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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

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: Provided herein is an extremophile green alga designated as Scenedesmus species Novo, from Jemez warm water springs, New Mexico. Sequencing 18S rDNA confirmed the alga as a new species. It is capable of producing high levels of microalgal biomass in wastewater under harsh ambient climatic conditions, and of yielding high levels of lipids and carotenes. Cultures in TAP medium at 24±1° C. at continuous light (132-148 ?mol photons m?2s?1) attained peak biomass levels 27.4×106 cells ml?1, 49.11 ?g ml?1 chlorophyll ?, 24.93 ?g ml?1 carotene on the seventh day and a division rate of 0.54 day?1. High levels of biomass were sustained in sterilized and unsterilized municipal wastewater, enriched with 1% TAP nutrients or unenriched. The microalga is useful in the production of biofuels, fertilizers, dietary nutrients, pharmaceuticals, polymers, biofilters to remove nutrients and other pollutants from wastewaters, in space technology, and laboratory research systems.

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

Abstract: This invention provides methods for growing and maintaining photosynthetic microorganisms such as algae and cyanobacteria. More specifically, the invention provides methods of cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms on bacterial cellulose.

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: The disclosure encompasses, among other aspects, mixed algal populations able to survive and proliferate on culture media that have a high proportion of an industry wastewater. In particular, at least one strain of an alga in the algal population proliferates mixotrophically. Embodiments further encompass methods of cultivating mixed populations of freshwater and marine alga comprising a plurality of genera and species to provide a biomass from which may be extracted lipids, or converted into biodiesel by such procedures as pyrolysis. Lipid material extracted from the algae may be converted to biodiesel or other organic products. Native algal strains were isolated from industrial and in particular agricultural wastewater inoculated with mixed populations derived from environments exposed to such wastewater. Both fresh water and marine algae showed good growth in wastewaters. About 65% of the algal oil obtained from the algal consortium cultured on an industry wastewater could be converted into biodiesel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microalga species and to the use thereof for animal and/or human consumption and in the production of carotenoids. A novel strain of Scenedesmus has been isolated at the Las Palmerillas experimental station, Cajamar, identified as microorganisms that had not been previously registered by the University of Gottinghem and deposited within the Culture Collection of Alagae and Protozoa (CCAP) as Scenedesmus almeriensis. The novel strain, which can be used for animal and/or human consumption, produces large quantities of carotenoids, particularly lutein and beta-carotene. Scenedesmus almeriensis grows adequately in a wide range of temperatures from 10° C. to 40° C. at a pH of between 7 and 9.5 and can tolerate high concentrations of copper, up to 1 mg/L. The microalgal strain is grown in a 4000 L photobioreactor, into which the culture is inserted mechanically, and produces less than 4 mg of lutein per gram of dry material.

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: Materials and methods are provided for growing algae while maintaining culture selectivity. Algae that can be grown include, for example, green algae such as those of the genus Scenedesmus. Lipid obtained from the algae can be used to produce biofuels such as biodiesel or polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids. Feedstocks such as animal feed and aquaculture feed can also be produced as can phytonutrients such as asataxanthin and beta-carotene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microalgae having high efficiency and ability to remove carbon dioxide, and the use thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to Scenedesmus producto-capitatus microalgae having high carbon dioxide fixation rate and the use thereof. The microalgae of the invention have a high carbon dioxide fixation rate and excellent resistance even to high concentrations of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitric oxide (NOx) and are rich in biomass, and thus can be advantageously used in formulations for removing carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses, among other aspects, mixed algal populations able to survive and proliferate on culture media that have a high proportion of carpet industry wastewater. Embodiments further encompass methods of cultivating mixed populations of freshwater and marine alga comprising a plurality of genera and species to provide a biomass from which may be extracted lipids, or converted into biodiesel by such procedures as pyrolysis. Lipid material extracted from the algae may be converted to biodiesel or other organic products. A combined stream of carpet industry untreated wastewater with 10-15% sewage was found to be a good growth medium for cultivation of microalgae and biodiesel production. Native algal strains were isolated from carpet wastewater inoculated with mixed populations derived from environments exposed to such wastewater. Both fresh water and marine algae showed good growth in wastewaters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to algal species and compositions, methods for identifying algae that produce high lipid content, possess tolerance to high CO2, and/or can grow in waste streams, and methods for using such algae for waste stream remediation and biomass production.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microalga species and to the use thereof for animal and/or human consumption and in the production of carotenoids. A novel strain of Scenedesmus has been isolated at the Las Palmerillas experimental station, Cajamar, identified as microorganisms that had not been previously registered by the University of Gottinghem and deposited within the Culture Collection of Alagae and Protozoa (CCAP) as Scenedesmus almeriensis. The novel strain, which can be used for animal and/or human consumption, produces large quantities of carotenoids, particularly lutein and beta-carotene. Scenedesmus almeriensis grows adequately in a wide range of temperatures from 10° C. to 40° C. at a pH of between 7 and 9.5 and can tolerate high concentrations of copper, up to 1 mg/L. The microalgal strain is grown in a 4000 L photobioreactor, into which the culture is inserted mechanically, and produces less than 4 mg of lutein per gram of dry material.