Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of culturing a floating aquatic species, the method including introducing the aquatic species into a receptacle having (a) a culture medium, (b) at least one raceway configured to allow the culture medium to flow in a continuous loop, and (c) a sufficient quantity of the culture medium to flow in the continuous loop; cultivating the aquatic species to generate a floating mat on a top surface of the culture medium; generating a fluid current of sufficient force to propel the floating mat on the top surface of the culture medium; and varying a velocity of the fluid current in a controlled manner to maintain a relatively uniform distribution of the floating mat on the top surface of the culture medium.

Abstract: Microbes can be genetically modified to express biomolecules that are beneficial to mammals and/or to reduce, or eliminate, expression of harmful virulence factors. The growth and viability of such genetically modified microbes can optionally be controlled by inducible promoters that regulate the expression of proteins that are essential to their growth and survival. Compositions comprising such genetically modified microbes as well as methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein.

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: Novel strains of microalgae belonging to the Scenedesmus genus enable the production of lipids, in particular lutein, in mixotrophic mode, as well as a method for selecting and culturing the strains using a variable and/or discontinuous supply of light, in particular in the form of flashes.

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: 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 of culturing microorganisms in non-axenic mixotrophic conditions are disclosed. A method of culturing microalgae mixotrophically and controlling bacterial contamination with an acetic acid/pH auxostat system is specifically described. Methods of culturing microalgae mixotrophically with an increased productivity through an increase in oxygen transfer to the culture, and controlling bacterial contamination with an oxidative agent are also described.

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: 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 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 relates to natural crude salt formulations arid their cost-effective preparation. In particular, the invention discloses the fractionation of seawater into three fractions which can thereafter be suitably combined to reconstitute seawater in its pristine form for its various applications such as growth of marine microbes, flora and fauna in a marine environment, especially where such environments have to be created in locations far removed from the sea and/or where there is a requirement to modify the composition of seawater to better its performance. The fractions can also be blended appropriately to exclude the major constituent, namely sodium chloride, and thereby be useful for mineralization/re-mineralization of waters which are deficient in mineral nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulphate and bicarbonate including rain water and desalinated waters obtained through thermal/RO desalination.

Abstract: Provided is a method for removing radionuclides using microalgae and A composition for removing radionuclides. The method includes bring the radionuclides into contact with microalgae, and thus a method for easily removing radionuclides in eco-friendly manner is provided, and also a method for removing radionuclides with high efficiency is provided. A composition for removing radionuclides includes microalgae.

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: Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.

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: 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 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 the culture and manipulation of microorganisms for biotech applications, and is based on the discovery and characterization of spliced leader sequences identified in transcripts from Nannochloropsis species. In particular, the invention provides nucleic acid compositions comprising a SL sequence operably linked to a protein-encoding gene. Further provided are compositions and methods for enhanced gene expression in recombinant microorganisms as well as methods for identification and/or isolation of nucleic acid molecules tagged with a spliced leader sequence.

Abstract: Exemplary methods include a method for transforming an algal cell by preparing a transformation construct, preparing a particle for bombarding the algal cell, adhering the transformation construct to the particle, bombarding the algal cell with the particle, and growing the algal cell into a colony. The transformation construct is replicated within a nuclear genome of the algal cell and the growing of the algal cell is in a nutrient medium. Another exemplary method may include a method for genetically modifying an algal cell, by adding nucleic acid to the algal cell while the algal cell is suspended in a solution of low conductivity, introducing the nucleic acid into the algal cell by application of an electrical pulse resulting in a transformed algal cell, and selecting a colony that includes the transformed algal cell.

Abstract: As a simple and convenient method for promoting the proliferation of algae, a method for cultivating the algae while conducting a procedure S1 for irradiating a red illuminative light to the algae and a procedure S2 for irradiating a blue illuminative light to the algae separately and independently of each other within a certain time period is provided.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for the preparation of marine microalgae Chlorella fatty acid methyl ester (CME) from hydrolysate of deoiled cake of Jatropha (JOCH) and crude glycerol co-product stream (GL7 and GL8) along with seawater diluted with tap water (1:2). A small part of the crude glycerol layer in case of JME is processed to recover glycerol for glycerol washing and the otherwise problematic still bottom is utilized for microbial synthesis of PHAs and the rest is utilized for Microalgal conversion of JME byproducts into CME. The remaining part of the methanol-depleted glycerol layer is utilized, along with hydrolysate of the Jatropha deoiled cake (JOCH), for single-stage Microalgal production of lipids by a marine Microalgal isolate (Chlorella sp.) without the need for any other nutrients. Waste streams from the microalgal processes can be discharged directly into agricultural fields as biofertilizer or recycled back in the mass cultivation.

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: A system and method for culturing algae are presented. The system and method utilize a fog of growth medium that is delivered to an algal mat generator along with a stream of CO2 to promote growth of algal cells contained in the generator.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing biodiesel and other oil-based compounds using glycerol and combinations of glycerol and other feedstocks as an energy source in fermentation of oil-bearing microorganisms. Methods disclosed herein include processes for manufacturing high nutrition edible oils from non-food feedstock materials such as waste products from industrial waste transesterification processes. Also included are methods of increasing oil yields by temporally separating glycerol and other feedstocks during cultivation processes. Also provided herein are oil-bearing microbes containing exogenous oil production genes and methods of cultivating such microbes on glycerol and other feedstocks.

Abstract: Method for the production of aqueous nutrient source for macro and micro algae aquaculture farming and nutrient source thus formed. Phosphorous containing rocks are dissolved in at least one mineral acid to yield a solution containing a blend of ions of the minerals included in the rocks and in the acid in a form digestible by the algae and adding carbon in the form of CO2, carbonic acid, or carbonate salts. The invention is also directed to a method for feeding an algae aquaculture farm with such nutrient source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing cells without injury and fat-soluble materials by from cell culturing in an inexpensive and highly efficient manner. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a culturing device 10, a solvent device 20, a mixing device 30, a separation device 40, a fractionation device 50, a cell accommodation device 60, and a fat-soluble material solvent accommodation device 70.

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. The 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: The invention provides cosmetic compositions comprising microalgal biomass, whole microalgal cells, and/or microalgal oil in combination with one or more other cosmetic ingredients, and methods of making such compositions. In preferred embodiments, the microalgal components of the cosmetic compositions are derived from microalgal cultures grown heterotrophically and which comprise at least 10% oil by dry weight.

Abstract: A system and method of growing and harvesting algae provided whereby the system encompasses incubation tanks, internal lighting, chilled air diffusers, and an inline incubation tank for continuous batch processing. A centrifuge separates algae from growth media, and the media is processed through a series of reclamation steps so that cleaned water is reused for fresh media.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing oils and oil-based products such as transportation fuels, industrial chemicals, lubricants and plastics using sugar cane, sugar cane juice, corn steep liquor, corn starch or depolymerized cellulosic material as a feedstock for bioproduction processes. Oils are manufactured using microalgae expressing sucrose invertase, which allows the microalgae to produce oil using sucrose-based feedstocks, along or in combination with other feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides genes, polypeptides and expression constructs therefor, recombinant photosynthetic microorganisms, and method of use thereof, such as for the production of branched-chain alcohols (including 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and isobutanol) and derivatives thereof for a variety of uses.

Abstract: A continuous process for efficiently harvesting microalgae from aqueous systems is described herein. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows continuous harvesting of algae from a variety of source waters including saltwater, brackish water, fresh water, and treated wastewater. High concentration factors are achievable and the system produces a deflocculated product that is readily processed for biofuel or pharmaceutical applications. The process of the present invention does not add contaminants that can limit the downstream usage possibilities for the algae concentrate produced. The effluent water from the process is suitable for conventional discharge or recycling to the growth system. The process of the present invention is inexpensive, scalable, and generates useful effluent water and algae concentrate as products.

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 invention is related to biosynthetic oil compositions and methods of making thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of endogenous enzymes in plants capable of synthesizing oil. In preferred embodiments, said plants are algae. In further embodiments, said algae are from the family Chlamydomonas, Nannochloropsis, Dunaliella, Chlorella and Scenedesmus. In still further embodiments, said endogenous enzymes are diacylglycerol acyltransferases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing chlorophyll-a and chlorin e6. This invention extracts chlorophyll-a by use of undisrupted chlorella cells themselves, thereby preparing chlorin e6 from the chlorophyll-a extract. The high contents of chlorophyll-a may be obtained by the pretreatment procedure of chlorella cells themselves selected in this invention. The present method is performed according to relatively simple procedures, and is suitable in the mass production of chlorin e6.

Abstract: A process for separation of a mixture containing a microbial substance and a liquid using deformable filter is provided.

Abstract: Methods, biological oils, biofuels, units, and/or organisms directed to use in compression engines. A method of producing biological oils includes producing an organism and having the organism consume a feedstock. The organism includes a lipid containing fatty acids. The organism meets or exceeds at least two metrics. The metrics include: A) a cell density of at least about 115 grams per liter; B) a fatty acid content of at least about 49 percent on a dry mass basis; C) a fatty acid productivity of at least about 15 grams per liter per day; D) a fatty acid yield of at least about 0.175 grams of fatty acids produced per grams of the feedstock consumed; E) a 24 hour peak fatty acid productivity of at least about 30 grams per liter per day; F) an extraction efficiency on a percent of total fatty acid content basis of at least about 50 percent; and/or G) yield of fatty acids on oxygen of more than about 0.4 as grams of fatty acids produced per gram of oxygen consumed basis.

Abstract: A reverse phase extraction method for the recovery of triglycerides from aqueous slurries of algae is described herein. The present invention discloses the use of immobilized anion exchange and lipid binding resins. As the algae flows past the resin, triglycerides adhere while the bulk of the algae flows through. The lipids, useful for generating biofuels are then are eluted off the resin. The method of the present invention does not require prior drying of the algae, is inexpensive, and does not destroy the algal biomass which can be used for other purposes.

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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer production of carbon-based products of interest such as ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof in photoautotrophic organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the productivity of algae cultures by controlling grazers are described herein.

Abstract: System and method are provided for treating materials in a liquid in a pool having a bottom, using at least one of a stirring device, a brushing device and a wiping device, and an automatic moving arrangement configured for moving any of these devices in the pool. The stirring device comprises at least one wing having a longitudinal axis and at least two bottom contacting elements spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the wing so that, when the wing is in such close proximity to the bottom of the pool that the contacting elements contact its bottom, the contact of the wing with the bottom is prevented by the contacting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for acetolactate synthase, acetolactate synthase regulatory regions, ?-tubulin promoter, a promoter from a Thraustochytriales polyketide synthase (PKS) system, and fatty acid desaturase promoter, each from a Thraustochytriales microorganism. Also disclosed are recombinant vectors useful for transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms, as well as a method of transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms. The recombinant nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be used for the expression of foreign nucleic acids in a Thraustochytriales microorganism as well as for the deletion, mutation, or inactivation of genes in Thraustochytriales microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the levels of lipids in oleaginous algae are described. Lipid levels in algae can be increased by stress, such as nutrient stress, after which the lipid can be harvested from the algae using a non-destructive extraction process. The stress may be provided in a periodic or “pulsed” fashion. Lipid levels in oleaginous algae can also be increased using simulated stress by treating the algae with a chemical inhibitor or by using recombinant technology to insert a sequence expressing a protein such as a nitrate reductase inhibitor that is expressed when a stressed state is desired. A method for maintaining the temperature and water levels of algae ponds using buoyant spheres is also described.