Abstract: A microalgae culture system that provides greater control of a culture due to distribution and the shape of its components. The system allows for the possibility to incorporate gases into the medium, resulting in an increased culture yield and lower energy consumption per unit volume. The system generally includes a pool with a circular mantle, PVC parts and a removable lid.

Abstract: The functional analysis of genes frequently requires the manipulation of large genomic regions. A yeast-bacteria shuttle vector is described that can be used to clone large regions of DNA by homologous recombination. Also described is a method for isolating entire genomes, including chloroplast genomes, or large portions thereof, and manipulating the same. Also described are methods for determining minimal genomes, minimal pathway requirements, and minimal organelle genomes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of modifying the lipids produced by microbial organisms through genetic engineering. The invention also provides genetically engineered microbes and methods of fermenting microbes for oil production. Also provided are oils, fuels, oleochemicals, chemical precursors, and other compounds manufactured by such modified microorganisms. Exemplary oil-bearing organisms include organisms containing one or more exogenous genes encoding a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, fatty acyl-CoA reductase, fatty aldehyde reductase, fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein.

Abstract: The invention includes a bioreactor system for growing a photosynthetic culture in an aqueous liquid and harvesting the photosynthetic culture. The present invention further relates to a method for growing a photosynthetic culture in an aqueous liquid and harvesting the photosynthetic culture. The present invention further relates to a use of a harvester system arranged to collect at least part of the scooped photosynthetic culture in a photo bioreactor system.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing lipid production and growth rate of marine algae are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photobioreactor having illumination by light sources (light guides, LEDs) moved in rotational oscillation, and optionally membrane surfaces for gas transport moved in combination in rotational oscillation. Advantages are, inter alia, light input which is spatially homogeneous on average over time and can be adapted by means of intensity and oscillation to the culture and its density, as well as low-shear power input and optionally low-shear bubble free gasification and degassing.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A method for recovering inert or living microparticles in which a rising liquid column is set up under negative pressure of an aqueous effluent that includes inert or living microparticles, and a foam is separated at the top of the column into a multiphase effluent enriched with inert or living microparticles relative to the aqueous effluent and into a mostly liquid effluent depleted of inert or living microparticles relative to the aqueous effluent. The invention also concerns the different applications of this method and an installation implementing this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of an active ionic liquid to dissolve algae cell walls. The ionic liquid is used to, in an energy efficient manner, dissolve and/or lyse an algae cell walls, which releases algae constituents used in the creation of energy, fuel, and/or cosmetic components. The ionic liquids include ionic salts having multiple charge centers, low, very low, and ultra low melting point ionic liquids, and combinations of ionic liquids. An algae treatment system is described, which processes wet algae in a lysing reactor, separates out algae constituent products, and optionally recovers the ionic liquid in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a prototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor.

Abstract: There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The process includes treating an operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material. The carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed. Production of at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is effected by a gaseous exhaust material producing process. At least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is supplied to the reaction zone so as to effect growth of the phototrophic biomass by photosynthesis in the reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medium for culturing microalgae comprising NaNO3, K2HPO4, MgCl2.6H2O, Na2CO3, CaCl2, ethylene diamine tetraacetate, citric acid and Na2SiO3.9H2O or ferric citrate. The medium of the present invention can be used for culturing microalgae with high content of starch, and thus biomass materials can be obtained at a low production cost, leading to cost effectiveness. Consequently, the conventional petroleum-based polypropylene materials can be replaced with biomass-derived materials, which are applied to automotive interior and exterior materials. Therefore, considering the recent trend of high oil prices, dependence on petroleum-based products can be reduced, and production costs for interior and exterior materials can be also greatly reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cultivating photoautotrophic microorganisms are described. The systems and methods include a photo-bioreactor system and method for growing and harvesting algae in a mass production environment.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: The invention provides molecules useful for enhancing charge transport across membranes, such as electron transport across membranes, and methods of using such molecules, for example in improving the performance of a microbial fuel cell or in staining microbes for observation. The amphiphilic molecule comprises a conjugated core with hydrophilic groups on either end. The amphiphilic molecule inserts into the membrane of a microbe and facilitates charge transfer across the membrane of the microbe.

Abstract: A method for breaking the cell walls of microalgae includes cultivating microbes in a cultivating liquid, adding microalgae into the cultivating liquid to mix with the microbes, releasing a hydrolysis ferment from the microbes, hydrolyzing cell walls of the microalgae by the hydrolysis ferment of the microbes to decompose the cell walls of the microalgae into saccharide, and removing the microalgae from the cultivating liquid. Thus, the microbes release the hydrolysis ferment after the microalgae touch the microbes so as to hydrolyze and decompose the cell walls of the microalgae in a moderate manner without breaking the contents of the microalgae so that the contents of the microalgae can be released, absorbed and used completely.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for energetically efficient and economically viable temperature regulation of the environment within commercial scale enclosed microalgae cultivators.

Abstract: The cultivation, by optimized growth and harvesting of algae derived bio-mass may provide useful feedstock for various products and processes. The present invention provides an apparatus that allows for the optimized growth and harvesting of algae within a photo-bioreactor. The photo-bioreactor may include a channel and a propulsion unit for circulating an algae mixture through a channel while exposing the algae mixture to light to support photosynthesis and growth of the algae. A method is also provided for the optimizing the growth and harvesting of algae utilizing a number of different input streams. Further, a system including a programmable control assembly is provided for the growth and harvesting of algae.

Abstract: Cultivators and methods of cultivating microorganisms are provided. In some examples, a cultivator may include a retaining wall defining a cavity for retaining liquid and may also include a horizontally orientated frame at least partially positioned within the cavity and having media for supporting microorganisms. In other examples, the horizontal frame may be partially submerged in the liquid retained in the cavity and rotatable to selectively submerge and unsubmerge portions of the frame and media.

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: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for robust and long-term sequestration of carbon. In particular, the present invention relates to sequestration of carbon as carbonates, using coccolithophorid algae grown using land-based aquaculture. The invention also relates to improved methods of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTCE).

Abstract: A method for culturing cells or microorganisms by dissolving oxygen or carbon dioxide in a culture solution containing a nutrient including: supplying gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide into inside of a glass porous body being configured to have cylindrical shape and a large number of uniformly fine pores in the outer surface and being configured to seal the end of the glass porous body; generating bubbles that have a 50% diameter of 200 ?m or less in a volume-based particle size distribution from the outer surface of the porous body by using gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide that is supplied from an unsealed end of the glass porous body; suppressing aggregation of the bubbles by at least one of a cell-protecting agent for protecting the cells and a protein hydrolysate included in the culture solution; and dissolving oxygen or carbon dioxide in the culture solution.

Abstract: A process of growing a culture of cyanobacteria or algae using chitin or chitosan as a source of nitrogen for photosynthetic growth is described. This process can be used to remove pollutants from nitrogen-deficient natural waters or wastewaters. Biomass that results from photosynthetic growth on chitin can be used, either as whole cells or the isolated components of the cells, for a large variety of commercial purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides phosphate-modified nucleosides represented by the structural formula (I): wherein W is O or S, and wherein B, R1; R3 and R2. are as defined herein. These compounds are useful as substrates for DNA/RNA polymerases, and as anti-viral agents in particular against HIV-1.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for using membrane carbonation modules and photobioreactors. Membrane carbonation modules and systems use gas-transfer membranes to supply inorganic carbon for photoautotrophic microorganism growth in a photobioreactor and to withdraw gases from a photobioreactor.

Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.

Abstract: A process for cultivating photosynthetic microbes comprising Closed Systems for continuous cultivation and Open Systems for batch cultivation, in which (a) the Closed System Area occupies no more than 20% of the Total Land Area of the cultivation facility; (b) batch cultures in the Open Systems are initiated with an inoculum from the Closed Systems containing a cell biomass of no less than 5% of the carrying capacity of said Open System; (c) the doubling rate of said photosynthetic microbe is no less than once every 16 hours; and (d) the residence time of the batch culture in said Open System is no more than a period of 5 days.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for extracting lipids and/or producing biofuel from algae in marine and freshwater environments, wherein algae and bivalves are co-cultured in a system of enclosures comprising water that comprises recycled nutrients that are essential for algal growth. The system also include enclosures for culturing fishes which are used to harvest the algae.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a process for the reduction of gas emissions, treatment of effluents and production of algal biomass, and to a system for the reduction of gas emissions, treatment of effluents and production of algal biomass.

Abstract: “A reaction casing for a photosynthetic reactor designed firstly to float on a body of water and secondly to delimit a biphasic flow pathway for gas/liquid culture medium between a first and a second opening of the casing, where the casing includes two claddings, respectively outer and inner, made at least in part of a material transparent to light rays, the inner cladding extending inside the outer cladding so that the claddings delimit between them an inter-cladding space in fluid connection with the first opening of the casing, the outer cladding has an open proximal end and a closed distal end and in the inner cladding has an open proximal end in fluid connection with the second opening of the casing and a distal end provided with at least one communication orifice between the inside of the inner cladding and the inter-cladding space.

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 motor 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 of the concentration, temperature, and pressure can be more easily controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and uses of a novel Dunaliella salina HT04 microorganism. In addition, the present invention relates to novel methods for culturing harvesting, preservation, storage, and production of algae seedstock and uses thereof.

Abstract: An industrial strain of a unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 IQA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1. A method for eradication of at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi comprises treating the at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi with an industrial strain of the unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting the growth of selected microbial cells and for obstructing the growth of contaminants in a non-sterile system. In the method, the microbial cells are pre-loaded with a surplus amount of a chosen nutrient, such as phosphorus, other macronutrients, or micronutrients. Further, the chosen nutrient is greatly reduced, or eliminated, from the non-sterile system. Thereafter, the pre-loaded selected microbial cells are introduced into the non-sterile system. In the non-sterile system, the selected microbial cells rely on the surplus amount of the chosen nutrient to survive and grow. At the same time, contaminants such as non-selected microbial strains and bacteria starve from a lack of the chosen nutrient in the non-sterile system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are transformed non-vascular photosynthetic organisms that are herbicide resistant, nucleotides and vectors useful in conducting such transformations, and transformed strains produced by such transformations.

Abstract: A multichamber photobioreactor comprises at least one cultivation chamber and at least one temperature control chamber and is characterized in that at least one outer surface of the cultivation chamber comes in contact with the temperature-controlling medium in such a way that at least 50 percent of at least one outer surface of the cultivation chamber come in contact with the temperature-controlling medium, and in that the components coming in contact with the cultivation medium are made of or coated with silicone materials.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses and compositions for extracting selected gases from a gas stream are provided. In some embodiments the invention involve a process of bringing a gas stream in contact with a primary sorbent, releasing a selected gas from the primary sorbent to create a selected gas-enriched gas mixture, and bringing the selected gas-enriched gas mixture in contact with an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution absorbs the selected gas from the selected gas-enriched gas mixture. In some embodiments, the selected gas is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for novel strategies to harvest algal lipids using mollusks which after feeding algae from the growth medium can convert algal lipids into their biomass or excrete lipids in their pseudofeces which makes algae harvesting energy efficient and cost effective. The bioconverter, filter-feeding mollusks and their pseudofeces can be harvested and converted to biocrude using an advanced thermochemical liquefaction technology. Methods, systems, and materials are disclosed for the harvest and isolation of algal lipids from the mollusks, molluscan feces and molluscan pseudofeces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioprocess engineering methods in which aqueous phases of anaerobic biologically treated organic suspensions are supplied to algal cultures as media components. The present invention also relates to the use of aqueous phases of anaerobic biologically treated organic suspensions as media components of algal cultures. Additionally, the present invention relates to the use of aqueous phases of anaerobic biologically treated organic suspensions to improve the growth conditions of algae in photobioreactors. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of algae for the treatment of aqueous phases of anaerobic biologically treated organic suspensions, in particular of anaerobic biologically treated sewage filtrate. The present invention also relates to bioprocess engineering devices (100) comprising a bioreactor (1), in particular a fermentation tower and a photobioreactor (3).

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.

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

Abstract: A method for isolating one compound or more than one compound from a biomass which contains microorganisms that have produced the compound or compounds, the method comprising the following steps: (a) preparing or obtaining wet cells having an average moisture content of between 30% and 80%; (b) subjecting the wet cells to primary drying to obtain primary dried cells having an average moisture content of between 5% and 50%; (c) subjecting the primary dried cells obtained in (b) to secondary drying to obtain secondary dried cells having an average moisture content of no greater than 10%; and (d) extracting or isolating, purifying and/or refining the compound or each of the compounds from the secondary dried cells obtained in (c).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carbon supply device for supplying carbon dioxide during large scale cultivation of micro-algae in open pond, and its application method and use. The device comprises a trap container in which a partition plate is installed vertically and has a 10-50 cm gap from the container bottom, and the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap container; and a gas distributor is positioned at the bottom of the container. In use, the trap carbon supply device is embedded in bottom of an open pond, wherein the partition plate is above the liquid level of the culture solution in the open pond such that the culture solution driven by a stirrer flows into the trap carbon supply device from one side thereof, and flows out of the device from the other side thereof, wherein the culture solution is mixed with carbon dioxide at the bottom of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the relative ratio of 3-hydroxy-3?,4?-didehydro- ?, ?-caroten-4-one (HDCO) to astaxanthin in a composition containing astaxanthin and HDCO by contacting the composition with an acidic medium having a pH of 3 or less and/or a basic medium having a pH of 9 or greater, and also relates to a method for producing an astaxanthin-containing composition which includes reducing the relative ratio of HDCO by the above method. By means of the method of the present invention, the relative ratio of HDCO, the biological function of which is not known, in an astaxanthin-containing composition can be easily reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular photobioreactor that has a core structure in the shape of a truncated cone and one or more transparent or translucent tubes which are helically wound around the outer surface and/or inner surface of the core structure. Said tubular photobioreactor is characterized in that the transparent or translucent tube has at least two chambers, through at least one of which the cultivation medium flows and through at least one of which a heat transfer medium flows.

Abstract: A system and method for non-sterile heterotrophic algae growth is provided. The system includes a first Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR), kept under sterile conditions, for mixing a full load nutrient with algae cells to create a culture. After being transferred to a first Plug Flow Reactor (PFR), a nutrient is depleted from the culture to create an effluent. By depleting the nutrient, algae cells are able to grow more rapidly without having to compete with other microbes for available nutrients. Once the effluent is created, it is transferred to a second PFR where organic carbon is added. By adding organic carbon, the algae cells grow intracellular oil rapidly. Algae cells are then removed for processing into biofuel.

Abstract: Combining controlled open-ocean iron enrichment with a system for collecting the ensuing biological growth can lead to a fundamental shift towards using marine biomass feedstock for large-scale global biodiesel production. The literature review reveals that open-ocean enrichment effectively reduces both the atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure and ocean acidity. A semi-closed ocean system is provided that allows for the efficient cultivation and harvesting of a high tonnage biomass feedstock generated by iron fertilization. The concept methodically capitalizes on the ocean's free nutrients, kinetic/potential energy, and expansive surface area to ensure that the mass, energy, and cost balance equations favor our system while taking care to preserve the ocean's ecosystem. The system is modular, portable, easily scalable system, and minimizes waste.

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: The present disclosure provides a novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum having the Accession No. MTCC 5249, which produces lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) simultaneously. The disclosure further provides a process for simultaneous production of lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. The lipids produced from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum comprises docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The disclosure also provides a food, feed, cosmetic, nutritional or therapeutic supplement for humans or animals comprising the cell biomass and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of the mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. A cosmetic composition comprising the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of Schizochytrium limacinum is also provided that is useful as a base for cosmetics for topical application. The present disclosure further provides a pickle composition and a fat product having improved nutritive value.

Abstract: A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate from a mixture of finely ground aggregate and a fluid. A mixture of a fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate is formed. Nanoparticles are homogenously distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture is inserted into a mold cavity. Live mycelium is grown to fill the mold cavity. The live mycelium is heated to terminate further growth and develop a formed part.