for achieving a gas-liquid mass transfer includes delivering into a compartment of a container a liquid, the liquid having an exposed top surface disposed within the compartment. A stream of a gas is passed over the top surface of the liquid so that the stream of gas produces turbulence on the top surface that is sufficient to achieve the gas-liquid mass transfer. In one embodiment the liquid is a culture that includes cells or microorganisms and the mass transfer functions to oxygenate the culture sufficient to sustain the cells or microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enrichment of photosynthetic microorganisms in organic selenium using selenohydroxy acid compounds, in particular 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid, in D or L form, or an enantiomer, salt or ester or amide derivative of these compounds, and also to the use of the microorganisms thus enriched in animal or human nutrition, in cosmetics or in pharmacy.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the genetic manipulation of Algal cells. The compositions and methods allow enhanced transfer of genetic material into Algal cells and the cloning and selection of genetically modified cells. Expression of proteins encoded by the genetic material will be enhanced by the methods and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an algae bioreactor and process. The algae bioreactor includes a container with an inlet and an outlet. An algae suspension present in the container interior moves from an inlet to an outlet along a flowpath. A light assembly, a liftwall, and a gas conduit are located in the container interior. The gas conduit extends along a length of the container and emits gas bubbles into the algae suspension. A diffuser is located on a bottom wall of the container, The flowpath, the liftwall, the gas conduit, and the diffuser produce an active flow of the algae from the container inlet to the container outlet. The container may be a deep-vessel container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for photoculturing and harvesting microalgae, and more particularly to a method for photoculturing and harvesting microalgae, in which a light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source to increase the efficiency with which microalgae are cultured, and the cultured microalgae are harvested using a natural polymer flocculant and air microbubbles so that the operating cost is reduced and the range of application of microalgae is expanded, and also a semi-continuous culture method is applied so that the maximum concentration of microalgae can be produced again within a short time, even though the amount of microalgae harvested is small.

Abstract: A system for culturing photosynthesizing microorganisms includes a source of a gaseous fluid a mixer that creates micron bubbles within an aqueous medium using the gaseous fluid. The mixing chamber holds the aqueous medium including the micron bubbles before the micron bubbles and aqueous medium are mixed with a culture of photosynthesizing microorganism in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing microorganisms is provided. The method comprises mixing microorganisms with a working fluid to form an working fluid slurry, and injecting a transport fluid through a transport fluid nozzle into the working fluid slurry in order to disrupt the cellular structure of the microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating algae from an aqueous environment. An aqueous feed containing algae can be aged for a period of at least about 90 hours without purging or other aeration. The aging of the aqueous feed can result in formation of aggregated algae, which can then be filtered under pressure. Due to the larger size of the algae aggregates, the pressurized filtration can reduce/minimize the tendency to clog the filter, as the algae aggregates can generally be too large to fit within the pores of the filter. The filter can preferably be located at the bottom of the vessel holding the aqueous feed. This can assist in allowing the algae to remain in a cake above the filter, as opposed to having the algae dissolve back into the aqueous feed.

Abstract: Methods of cultivating autotrophic microorganisms, particularly microalgae or diatoms, in a bioreactor by entraining a culture of the microorganisms in a tenuous, gelated, thixotrophic carrier medium having nutrients therefor and moving the medium along a passage at a sufficiently slow speed to enable laminar flow which in cross section is closed and which has transparent walls through which the culture is irradiated to enable photosynthesis. The method includes effecting convective turnover of the culture and medium as they flow along the passage by differentially heating the medium laterally relative to the flow direction so as to produce a generally helical flow of the culture and medium. Also described are processing methods, both physical and chemical, performed underground e.g.

Abstract: Methods and devices of performing reactions for which presence of light is desirable are provided. Biological or chemical materials such as algae are put in a chamber shaped as a meandering fluid channel. The algae can be combined with biomass such as human or animal waste and then subject to light, such as natural light or light coming from a LED, to produce fuel. Production of fuel can be optimized by controlling the height-to-width ratio of the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for feeding gases or gas mixtures into a liquid, suspension, or emulsion in a reactor in a specific manner. According to the invention, gases or gas mixtures are fed into a liquid, suspension, or emulsion in a reactor in a specific manner, wherein the gas or gas mixture is fed in a specific amount and/or at defined points in time in one pulse as a gas bubble into a flowing liquid in a tilted reactor system, whereby a pulsation effect is obtained, wherein a driving force is produced by means of an adiabatic relaxation of the fed-in gas or gas mixture, by means of which driving force wall adhesions on the reactor are prevented.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel methods of producing hydrocarbons through heterotrophic cultivation of Botryococcus braunii. Also provided are novel hydrocarbon compositions. A preferred species for engineering is the microalgae species Botryococcus braunii. Additional methods of cultivation include providing certain nutrient sources.

Abstract: New strains of microalgae belonging to the Nitzschia genus, allow high-yield production of lipids, in particular of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or carotenoids, in particular fucoxanthin, in mixotrophic mode, and a method for selecting and culturing such strains, using a variable and/or discontinuous light source, in particular a flashing light.

Abstract: There is provided a method for culturing microalgae in which microalgae capable of forming a biofilm on a liquid surface are cultured so as to form a biofilm on a liquid surface of a liquid medium, and microalgae capable of forming the biofilm on the liquid surface, for example, microalgae closely related to Botryococcus sudeticus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for harvesting macromolecules such as lipids and proteins by culturing in growth medium a photo synthetic cyanobacteria that secretes vesicles into the growth medium, and separating the secreted vesicles from the cyanobacteria and/or from the growth medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are obligate heterotrophic microalgae cells containing an exogenous gene. In some embodiments the gene is a sucrose utilization gene, and further disclosed are methods of manufacturing triglyceride oils using sugar cane or sugar beets as a feedstock in a heterotrophic fermentation. In other embodiments the feedstock is depolymerized cellulosic material. Also disclosed are cells that produce medium chain fatty acids at levels not produced in non-recombinant cells of the same species and genus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method for biofuel based on a technology to convert carbon-dioxide as a carbon source through photosynthesis by photosynthetic microorganisms to biomass and produce biofuel of the biomass. The production method for biofuel of the present invention comprises a culturing process (S1) of culturing in a culture solution photosynthetic microorganisms which store oils, fats and carbohydrates in cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, an oil and fat conversion process (S2) of converting the carbohydrates stored in the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms cultured in the culture apparatus to oils and fats, an extraction process (S3) of extracting the oils and fats out of the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, and a reforming process (S4) to reform the extracted oils and fats.

Abstract: An improved cryopreservation process and substances can involve a cellular collection (1) in a cryopreservation fluid (4) that has been conditioned or treated (7) to enhance the cryopreservation process by adding (18) energy (19) such as in the surface energy of a substance in the cryopreservation fluid (4) prior to reducing energy for that same cryopreservation media for freezing. This can offer enhanced-post-cryogenic viability of the cryopreserved structures or a more optimum cooling curve (22) for a specific cell type.

Abstract: New strains of protists belonging to the Schizochytrium genus, allow high-yield production of lipids and carotenoids, in particular of astaxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in mixotrophic mode, and a method for selecting and culturing such strains, using a variable and/or discontinuous light source, in particular a flashing light.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. When an indication of a change in the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide, from the gaseous exhaust material producing process, to reaction zone is sensed, at least one input to the reaction zone is modulated.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of killing, inactivating, or otherwise reducing the spores such as bacterial spores are disclosed. The methods typically include reducing or preventing spore reactivation comprising contacting spores with an effective amount of one or more green tea polyphenols (GTP), one or more modified green tea polyphenols (LTP), or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the LTP is (?)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) esterified at the 4? position with stearic acid, EGCG esterified at the 4? position with palmitic acid, or a combination thereof. The compositions and methods can be used in a variety of applications, for example, to increase the shelf-life of a food or a foodstuff, to reduce or delay the spoilage of a food or a foodstuff, or to decontaminate a device contaminated with spores.

Abstract: A noble metal adsorption agent includes algae or residue of algae having an amino group as a functional group. A noble metal is retrieved by a method including: adsorbing the noble metal on the noble metal adsorption agent; and retrieving the noble metal. The noble metal is solved in a liquid. Thus, by using the noble metal adsorption agent, the noble metal is selectively retrieved.

Abstract: A method for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms with optimal photosynthetic efficiency, comprising the steps of exposing the microorganisms grown in a culture tank of culture broth to light and carbon source; circulating the culture broth vertically from the bottom of the tank up to the surface of the tank to allow momentary exposure of the microorganisms to the light and carbon source, using one or more circulating means located within the culture tank which are regulated according to a selected cultivation mode; and maintaining the cultured microorganisms at a substantially constant areal density range of 300 to 12,000 g/m2 to attain the optimal photosynthetic efficiency of the cultivation.

Abstract: Enhancing growth of algae in an algaculture facility includes contacting a growth medium with a gas including carbon dioxide, transferring some of the carbon dioxide to the growth medium to yield an enriched growth medium, and providing the enriched growth medium to the algaculture facility. The concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the enriched growth medium exceeds the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the growth medium, where dissolved carbon dioxide includes ions formed by the reaction of carbon dioxide with a species in solution. The growth medium may be obtained from the algaculture facility, and may be filtered or otherwise processed before or after contacting the growth medium with the gas. Providing the enriched growth medium to the algaculture facility increases the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the bulk growth medium of the algaculture facility.

Abstract: A buoyant device containing chromatography media performs the function of protein harvesting replacing the steps of cell separation and volume reduction; the device can be loaded into columns for further purification.

Abstract: Provided are a new microalgae strain and a use thereof, and more particularly, Ettlia sp. YC001 (KCTC 12109BP) having high carbon dioxide fixability, lipid productivity and carotenoid productivity, and a use thereof. The strain may be used for producing high quality biodiesel by controlling a lipid content and a composition ratio of a fatty acid according to culture conditions and/or culture time, and may be easily used for industrial uses, for examples, cosmetics, health foods, and medicines since large amounts of carotenoid and pigments are accumulated in cells.

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: Systems and methods for reducing an amount of unwanted living organisms within an algae cultivation fluid are provided herein. According to some embodiments, methods may include subjecting the algae cultivation fluid to an amount of cavitation, the amount of cavitation being defined by a pressure differential between a downstream pressure and a vapor pressure, the pressure differential divided by half of a product of a fluid density multiplied by a square of a velocity of an apparatus throat.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for harvesting or separating one or more biological cells from an aqueous feed, a stream, a suspension, or any combinations thereof by providing the aqueous feed, the stream, or the suspension comprising the one or more biological cells in a tank or a vessel; providing one or more ion-exchange resins, wherein the ion-exchange resin is an anion-exchange resin; contacting the anion-exchange resin with the aqueous feed; binding the one or more biological cells to the anion-exchange resin; releasing or eluting the bound one or more biological cells by changing the pH; and collecting the released one or more biological cells to obtain a concentrated slurry or suspension of the one or more biological cells.

Abstract: Enhanced yields of photosynthetically fixed carbon produced by hypersaline photosynthetic algae are provided by co-culturing with a halophilic archaea. Further, methods are provided to control harvesting of desired metabolic products from hypersaline photosynthetic algae by controlling caspase activity.

Abstract: Described is a method for the culture of microalgae, comprising: providing a consortium of at least two living species of microalgae; culturing under illumination the consortium in a controllable bioreactor and under non-sterile aqueous culture conditions; and controlling the culture conditions for affecting at least one of the following output: (i) flocculation and/or settling of said consortium of microalgae; and (ii) adhesion of the microalgae to surfaces of the bioreactor; wherein said culture conditions are controlled to promote (i) and/or to minimize (ii), without adversely affecting growth of the consortium of microalgae. It is also possible to control the culture conditions for affecting iii) the protein, carbohydrate, and/or fat content of the said microalgae consortium. A system for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A system for collecting and/or harvesting biomass comprises a first module adapted to accept a fluid stream. The first module includes a gate that is adapted to regulate the flow of the fluid stream. The system includes a second module downstream of the first module. The second module accepts a fluid from the first module and directs at least a portion of the fluid to the first module. A third module downstream of the second module includes one or more surfaces for retaining one or more microorganisms upon the flow of at least a portion of the fluid stream through the third module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispersing and entraining and controlling the residence time, absorption and release of gas bubbles or particles in a fluid without losing gas utilization efficiency from escaping surface gas events. A mechanical, rotating plurality of hollowed blades that induce both an axial and radial controlled circulatory flow and provide a means of gas introduction into the discharge flow that has a conical helical, axial and radial outward flow from the axis of rotation and allows entrained gas bubbles to be trapped as particles and recirculated by means of a circulatory flow back into the intake vortex of said mechanical, rotating plurality of blades. The flow is characterized by a forced intake vortex caused by a low pressure zone with a radial component, and subsequent axial component drawing fluid in a circular fashion toward the eye of the rotating device and impelling fluid.

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 invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using xylose alone or in combination with other depolymerized cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms comprising an exogenous gene encoding a polysaccharide degrading enzyme, such as a cellulase, a hemicellulase, a pectinase, or a driselase. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise the use of xylose and depolymerized cellulosic materials for the production of oil-bearing microorgansims.

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: The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms containing one or more exogenous genes that facilitate the use of cellulosic materials as a feedstock. Also provided are microorganisms and methods for manufacturing non-alcohol-based fuels and fuel feedstocks through a process of converting cellulosic materials into oils.

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: Reaction casing (1) for a photosynthetic reactor suitable for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, in particular algae, said reaction casing (1) being designed for both floating on an expanse of water and defining a path for a gas/liquid culture medium to flow in two phases between a first and a second opening (11, 12) of said casing. The casing comprises, on the one hand, an upper membrane (31) and a lower membrane (32) made at least partially of a flexible material, hermetically sealed and transparent to light radiation, said membranes being hermetically connected to one another by connecting lines (41, 42) defining inflatable cells (33, 34) and, on the other hand, connection elbows (35, 36) joining said cells in pairs to define the course of flow in a generally sinuous form, one of the cells (33) being fluidly linked to the first opening and another cell (34) being fluidly linked to the second opening (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to aminoclay, for harvesting algae, which is prepared by fixing aminosilane around cationic metal ions through a sol-gel reaction. Also, the present invention relates to a method for harvesting algae using the aminoclay according to any one selected from the above methods.