Abstract: A biological cultivation system for the culture of photosynthetic organisms including at least one cultivation chamber permitting exposure of the culture medium to natural and/or artificial light and including; a light transmissive wall or walls defining a gas space; and a culture medium containment area below the gas space; one or more fluid inlets positioned within the culture medium containment area; and one or more gas outlets in communication with the gas space; a control unit operatively connected to a gas flow control device, the gas flow control device controlling the flow of gas in through the fluid inlets and out through the fluid outlets to control the conditions within the cultivation chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air and nitrogen-fixing bacteria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The apparatus also includes a second evaporation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia. The present invention relates to a method for producing ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer using nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including providing a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air, and nitrogen-fixing bactieria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The method also includes providing a second evaporation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing algae for sequestering carbon dioxide and then harvesting the algae includes a container for a suspension of algae in a liquid and a bioreactor having a translucent channel in fluid communication with the container to absorb CO2 and grow the algae. A monitor determines the growth of the algae in the channel. A separator separates the grown algae from the suspension and an extractor extracts biomaterials from the grown algae.

Abstract: A bioactive filter is provided which comprises a transparent canister having gas permeable membranes as entry and exit ports. A source of carbon dioxide in gaseous form is allowed to enter the entry membrane and pass through a solution contained in the canister which supports a live colony of algae. The algae carries out photosynthesis thereby altering the carbon dioxide to oxygen and sugar. The oxygen is released through the exit port.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for the low energy, anaerobic bioconversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a gaseous substrate stream to oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol by contact with microorganisms in a deep, stirred tank fermentation system with high conversion efficiency of both hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Gas feed to the reactor is injected using a motive liquid to form a stable dispersion of microbubbles thereby reducing energy costs, and a portion of the off-gases from the reactor are recycled to (i) achieve a conversion of the total moles of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gas substrate to oxygenated organic compound of at least about 80 percent and (ii) attenuate the risk of carbon monoxide inhibition of the microorganism used for the bioconversion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing chemoautotrophic micro-organisms to capture carbon from industrial waste are provided. An exemplary system comprises an industrial source, such as a cement plant, and a bioreactor including the micro-organisms. The bioreactor is fed the waste stream from the source, which provides carbon to the micro-organisms, and is also fed hydrogen, from which the micro-organisms derive their energy. Additional or alternative carbon can be provided from a gasifier fed an organic feedstock. The carbon provided to the micro-organisms is converted into chemical products which can be recovered from the bioreactor. Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis using electricity generated by a renewable energy source.

Abstract: The method and apparatus according to the present invention concentrate the formation of the biotechnical product to active site in the reactor, where the production is accelerated to extreme speeds by altering the conditions. To achieve this, anabolic, catabolic or overflow metabolic reactions can be utilised. The aim is to implement production so that carbon dioxide emissions in particular are minimised The products are e.g. 2,3-butanediol, butanol, ethanol, acetone, organic acids, methane or hydrogen gas and other fuels or compounds necessary for chemical or material production.

Abstract: A blood specimen processor by means of which blood specimens are collected into a collection tube containing an anticoagulant and a molded buoy of predetermined density between 1.045 and 1.084 with an embedded water swellable o-ring that expands to form a robust seal in a leucocyte density gradient between the buoy's outer surface and tube's inner surface. The buoy is made of a first resin and a second resin, the first resin having a lower density than the second resin, the first resin and the second resin being present in such amounts and relative proportions so that the body has an overall density between 1.045 and 1.084 and preferably, a center of gravity below a geometric center of the body. When the blood specimen contained in the processor is centrifuged, the buoy is thrust through the separating blood and the developing interface of erythrocytes, leucocytes, and plasma.

Abstract: A dynamic and noninvasive method of monitoring the adhesion and proliferation of biological cells through multimode operation (acoustic and optical) using a ZnO nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance (ZnOnano-QCM) biosensor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering CO2 using algae comprises a plurality of vertically suspended bioreactors, each bioreactor being translucent and including a flow channel formed by a plurality of baffles. A culture tank contains a suspension of water and at least one algae and includes a plurality of gas jets for introducing a CO2-containing gas into the suspension. The culture tank is in fluid communication with an inlet in each channel for flowing the suspension through the channel in the presence of light. A pump pumps the suspension into the channel inlet.

Abstract: A movable incubator facility comprises a culture chamber which is arranged for receiving at least one cell culture, a heating arrangement by means of which the temperature of the culture chamber can be adjusted, a gas feed arrangement by means of which at least one gas can be introduced into the culture chamber, and an energy storage arrangement which is disposed for supplying the heating arrangement and/or the gas feed arrangement with electrical energy.

Abstract: A novel method reduces methane slack when operating a biogas fermenter. When starting up a freshly charged fermenter, the methane portion of the produced biogas is initially so low and the portions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are so high that the biogas cannot be directly used in a combined heat and power plant. Conventionally, the biogas generated during the startup phase has a small portion of methane that is discharged directly into the atmosphere or is flared off if the methane fraction is larger. The initially produced methane is consequently not used and becomes methane slack. To reduce methane slack, the biogas with the low methane fraction is fed to a gas treatment unit in which non-methane components of the gas mixture are partially separated, and the remaining gas mixture with a higher methane content is returned to the biogas fermenter until the methane fraction is sufficiently high.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for automated exploitation of cells from a sample, comprising a plurality of dispensing containers (2) for the separated storage of fluid media, each dispensing container comprising an outlet (21) wherein a media delivery arrangement (3) is associated to each of the dispensing containers (2) and a first valve (22) is connected to each of the outlets (21), a plurality of collecting containers (4) for the collection of fluid media, each collecting container (4) comprising an inlet (41) wherein a second valve (42) is connected to the inlet (41) of each collecting container, and a mounting device (5) for mounting the sample, the mounting device comprising an inlet (51) being connected to the first valve (22), and an outlet (52), wherein the outlet (52) of the mounting device is connected to the second valve (42). Further, the present invention enables a method for automated cell exploitation from a sample by the use of the apparatus (1).

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting aquatic plants to liquid methane are disclosed. A representative system includes an aquatic plant cultivator, an anaerobic digester operatively coupled to the aquatic plant cultivator to receive aquatic plants and produce biogas, and a biogas converter coupled to the anaerobic digester to receive the biogas and produce liquefied methane and thermal energy, at least a portion of the thermal energy resulting from a methane liquefaction process. The system can further include a thermal path between the biogas converter and at least one of the aquatic plant cultivator and the anaerobic digester. A controller can be coupled to the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or the anaerobic digester. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed (e.g., based on measured variables of the system), direct the portion of thermal energy between the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or anaerobic digester.

Abstract: A disposable mixing vessel incorporates a system for dynamic gas control. The disposable mixing vessel includes a first agitating element and a second agitating element located above the first agitating element. The system for dynamic gas control enables a cell culture process to occur in the disposable mixing vessel while maintaining certain parameters of the liquid medium to be within a desired range. Such parameters may include the level of dissolved carbon dioxide, the level of dissolved oxygen, the pH and the osmolality. The system for dynamic gas control may control gas inlet and outlet ports in the disposable mixing vessel for sweeping a suitable composition of gas across the headspace of the liquid medium.

Abstract: An improved fermentation device and method uses a combination of substantially pure Oxygen as the Oxygenation gas and a separate air (or other Oxygen reducing gas) purge through the headspace of a fermentation device. The air injection and air purge vent line are configured to maintain a backpressure within the headspace. The air purge permits improved oxygen utilization and increases safety through dilution and removal of ammonia gas emitted during fermentation.

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 for expanding and/or preserving cells inside a culture vessel containing a culture medium provides for the renewal of the culture medium by a culture medium stream, at least a portion of which comes from a culture medium volume contained in a gas-enrichment vessel of the culture medium, the enrichment-vessel further containing a gas volume which is separated from the culture medium volume by a free interface, the gas volume being renewed by a gas stream that is introduced into the enrichment vessel directly into the gas volume, the flow of the stream being arranged so as to enable a gas exchange between the culture medium volume and the gas volume at the interface thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing samples on a microfluidic device. One system includes a microfluidic device having an upstream channel, a DNA manipulation zone located downstream from the upstream channel and configured to perform PCR amplification of a sample, a first valve disposed upstream of the DNA manipulation zone, and a second valve disposed downstream of the DNA manipulation zone. The system also includes a controller programmed to close the first and second valves to prevent gas and liquid from flowing into or out of the DNA manipulation zone, and a computer-controlled heat source in thermal contact with the DNA manipulation zone.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

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

Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.

Abstract: A biogas plant for methanizing biomass having a high solids fraction includes a digestion tank system having a plurality of digestion tanks adapted to be closed in a gas- and liquid-tight manner, each of which includes a charging and withdrawing opening for charging with biomass and withdrawing the biomass, a biogas discharge means, a percolate reservoir, a percolate drainage means for discharging percolate from the plurality of digestion tanks and supplying the percolate to the percolate reservoir, a percolate distributing means for distributing the percolate from the percolate reservoir over the biomass in the plurality of digestion tanks, and a percolate regulating means for regulating the percolate level in the plurality of digestion tanks. The percolate reservoir includes a first and a second percolate container, and supplying and discharging of percolate to/from the first and/or the second percolate container takes place with the aid of the percolate regulating means.

Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through at least one microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. Length and cross-sectional area of the microchannel may be selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid flow is regulated, and may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions. In certain embodiments, one or more diffusion control chambers regulate fluid flow and diffusion between a reaction reservoir and an outside atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention describes a laminar flow bioreactor with improved laminar flow lines of fluids. The bioreactor housing defines a chamber adapted to receive a scaffold. An inlet aperture at one end of the chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. A bypass mechanism selectively operable from an open position to a closed position consisting of an iris assembly directs a portion of fluid flowing through the chamber around the scaffold-receiving area. This bioreactor is inserted in a bioreactor system.

Abstract: In the present invention cells are placed in a multiwell plate and grown. When the assay is to be performed, one uses gravity to wash away any unbound ligands rather than vacuum or centrifugation. The cells are then examined to detect the bound ligand. To perform the washing step(s) the plate is placed into a carrier plate having open wells in register with the wells of the filter plate or one may use a wicking device or an underdrain attached to the bottom of the filter plate. Sufficient wash liquid is added to allow for filtration by the effect of gravity to occur. Cells are retained within the wells at a rate of 4 times that of other rapid methods.

Abstract: Photobioreactors according to embodiments of the present invention deliver nutrient gas intermittently to the photobioreactor media. In some embodiments, one or more gases are delivered according to a duty cycle or timing pattern. According to some embodiments, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using intermittent introduction of carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, carbon dioxide is supplied to algae grown in a photobioreactor in whole or in part from a head space above the media of the photobioreactor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include model-based controls to control photobioreactor operation and the growth of algae for use as a biofuels feedstock. In some embodiments, the model-based control can accounts for future conditions such as weather, product pricing, customer demands and/or other variables to operate the reactors in a manner that optimizes product revenues, minimizes costs or energy, maximizes photosynthetic or energy balance efficiency, and/or any combination of the aforementioned factors.

Abstract: Bioreactors are provided that include a vessel and a jet mixer disposed in the vessel. Methods that utilize the bioreactors are provided, involving placing a microorganism or cells and a fluid medium in the bioreactor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for pharmaceutical grade manufacture extrachromosomal nucleic acids from cell lysates using flotation to separate and eliminate undesired insoluble cellular debris including chromosomal DNA from the lysates. A gas is introduced to controllably generate bubbles that reduce the density of the cell debris and create a buoyant flocculent phase that can be readily separated from, and thus provide, a substantially clarified fluid lysate phase that is enriched in extrachromosomal DNA but substantially depleted of cellular proteins and chromosomal DNA.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for producing biogas having a high methane content from a feed or substrate. Feed material is injected into a reactor having anaerobic microorganisms to form a bulk liquid in the reactor. The oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature of the bulk liquid and the methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and flow of the biogas is monitored. The amount of the feed material (substrate) fed to the reactor is adjusted in response to the monitoring parameters of the bulk liquid and biogas. A biomass recycle is provided to the reactor, thus increasing the reactor biomass retention time, or solids retention time within the reactor.

Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.

Abstract: A fermenter feed system for fermentable biomass of a biogas system comprising at least one fermenter, and a delivery and treatment device located between a biomass depot and the fermenter. A mechanical cell breakdown apparatus (6) processes the biomass for delivery (5, 10, 11, 14, 34) to the fermenter (18,19) which includes an outlet opening (23) with a diameter. The diameter may be varied by an adjustable actuating member (32) according to at least one sensor (26) for detecting an operational parameter value of the cell breakdown apparatus (6) or the biomass. A diameter regulator (25) receives an output signal from the sensor as an actual parameter value and compares it to a predetermined target value (28). The actuating member (32) is activated when the actual value falls below the target value to make a predetermined change to the outlet opening diameter.

Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for retaining the membrane modules in a process gas for formation of the biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product, wherein the membrane vessel retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; provides a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and includes a liquid supply conduit for communicating the process liquid with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A submerged membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including a plurality of membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface; a membrane tank for retaining the membrane modules at least partially submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated haloalkaliphilic microorganism designated as strain sapolanicus belonging to the genus Halanaerobium, which is capable of producing hydrogen from biomass. Methods of producing biohydrogen comprising the fermentation of the microorganism with alkaline pretreated biomass are also provided. Fermentation is preferably carried out without neutralization of the pretreated biomass and at a pH of greater than or equal to about 10.

Abstract: Advanced islet separation technology incorporates an automated method, automated control methodology, process control interface, and automated apparatus to separate (isolate) and process pancreatic islets in a tissue suspension in physiologic process solution, utilizing microprocessor control and/or microprocessor computer control and software programming (code) to interface and control the process temperature, fluid flow rate, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, endotoxin concentration, dissolved nitric oxide concentration, nitric oxide synthase activity, proteolytic enzyme activity, and/or pressure of the islet containing physiologic process solution, the extent of islet separation, including real-time data acquisition and recording of process variables.

Abstract: A novel method reduces methane slack when operating a biogas fermenter. When starting up a freshly charged fermenter, the methane portion of the produced biogas is initially so low and the portions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are so high that the biogas cannot be directly used in a combined heat and power plant. Conventionally, the biogas generated during the startup phase has a small portion of methane that is discharged directly into the atmosphere or is flared off if the methane fraction is larger. The initially produced methane is consequently not used and becomes methane slack. To reduce methane slack, the biogas with the low methane fraction is fed to a gas treatment unit in which non-methane components of the gas mixture are partially separated, and the remaining gas mixture with a higher methane content is returned to the biogas fermenter until the methane fraction is sufficiently high.

Abstract: A device and method for enhancing rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in chromatography strip-type rapid IVD devices useful in, for example, clinical, point-of-care, laboratory or over-the-counter settings. The device drives a flow fluid, primarily under the force of gravity alone, through a first chamber having a porous dam structure to enhance and substantially complete the first affinity binding reaction between a source of mobilizable labeled binding members and an analyte in the fluid. Flow through the dam causes a delay, mixing and trapping of the typically chemically disuniform initial fluid front so that fluid exiting the dam exhibits a more uniformly high degree of first affinity binding and decreased non-affinity binding.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: A bioreactor and bioreactor system are suitable for the growth of materials from algae. More specifically, the system preferred embodiments use concentrated sunlight in a solo- or co-generation system to produce algae and products therefrom as well as solar thermal energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exposure device for living cell cultures, the device having a medium chamber common to a plurality of cell culture chambers and medium directing means. The medium chamber, cell culture chambers and the medium directing means may be arranged so as to provide substantially contemporaneous medium exchange at the cell culture chambers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composing process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for carbonation of fluid in an algae cultivation pond via the use of backward-facing steps are disclosed. In a first aspect, a method for initiating carbonation of a fluid flow in an algae cultivation pond is disclosed. Fluid flow is initiated over a backward-facing step in the algae cultivation pond. A backflow region is generated in the fluid flow downstream of the backward-facing step. Carbon dioxide is provided to the backflow region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mesoscale bioreactor platform including two or more liquid reservoirs in fluid communication with a culture chamber which chamber is in fluid communication with an exit. The platform allows the chamber to be perfused with a flow of liquid from one or more of the liquid reservoirs. The integrated reservoirs for liquids remove the need for external supplies of liquid to the culture chamber during cell culture experiments requiring perfusion of liquids. Moreover, with two or more reservoir it is possible to supply the culture chamber with different types of liquids.

Abstract: This invention relates to open or close top photobioreactor apparatus for improved productivity with a small footprint, that can be placed in varied temperature zones, above or below ground on land or in water or use in space-station for conducting aqueous aerobic or anaerobic; continues or batch wise cultivation and harvesting of photoautotrophic organism's. More particularly this invention concerns with a novel means and process for uniform optical dispersion and optical enhancement by utilizing a solar energy collection unit attached to a photo-emitting system which emits full spectrum or specific wavelength light substantially uniformly and radially along its length.

Abstract: A stack of communicating trays for cultivation of cells, whereby the tray stack is equipped with a gas exchanger having at least one processed aperture for fast and substantially uniform distribution of gas to the trays.