Abstract: The present invention provides novel promoter and terminator sequences for use in gene expression in eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells. The invention further provides expression cassettes comprising a promoter, as described herein, operably linked to a gene. The invention further provides expression vectors and host eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells, for expressing a protein encoded by the gene; and methods for stably transforming eukaryotic algae such as Tetraselmis with transgenes.

Abstract: Polymeric thin-film tube connectors, bioreactors, systems and methods are described, the connectors allowing connection of a polymeric thin-film tube of a bioreactor chamber with a complementary part, typically, rigid port of flange of the bioreactor or bioreactor system. Further, bioreactors having a thin-film reactor chamber and one or more connectors are described. The thin-film reactor chamber can have a thin-film wall for enclosing culture medium and microorganisms. The connector can include a flexible boot. An opening of the thin-film wall couples to the flexible boot. The thin-film wall can extend through a reactor end of the flexible boot and can rest against an interior surface of the flexible boot. The connectors are particularly advantageous for connecting standard utilities in a bioreactor system to thin-film bioreactor chambers or capsules having a thin-film tubular opening.

Abstract: A process including: (a) mixing a microbial biomass, comprising oil-containing microbes, and at least one grinding agent capable of absorbing oil, to provide a disrupted biomass mix; (b) blending at least one binding agent with said disrupted biomass mix to provide a fixable mix capable of forming a solid pellet; and, (c) forming the solid pellet from the fixable mix. The process optionally includes extracting the solid pellet with a solvent to provide an extracted microbial oil.

Abstract: An airlift circulation micro-algae photoautotrophic-heterotrophic coupling photobioreactor for wastewater treatment carbon emission mitigation includes feeding pipe, micro-algae heterotrophic zone, gas-liquid separation chamber, micro-algae phototrophic zone, bottom backflow zone, discharge pipe, and the liquid drained zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of culturing algae and use of algae-derived products. The invention also relates to the reduction of CO2 emission. More in particular the invention relates to combining the capture and conversion of CO2 from flue gas or biogas and the growth of algae. The invention provides a method for advantageously combining reduction of CO2 emission with algal growth.

Abstract: Processes for extracting and recovering nutrients from organic wastes to create a cell culture broth for microorganisms involve the main steps of mixing, solid/liquid separation, optimization, and sterilization. In an embodiment, the method for converting organic waste material into a cell culture broth or growth media includes: (a) mixing an organic waste material with one or more solvent to create a mixture of liquids and solids under substantially turbulent conditions; (b) separating the mixture of liquids and solids into a liquid stream and solid stream; and (c) sterilizing the liquid stream, whereby the cell culture broth or growth media comprises the sterilized liquid stream.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a mutant strain of Parietochloris incisa, characterized in comprising a substantially reduced intracellular concentration of arachidonic acid (AA) together with a substantially increased intracellular concentration of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid 20:3?6 (DGLA).

Abstract: A process for cultivation of photoautotrophic microorganisms is proposed comprising providing a photosynthesis layer (2) containing a photosynthesis medium and photoautotrophic microorganisms suspended therein in a closed inclusion space with an outer border (1) restricting gas diffusion, whereat the photosynthesis layer exhibits a mean thickness of not more than 10 mm, exposing the photosynthesis layer (2) to light without whirling a gas within or piping a gas through the photosynthesis medium under restriction the of the diffusive gaseous exchange between the inclusion space with the surrounding, whereat the supply of the microorganisms with bicarbonate ions is realized by storage of bicarbonate ions in the photosynthesis medium and/or delivery of a photosynthesis substrate in the kind of carbon dioxide and/or bicarbonate from a cell free carbon storage medium (4) localized outside of the photosynthesis medium, and channeling away the gas volume formed at photosynthesis.

Abstract: Exemplary transformation methods are provided for introducing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into the nucleus of an algal cell. A transformation construct may be prepared, with the transformation construct having a first sequence of DNA similar to a corresponding first sequence of nuclear DNA, a second sequence of DNA similar to a corresponding second sequence of the nuclear DNA, and a sequence of DNA of interest inserted between the first and second sequences of DNA of the transformation construct. A target sequence of DNA inserted between the first and second corresponding sequences of the nuclear DNA may be transformed, resulting in replacement of the target sequence of DNA with the sequence of DNA of interest.

Abstract: A novel microalgal strain whose lipid production has been enhanced compared to the wild type. The lipid content produced by the microalgae is particularly rich in neutral lipids. The use of the microalgal strain and the lipids are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cultivation of algae, extraction of lipids and transesterification of the lipids to obtain biodiesel. The system comprises three sections, that is to say cultivation, extraction and storage and reaction. In the lipid extraction area there is an ultrasonic reactor wherein the external walls of the alga are ruptured together with those of the oil sac to permit the extraction of lipids in the transesterification area there is also an ultrasonic reactor which ruptures the molecules of the fluid which passes therethrough to accelerate the reaction and render it almost immediate.

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 invention provides method and compositions to minimize the chlorophyll antenna size of photosynthesis by decreasing TLA2 gene expression, thereby improving solar conversion efficiencies and photosynthetic productivity in green microalgae, under bright sunlight conditions.

Abstract: A method for increasing the content of ubiquinone (CoQ10) and ubiquinol (CoQH2) in phototrophic microorganisms that were cultivated in a culture medium in a bioreactor under light irradiation, wherein the phototrophic microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of blue algae, green algae and yellow-green algae, comprising a step of inducing oxidative stress. By virtue of the fact that oxidative stress was induced by incubating the phototrophic microorganisms together with Fe3+ in the culture medium, a higher content of CoQ10 and CoQH2 is obtained. Moreover, the microorganisms thus obtained have a higher content of trivalent iron, which is particularly relevant for the human diet. From the phototrophic microorganisms it is possible to produce an oily extract and also a dried algae product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of reduction of CO2 emission, more in particular to CO2 capture and conversion. The invention further relates to the culturing of algae. One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method for capturing and conversion of CO2 from a gaseous stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a photosynthetic product, the method comprising maintaining a photosynthetic plant or algal cell suspension culture, in the presence of water, light and a carbonic acid-enriched growth medium. The carbonic acid may, for example be provided by feeding the photosynthetic plant cell suspension culture with a carbonic acid solution, a solid or liquid precursor thereof, or a gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide and one or more other gases. The invention also provides a method for producing a photosynthetic product, the method comprising maintaining a photosynthetic plant or algal cell suspension culture, in the presence of water, light and a carbon source selected from carbon dioxide and carbonic acid, wherein the culture is maintained at a pH of less than 7.0, preferably 4.5 to 5.5.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body.

Abstract: An algal growth system can include a vertical reactor that can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae. The vertical reactor can include a shaft, where the shaft can be associated with and can supports the flexible sheet material and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be selectively actuated.

Abstract: An algal growth system can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae. The algal growth system can include a plurality of shafts, where the plurality of shafts can be associated with and support the flexible sheet material, a gear system, a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the gear system, where the drive motor can actuate the gear system and the plurality of shafts such that the flexible sheet material can be actuated, a fluid reservoir, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to pass through the fluid reservoir, a contacting liquid, and a liquid phase and a gaseous phase.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and methods of making and using the polymer compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a polymer, a compatibilizer and an algae product.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for circulating and agitating algae ponds or reservoirs are described. Inflatable or floatable masses resident in the algae ponds are cyclically or rhythmically moved thereby causing propagating waves to advance along ponds. Waves encourage increased equilibrium of oxygen and carbon dioxide between ambient air and growth medium and thereby improved growth of algae and increased production of biomass. With relatively little energy input, large quantities of algae or biomass may be grown in relatively large ponds and on an economically viable commercial scale.

Abstract: An algal growth system can include a frame and a flexible sheet material that can have a substantially vertical orientation, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae, where the flexible sheet material can be supported by the frame. The algal growth system can include a first drive shaft, where the first drive shaft can be coupled with the frame, where the first drive shaft can support and actuate the flexible sheet material, a gear system, where the gear system can be coupled with the first drive shaft, a first roller, where the first roller can be coupled with the frame and can be configured to guide the flexible sheet material, and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the gear system, where the drive motor can actuate the gear system and the at least one drive shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be actuated.

Abstract: Raw water containing microalgae is introduced to a pH adjusting aggregation tank, and a soluble metal salt for generating a hardly-soluble hydroxide is added for adjusting to a predetermined pH. Subsequently, microalgae is aggregated by a precipitated hardly-soluble hydroxide, and generated aggregated flocks are separated to aggregated flocks and treated water in a solid-liquid separation tank. According to the method of separating and recovering microalgae, microalgae can be recovered from a culture solution containing microalgae without using a flocculant containing aluminum or poisonous macromolecule polymer, etc. and used as a feed additive or food additive.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrolysate from cellulosic material by adding hydrothermally treated stillage or a fraction thereof to cellulosic material, treating the mixture of hydrothermally treated stillage and cellulosic material with at least one hydrolyzing enzyme, and hydrolyzing and converting complex carbohydrates in the cellulosic material. The hydrolysate produced by the method. Ethanol, organic acids, and organism metabolites produced by the method. Biomass produced by the method. A method of increasing sugar production rate and yield of sugars from cellulosic material by adding hydrothermally treated stillage or a fraction thereof to cellulosic material, treating the mixture of hydrothermally treated stillage and cellulosic material with at least one hydrolyzing enzyme, and hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates in the cellulosic material and forming sugars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accelerating biomass production, based on the culture of microalgae, using, for implementing said method, a reactor specifically designed therefor, in which a culture of water with microalgae, with nutrients and CO2 is placed in said reactor, a direct current being passed through the interior thereof. The invention also relates to a second, variant embodiment comprising the addition of means for oxygenating the microalgal culture that is the subject of the method, involving the further incorporation of a closed circuit for utilizing the water used by said apparatus, plus the corresponding filter.

Abstract: A photobioreactor having an optical waveguide formed at least in part from highly scattering optically transmitting polymer. The optical waveguide has a light distributing part immersed in a container holding photoactive biological material and a light collecting part outside the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing Bacillus sp., optionally with magnetite, useful in methods for collecting algae. The invention also relates to methods for collecting algae by contacting algae and bare maghemite and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing chemically modified lipids. The lipids are obtained from heterotrophically cultured microalgae and are subjected to an epoxidation reaction. The microalgae include those from the genus Parachlorella, Prototheca, Chlorella, or strains having at least 85% nucleotide sequence identity in 23S rRNA sequences to a Parachlorella, Prototheca, or Chlorella strain that are cultured in a bioreactor substantially in the absence of light.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing chemically modified lipids. The lipids are obtained from heterotrophically cultured microalgae and are subjected to a transesterification or interesterification reaction. The microalgae include those from the genus Parachlorella, Prototheca, Chlorella, or strains having at least 85% nucleotide sequence identity in 23S rRNA sequences to a Parachlorella, Prototheca, or Chlorella strain that are cultured in a bioreactor substantially in the absence of light.

Abstract: Reaction jacket for a photosynthetic reactor, configured to float on an expanse of water and to define a gas/liquid culture medium diphasic flow path between first and second openings of the reaction jacket, the jacket including two sheaths, outer and inner, respectively, at least partially made from a material transparent to light radiation, the inner sheath extending inside the outer sheath such that these sheaths define an inter-sheath space between them in fluid connection with the first opening of the jacket, where the outer sheath has an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and the inner sheath has an open proximal end in fluid connection with the second opening of the jacket and a distal end provided with at least one communication orifice between the inside of the inner sheath and the inter-sheath space.

Abstract: Provided is an open diatom cultivation method where continuous production of one or more selected diatom species achieve dominancy in the production system and that dominancy is maintained. The algae culture solution containing diatoms is first introduced to an open microalgae culture system. Then, carbon dioxide and nutrient salts are added to form a culture solution for diatom cultivation. The method enables industrial scale cultivation of diatoms at economically competitive production cost, with a high cultivation density and for a high production volume. The method also enables continuous stable production of selected diatoms and solves the difficult problem of controlling invading algae by always using the most competitive of local diatoms without imposing a selected algae which may be superior in some localities and under some climate conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a spray apparatus for holding contents comprising diatomaceous earth and a compressed propellant for propelling the diatomaceous earth. There is also disclosed use of diatomaceous earth to control a population of bedbugs, wherein the diatomaceous earth comprises remains of pennate diatoms. There is also disclosed a method of controlling a population of insects, the method comprising causing a compressed propellant to propel diatomaceous earth on a surface. Method of manufacturing a spray apparatus and methods of preparing diatomaceous earth for use in controlling a population of insects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for cultivating an alga having ability to produce alginic acid industrially and effectively and a method for producing an alginic acid-containing composition industrially advantageously. The method for cultivating an alga according to the present invention is characterized in comprising the step of cultivating the alga heterotrophically, wherein the alga belongs to the genus Parachlorella and has ability to produce alginic acid.

Abstract: A method of operating a closed photobioreactor for cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms. The photobioreactor comprises a culture liquid and is partially or completely surrounded by water of a water body. A density difference between the culture liquid and the surrounding water is provided so that the position of the photobioreactor in the water body is controlled. A closed photobioreactor for cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms. The photobioreactor is adapted to comprise a culture liquid and to be partially or completely surrounded by water of a water body. The photobioreactor comprises means for determining the density difference between the culture liquid and the surrounding water.

Abstract: Described herein are algae carbon capture systems and biomass production systems, and more specifically, algal based microphotobioreactors (?PBRs) comprising a biocompatible polymer (e.g., hydrogel) containing algae, inorganic carbon, light-frequency shifting agents (e.g., quantum dots and/or dyes of fluorescent proteins) and methods for making such ?PBRs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an open phototrophic culture with improved storage compound production capability. In accordance with the invention, a starting culture is submitted to selective pressure, thus giving a competitive advantage to storage compound producing species, by subjecting said starting culture to a cycle of alternating dark phases and light phases and providing limitation of availability of essential growth nutrients in one or more of said light phases. The resulting culture can be used to provide storage compounds in improved yields.

Abstract: A photo bioreactor for the growth of photosynthetic organisms comprising a tank (2) for holding a liquid medium, six rotational agitators (3a-3f) for agitating the liquid medium. Each agitator is arranged to agitate about a substantially vertical axis (6a-6f) by sweeping out, upon rotation, a substantially circular path (C) that has a diameter (D) that is substantially coincidental with a radius (R) of the tank (2). Each agitator (3a-3f) is located on a radius which is spaced approximately 60° apart from the next. This allows for more even mixing and more uniform light distribution within the tank.

Abstract: A system for the high-throughput screening of mechanical properties of cells and/or particles is provided. In certain embodiments the system comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of sample receiving wells; a second structure comprising a plurality of exit ports; a porous structure disposed between said plurality of sample receiving wells and said plurality of exit ports and in communication with said plurality of sample receiving wells and in communication with said plurality of exit ports, and said first structure, said second structure and said porous structure are sealed or configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied to sample receiving wells in said first structure said cells or particles migrate through the porous structure into said exit ports, and wherein the mean or the median pore size of said porous structure is smaller than the mean or median cross-section of a cell or particle that is to be screened.

Abstract: The invention provides a photo bioreactor comprising an aqueous liquid comprising a photosynthetic culture and light distributors (30). Each light distributor has a surface arranged to receive light and a tapered surface arranged to emit at least part of the received light. At least part of the tapered surface is submerged in the aqueous liquid comprising the photosynthetic culture. Light may be distributed efficiently in the aqueous liquid comprising the photosynthetic culture by relatively simple and cheap means. The reactor allows a high illuminated volume fraction.

Abstract: A method for culturing algae comprising, forming an emulsion comprising a gaseous stream and a media utilizing a high shear device, wherein the emulsion comprises gas bubbles, and wherein the high shear device comprises at least one toothed rotor and at least one stator; introducing the emulsion into a bioreactor; and introducing an algae into the bioreactor for growing the algae culture. Additionally, a method for producing liquids from an algae culture, the method comprising forming an emulsion comprising a buffer and algal components, wherein the emulsion comprises algal component globules; separating algal hydrocarbons; and processing algal hydrocarbons to form liquid hydrocarbons. Additionally, a system for producing liquids from an algae culture comprising at least one high shear device.

Abstract: Novel strains of microalgae belonging to the Monodus genus allow optimum production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably EPA, in mixotrophic mode. A method for selecting and culturing such strains, using a discontinuous supply of light in the form of flashes is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing alkanes from triglyceride oils produced through fermentation of oil-bearing microbes. The processes provided herein can utilize a variety of carbohydrate feedstocks including cane bagasse, sugar beet pulp, corn stover, glycerol, corn starch, sorghum, molasses, waste glycerol, and other renewable materials. These processes further comprise hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, distillation, and other petrochemical processes for use with oil-bearing microbes and products derived therefrom to manufacture fuels. Particular embodiments include the manufacture of ASTM D975 and ASTM D1655 compliant fuels. Genetically engineered microbes provided herein can be used in the manufacture of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel.

Abstract: Mutant photosynthetic microorganisms having reduced chlorophyll and increased photosynthetic efficiency are provided. The mutants have a locked in high light-acclimated phenotype, in which many of the photosynthetic parameters characteristic of high light acclimated wild type cells are found in the LIHLA mutants when acclimated to low light, such as reduced chlorophyll, reduced NPQ, higher qP, higher Ek, higher Pmax per unit chlorophyll with little to no reduction in Pmax per cell, and higher rates of electron transport through photosystem II over a wide range of light intensities. Provided herein are constructs for attenuating or disrupting genes are provided for generating mutants having the LIHLA phenotype. Also provided are methods of culturing LIHLA mutants for the production of biomass or other products.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system includes vessel for containing a biomass and a plurality of illuminators which may have solid state devices embedded therein or coupled thereto. The light energy is distributed in the vessel volume by the illuminators so as to reach substantially all of the biomass being circulated in the vessel. Biomass may exit the top of the vessel and be refreshed with nutrients and liquid before being reintroduced at the bottom of the vessel. Carbon dioxide is introduced at the bottom of the vessel. The biomass may be agitated either ultrasonically or by motion of the illuminators. A source of energy for the light sources may be solar panels with battery storage and the carbon dioxide may be a byproduct of thermal power generation.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms that manufacture non-alcohol-based fuels and fuel feedstocks through a process of converting cellulosic materials into oils. Also provided are compositions comprising depolymerized cellulosic materials and oil-bearing microbes. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise combining depolymerized cellulosic materials with other non-cellulosic feedstocks to enhance the economics of renewable fuel manufacturing. Particular advantages of the processes provided herein include production of oils rather than alcohols through cellulosic processes. Additional advantages include methods for manufacturing high nutrition oils from non-edible feedstocks such as wood chips, switchgrass, and bagasse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining algal biomass, a system for obtaining algal biomass and a cultivation medium for cultivating algae. The method comprises the step of culturing algae in a culturing medium having a pH above 8 such that lipid accumulation and/or carbohydrate accumulation is increased, wherein the medium is a saline medium. Preferably, the pH of the medium is in the range of 8-11, preferably 8.5-11, more preferably 9-11 and most preferably 10-11.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: Novel strains of microalgae belonging to the Isochrysis genus, allowing optimum production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably EPA, in mixotrophic mode, and a method for selecting and culturing such strains, using a discontinuous supply of light in the form of flashes are described.