Abstract: The present invention provides a photobioreactor for a phototrophic microorganism, and culture medium therefor, comprising a capsule, the capsule comprising an elongated body comprised of a first, flexible polymer film that is at least partially transparent to light of a wavelength that is photosynthetically active in a phototrophic microorganism and divided width wise into a plurality of adjacent channels, each channel having a major cross-sectional dimension that is not more than about one-third of the length of the elongated body, when the elongated body is inflated; and a fluid distribution structure coupled to the elongated body adapted for fluid communication with the plurality of adjacent channels that distributes a flow of culture medium amongst the plurality of channels, wherein the fluid distribution structure is comprised of a second, flexible polymer film.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system for mass production of microorganisms is disclosed. Water with microorganisms suspended therein is sprayed through a nozzle to create droplets. These droplets have a high surface area to volume ratio enabling efficient light transfer and gas diffusion. The water may also be passed through channels between two transparent plates, wherein superior mixing is achieved along with a high surface to volume ratio. The water is preferably circulated through a dark holding tank Active and passive flashing lights of different wavelengths are used to promote growth of the microorganisms when the water is sprayed and/or passing through the transparent plates.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and processes for cultivating algae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayered structures. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an at least partially transparent multilayered structure that includes at least one first layer including at least one polyolefin, and at least one second layer including at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer and a cyclic olefin polymer. In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making such multilayered structures, and photobioreactors having compartments including such multilayered structures.

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: Disclosed is a structure of a photobioreactor for culturing microalgae capable of enhancing carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation efficiency by microalgae and simultaneously saving installation cost by forming a sealing structure in a microalgae growth chamber using a roller and a hydraulic pressure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a photobioreactor for culturing microalgae including a culture water bath configured to store culture water containing microalgae and feed the culture water with carbon dioxide (CO2), an aquatic plant formed on at least one side of the culture water bath to store water (H2O), and a lid configured to cover an upper portion of the culture water bath. Further, a watercourse is formed below the culture water bath and the aquatic plant.

Abstract: In the present invention, a photobioreactor and process for producing and harvesting microalgae involves a vessel for cultivating microalgae that is at least partially transparent to admit light into the vessel. At least a portion of the transparent part of the vessel is coated with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer. The TCO layer is transparent to visible light necessary for algae growth, but is opaque to infrared light thereby reducing thermal heating load in the photobioreactor. The TCO layer also acts as an electrode, which when combined with a counter-electrode can provide a potential difference across at least a portion of the interior of the vessel between the TCO layer and the counter-electrode. The electrode arrangement can be utilized in an electrochemical process (e.g. electrodeposition and/or electroflotation) to dewater and harvest the microalgae in the same apparatus as the microalgae was cultivated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photobiological ethanol production and harvesting technology using greenhouse distillation systems with designer photosynthetic organisms, such as designer transgenic oxyphotobacteria. The designer oxyphotobacteria are created such that the endogenous photobiological regulation mechanism is tamed, and the reducing power (NADPH) and energy (ATP) acquired from the photosynthetic process are used for synthesis of ethanol (CH3CH2OH) directly from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The designer use of a pair of NADPH-dependent vs. NAD-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases in the pathway designs offers a special cyclic “transhydrogenase” redox-shuttle function to convert NADPH to NADH for enhanced photobiological ethanol production. Through combined use of a designer photosynthetic organism with a greenhouse distillation system, the waste solar heat associated with the photobiological ethanol-production process is utilized in harvesting the produced ethanol.

Abstract: The culture device (100, 200) for culturing algae includes a culture pond (110) including an opening (112) on an upper side thereof and accommodating an alga solution (M) as a culture solution containing algae; a sheet (130) having optical transparency and flexibility, the sheet sealing at least a portion of the opening (112) of the culture pond (110); and a gas supply unit (124, 160, 212) used to supply high concentration CO2 gas having a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than that of the atmosphere, between the culture pond (110) and the sheet (130). A gas storage space (G) to store gas between a liquid surface (114) of the alga solution (M) and the sheet (130) is formed by at least part of the supplied high concentration CO2 gas.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.

Abstract: Bioreactors, and particularly, photobioreactors having a reactor chamber and surge driver, and methods for using these devices, for example, for the production of carbon-based products are provided. The reactor chamber provides a housing for microorganisms and culture medium. The surge driver produces a surge of the microorganisms and/or culture medium in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A photobioreactor assembly, including a first generally horizontal manifold, a second generally horizontal manifold positioned below the first generally horizontal manifold, an array of generally parallel, generally transparent tubes extending between the manifolds, an air supply operationally connected to at least one manifold, a water filter, a water purifier, a water supply operationally connected to the water purifier, a pH sensor positioned to measure the pH in the array, and an electronic controller operationally connected to the pH sensor, the air supply, the water purifier, and the water supply. Each respective tube is connected in fluidic communication with the first horizontal manifold, and each respective tube is connected in fluidic communication with the second horizontal manifold.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the production of biomass from photosynthesizing microorganisms that includes a photobioreactor comprising a transparent panel made from two transparent sheets with a separation between them, with top and bottom openings and with transparent, parallel subdivisions that form a panel of vertically arranged, transparent cells, where each transparent cell has a top opening and a bottom opening; a lower recirculation chamber in fluid contact with the bottom openings of the transparent panel; an upper recirculation chamber in fluid contact with the top openings of the transparent panel; a gas distribution tube externally arranged along the edge of said transparent panel; where said gas distribution tube comprises gas injectors arranged in fluid contact with the interior of a plurality of transparent cells; and a supporting structure that supports the transparent panel, the lower recirculation chamber, the upper recirculation chamber and the air distribution tube.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an ultra high intensity micro algal bioreactor designed to minimize the area foot print while completely controlling and optimizing the conditions for growing one or more specific strains of micro algae at maximum efficiency and minimum cost. The innovative bioreactor is in the form of an algae growing assembly that comprises a plurality of growing trays vertically stacked together and retained within a transparent housing. Each growing tray is configured to flowingly transport nutrient enriched water to the growing tray positioned immediately beneath it. Each growing tray is composed of a stiff transparent plastic sheet having a pliable transparent gas permeable membrane affixed thereon. A carbon dioxide gas infusion system is fluidicly connected to each of the plurality of growing trays such that carbon dioxide gas is able to (1) inflate respective carbon dioxide gas chambers, and (2) diffuse into the nutrient enriched water.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system is provided that comprises a bioreactor including at least two bioreactor tubes, each having an end and a hollow interior, the ends being connectively joined by one or more connector units having a hollow portion defined by a circumference, a solar concentrator configured to collect and concentrate solar power, at least one light guide associated with the solar concentrator to illuminate the hollow portion of the one or more connector units, and at least one LED illuminating the one or more connector units.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioreactors including a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the second sheet is disposed adjacent to the first sheet, and the first and second sheets are sealed along a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a first horizontal edge, a second horizontal edge, and at least one intermediate horizontal seal, thereby forming at least two chambers for holding fluid in series along a vertical axis, wherein each of the two or more chambers is oriented at an angle relative to the vertical axis, and at least one of the chambers is oriented at an angle greater than 0°, and wherein there is at least one opening in each of the first horizontal edge, the second horizontal edge, and intermediate horizontal seal(s); Also disclosed are methods of culturing cells including circulating a suspension of cells in a disclosed bioreactor.

Abstract: A light transformation particle is provided. The light transformation particle of the invention includes a light-shifting layer containing at least one light-emitting material, wherein the light-emitting layer transforms ultraviolet light, yellow-green light, or infrared light to red-orange light or blue-violet light. The light transformation particle further includes a core layer and/or a shell layer. The present invention further provides a photobioreactor containing the light transformation particle of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved closed algae cultivation system that has an algae supplier, a first conduit, at least two containers, and at least two light light-emitting devices. The algae supplier is coupled to the at least two containers via the first conduit. Each container includes at least one sidewall, a bottom and an upper lid, which together define an accommodating volume for accommodating an algal stock culture from the algae supplier. Each container is made of at least one opaque material and includes a first opening disposed on one of the at least one sidewall, and a second opening disposed at the bottom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant for producing microalgae biofuel. The plant includes a plant space part having an internal space, a culture part provided in the internal space of the plant space part to culture microalgae by continuously circulating a fluid, which includes the microalgae and is supplied from an outside, at positions different from each other, and a temperature adjusting part to adjust a temperature value of the internal space in the plant space part to a temperature value in a preset temperature value range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a membrane, screen or other flexible planar body in tension, while providing a conduit for water or other liquid to flow to the membrane being held. The membrane extends from inside a manifold body that carries the liquid, and the manifold body supports the membrane at one edge while the membrane is pulled in tension. Liquid pressure builds up inside the manifold body, preferably by entering a pressure chamber at the top of the manifold body. At a feeding pressure in the pressure chamber the liquid is distributed to the membrane for microbe growth. The liquid can be elevated to a higher, microbe-harvesting pressure by increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber, thereby deflecting a shim separating the pressure chamber from the membrane. The change in pressure is carried out by manually or automatically opening and closing a conventional water valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photobioreactor system for a phototrophic microorganism, and culture medium therefor, comprising a reactor chamber and a thermal system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor having a reactor chamber and one or more support chambers. The reactor chamber can have one or more flexible walls for enclosing microorganisms and culture medium. The reactor chamber provides an enclosure for microorganism and culture medium. The support chamber can also have one or more flexible walls. When inflated to a predetermined amount, the support chamber causes the microorganisms and culture medium to distribute to a substantially even depth across the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a support structure and a translucent liner. A containing system of bioreactors includes a plurality of bioreactors. A contained bioreactor system includes a plurality of containing systems of interconnected bioreactors, an industrial blower, an air filter, a microbial filter, a gas delivery system, and a harvesting station. A method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions includes delivering carbon dioxide to a bioreactor where the bioreactor includes a support structure and a liner where the bioreactor includes media containing microbes. A method of harvesting microorganisms includes emptying the solution and removing a sieve from the harvesting unit.

Abstract: Flat panel biofilm photobioreactor systems with a photosynthetic, autofermentative microorganism that forms a biofilm and methods for using the same to make metabolic intermediate compound(s) through photosynthesis and to convert metabolic intermediate compound(s) into chemical product(s) such as a biofuel or a feedstock through autofermentation.

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

Abstract: An invention proposes a photobioreactor with a cultivation chamber in the form of a shallow closed trough that is irradiated by the sun light. The bottom section of the shallow closed trough comprises an elongated polymer flexible film, which is arranged with small inclination to the horizontal plane; the middle longitudinal section of the elongated polymer flexible film plays a role of the bottom cover of the shallow closed trough. A bank of translucent or transparent flat rigid members, which are abutted in-line with a small inclination to the horizontal plane, provides required rigidity to the entire photobioreactor. The translucent or transparent flat rigid members are provided with longitudinal bottom spacers and joined with the lateral longitudinal sections of the elongated polymer flexible film. In addition, the translucent flat rigid members serve for closing the shallow trough from above.

Abstract: A process utilizing enhanced photosynthesis and photocatalysis to purify water and/or utilize CO2 on a large scale by growing biomass in reduced time and space in a closed, continuous-flow system. Added CO2 and balanced nutrients combine with light to increase the growth rate of autotrophic microalgae which require CO2 for growth and produce oxygen. Organic and inorganic compounds and chemical toxins are mineralized in photocatalysis using such produced oxygen, which are then absorbed (metabolized) in the microalgal biomass that is harvested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photobioreactor intended for the notably continuous culture of photosynthetic microorganisms, preferably microalgae, comprising at least one culture enclosure (1) intended to contain the microorganism culture medium (3) and at least one light source (2) outside the culture enclosure (1), characterized in that it further comprises at least one cylindrical or prismatic light diffusion element (4) placed inside the culture enclosure (1), the light diffusion element (4) being coupled optically with the light source (2) so as to collect the photons emitted by the light source (2) and to return them to the culture medium (3) by its lateral surface. The present invention also relates to the use of a photobioreactor to cultivate photosynthetic microorganisms and to the use of a light diffusion element (4) to illuminate the culture medium of a photobioreactor.

Abstract: A circulatory photobioreactor is provided. The circulatory photobioreactor comprises a first cultivating part, a second cultivating part and a pump part connecting the first cultivating part and the second cultivating part. The first cultivating part comprises a culture tank in which culture media are supplied and a first light source coupled to the culture tank, which illuminates the inside of the culture tank. The second cultivating part comprises a culture pipe placed outside of the culture tank and supplied with cultures from the culture tank and a second light source coupled to the culture pipe, which illuminates the inside of the culture pipe. The pump part is connected to both the first cultivating part and the second cultivating part in order to circulate the culture solution between them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow-through photobioreactor containing at least one thermoplastic multi-wall sheet having an upper layer and a lower layer having arranged there between at least two sidewalls, at least one inner wall and two or more end caps. Also provided is a process for the production of a biofuel with the inventive photobioreactor. The photobioreactor and process of the present invention have the following advantages: genetically engineered microbes that give higher yields cannot escape into the environment, water in the system does not evaporate, no weeding (presence of unwanted algae), UV light from the sun is filtered out by the reactor walls, temperature control is possible, CO2 from power plants, breweries, etc. can be artificially fed to increase yield. The inventive photobioreactor is also less expensive to build than pipe reactors and may have low energy costs to operate, because little or no energy is needed for agitation and pumping in a preferred gravity assisted embodiment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting pathogens and particles in a fluid in which particle size and intrinsic fluorescence of a simple particle is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating algae integrates a deep pond approach with an advanced photobioreactor concept. The apparatus comprises a deep (one foot or deeper) pond with a v-shaped or trough bottom, where, through gravity, algae will settle to the bottom of the trough and be pumped through a clear pipe located near or submerged under the surface of aqueous algae fluid via a heating pipe, which is also located near the surface of the algae fluid and be sprayed out into the air through spraying pipes distributed throughout the pond. With the combination of a v-shaped bottom deep pond, gravity, and clear pipes under aqueous algae fluids, algae can be exposed to sunlight much longer than the conventional approaches without being over exposed or heated and can thereby provide substantially better yields. The invention also introduces an electro-mechanical scrubbing ball that can be used to clean the piping system remotely.

Abstract: A system for the production and harvesting of algae including one or more of the following components: A turbulator for dissolving carbon dioxide in water to form an algae growth media, a photobioreactor having a serpentine flow path for the algae growth media through spaced apart high and low baffles with an associated light source, a dewatering device for the algae slurry harvested from the photobioreactor, a turbulator for breaking up the cells in the algae sludge coming off the dewatering device, a cooker for cooking the broken up algae cells under pressure and a settling tank for separating the cooked cells into oil, spent media and biomass fractions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for growing algae in an aqueous liquid using photosynthesis. The reactor includes a tank for accommodating the aqueous liquid with the algae in it, and a lighting system including a light source with a plurality of LEDs, a mounting structure for supporting the LEDs, and a housing for accommodating the light source and the mounting structure. At least a portion of the housing is transparent for light emitted by the light source. The lighting system is at least partially submerged in the aqueous liquid. Additionally, in operation, the light transmitted through the transparent portion of the housing is of sufficient intensity to substantially prevent growth of the algae on the surface of the transparent portion of the housing.

Abstract: A method for the cultivation of microorganisms, especially phototrophic microorganisms in a bioreactor or photobioreactor, wherein bicarbonate ions and carbonate ions or a cation surplus concentration in the culture medium is added. A tubular bioreactor and photobioreactor is disclosed for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sunlight-guiding module (2) for a photobioreactor (1) comprising a reaction chamber (11), the module (2) comprising: —a concentrating device (21) placed outside the reaction chamber (11) in order to concentrate the sunlight into a concentrated beam; —a scattering device (24) placed in the reaction chamber (11); characterised in that the module (2) also comprises a homogenising device (22) placed between the concentrating device (21) and the scattering device (24) in order to make the concentrated beam homogeneous before the concentrated beam enters the scattering device (24). The invention also relates to a light-guiding panel (3) comprising at least two light-guiding modules (2). Finally, the invention relates to a photoreactor (1) comprising a reaction chamber (11), characterised in that it also comprises a light-guiding module (2) or panel (3).

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention involve methods and systems for preselecting, adapting, and preconditioning one or more species of photosynthetic organisms, such as algae, to specific environmental and/or operating conditions to which the photosynthetic organisms will subsequently be exposed during utilization in a photobioreactor apparatus of a gas treatment system. Also disclosed are new algal strains and cultures that can be produced by practicing the preselection, adaption, and preconditioning methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and materials for the cultivation and/or propagation of a photosynthetic organism. Such methods may comprise the use of a lamp assembly that comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each comprising at least three edges, arranged in a substantially spherical shape defining an interior lamp assembly volume, wherein the plurality of circuit boards comprise a first planar surface in contact with the interior lamp assembly volume and an opposing second planar surface comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs); and a barrier that surrounds the plurality of circuit boards forming the substantially spherical shape.

Abstract: A replaceable photobioreactor for use within a cultivation system for growing photosynthetic organisms in a liquid growth medium is disclosed. The replaceable photobioreactor is used holding a liquid growth medium while exposing the photosynthetic organisms to light. A ‘dark tank’ is used in addition to the replaceable photobioreactor for holding the liquid growth medium in darkness such that a day and night cycle may be simulated.

Abstract: A photobiorcactor (100) for use in treating polluted air and producing biomass may comprise, at least in part, a generally vertical tube or fluidic pathway (102), a generally vertical helical tube or fluidic pathway (104) having a light source (106) partially positioned within the helical fluidic pathway (104), a head cap assembly (108), and a base assembly (110). In one illustrative example, the light source (106) may be a light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). By one approach, a gas diffusion apparatus (112) is located at the base assembly (110) adjacent the generally vertical fluidic pathway (102).

Abstract: A culture device includes a deformable cell-culture unit that includes a culture membrane and a surrounding wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the culture membrane, and a deformable engaging unit that is connected to the surrounding wall of the deformable cell-culture unit, that is adapted to engage a stretching device, and that has a hardness larger than that of the cell-culture unit.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. 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, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position.

Abstract: According to one aspect and example, a method for facilitating cellular interactions in biological tissue provides controllable activation of a selected type of stem cell among a plurality of cell types present in the tissue. The method includes various steps including the introduction of a microbial opsin into a region of the tissue that includes a selected type of stem cell, by expressing the microbial opsin the stem cell. A light source is then introduced near the stem cell, and the light source is used to controllably activate the light source to direct pulses of illumination from the light source to the selected type of stem cell, for selectively controlling the growth and development of the stem cell in a manner that is independent of the growth and development of the other types of cells.

Abstract: A gas cracking apparatus adapted to simultaneously efficiently discharge gas heavier than air and gas lighter than air resulting from assimilations of malodorous gas and greenhouse gas. The main frame of the gas cracking apparatus includes a closed metallic circular tube or angular tube. This tube is provided at its superior portion with a superior vent and provided at its inferior portion with an inferior vent, and the tube is further provided with a gas inlet disposed between the superior vent and the inferior vent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photobioreactor, and more particularly, a photobioreactor for culturing living organisms such as microalgae, which carry out photosynthesis using carbon dioxide and light energy. The photobioreactor includes: (a) a reaction vessel, in which photosynthesis occurs by photosynthetic organisms; (b) a multipurpose inlet/outlet formed at the outside upper end of the reaction vessel; (c) an outer pipe connected to the multipurpose inlet/outlet at the outside of the reaction vessel; and (d) an inner pipe connected to the multipurpose inlet/outlet at the inside of the reaction vessel, wherein the reaction vessel is made of a transparent film. The photobioreactor according to the present invention is advantageous in that the reaction vessel in which photosynthesis occurs is a plate-type and made of a transparent film, thus achieving improved light transmittance and mobility, and enabling the economically advantageous manufacture and operation thereof.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles for selective three dimensional (3D) biopatterning are disclosed. A biological target may be imaged and a selected area of the image may define a desired pattern for guiding the emission of EM radiation into the biological target. Two or more groups of photosensitive elements responsive to different activation wavelengths may be provided. The photosensitive elements may be selectively activated on or within the biological target based on location and activation wavelength in order to guide cell differentiation, adhesion of growth factors to a scaffold, release of growth factors, and/or deletion of cells.

Abstract: A reactor is used to grow a process material, such as algae. The reactor may include fluid-cooled light sources and a movable sparger assembly to increase the effective production volume of the reactor.

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 a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: An optofluidic photobioreactor including an optical waveguide having an input, characterized by an evanescent optical field confined along an outer surface of the optical waveguide produced by radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, means for inputting light to the input of the optical waveguide, and a selected photosynthetic microorganism disposed substantially within the evanescent field. A method for optically exciting a photosynthetic microorganism for generating a biofuel, a biofuel precursor, or a biomass from the optically-excited photosynthetic microorganism involves irradiating the photosynthetic microorganism attached to the surface of the waveguide with an evanescent optical field from optical radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, and driving photosynthesis in the microorganism by the evanescent optical field.