Abstract: An aquatic-based algae production apparatus employing a microalgae production support assembly (30) and a cluster of six floating, closed loop, flatbed, CO2/O2 gas-permeable, photo-bioreactors, offering an economical solution for microalgae industrial production. The apparatus's bioreactors are submerged in the proximity of the water surface mark (20) for maximum light exposure and for CO2/O2 continue diffusion. A microalgae processing and control assembly (200) is monitoring the algae growth for each photo-bioreactor in the cluster, and is cyclically harvesting the microalgae. After harvesting the microalgae are transferred into a submerged variable-volume microalgae storage tank (250). Solar photovoltaic panels (400) and (500) are supplying the energy required for the operation of the apparatus. Swivel electrical propellers (330) attached to the bottom of the apparatus protective outer barrier (300) are controlling the apparatus's water deployment.

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: Methods for producing hydrocarbons, including oil, by processing algae and/or other micro-organisms in an aquatic environment. Flexible bags (e.g., plastic) with CO2/O2 exchange membranes, suspended at a controllable depth in a first liquid (e.g., seawater), receive a second liquid (e.g., liquid effluent from a “dead zone”) containing seeds for algae growth. The algae are cultivated and harvested in the bags, after most of the second liquid is removed by forward osmosis through liquid exchange membranes. The algae are removed and processed, and the bags are cleaned and reused.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photobioreactor for continuous or semi-continuous flow culturing photosynthesizing biomass and related method. In particular, the invention relates to a photobioreactor for continuous or semi-continuous flow culturing photosynthesizing algal biomass and related method. The photobioreactor comprises a gas feeding portion (60), a biomass-directing flow propulsion device (47) on a lighting system (5).

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, purifying, and/or extracting ethanol produced during anaerobic metabolism by aquatic plants is provided. The system includes a cell containing water and an aquatic plant, an ethanol extraction assembly in fluid communication with the cell for removing ethanol from the water. Ethanol is released by the aquatic plant by initiating an anaerobic process in the plant such as by regulating the photosynthesis inducing light that reaches the aquatic plant.

Abstract: A system for culturing and recovering micro algae comprises a photo-bioreactor, a floatation separator, a centrifugal separator, and a micro bubble generator. The photo-bioreactor unit is configured to culture micro algae by a photochemical reaction to produce a micro algae precipitate. The precipitated micro algae is separated by the floatation separator. The separated micro algae is concentrated by the centrifugal separator. The micro bubble generator generates process water containing micro carbon dioxide bubbles and supplies the generated process water to the photo-bioreactor unit and the floatation separator. With this system, micro algae can be cultured and recovered in a simper and more cost-effective manner.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an automatic toxicological fluid sample preparation module and method for use thereof, for automatically preparing a fluid sample for the detection and measurement of toxics and/or toxicological effects. The invention further relates to an automatic analysis system. The automatic toxicological fluid sample preparation module comprising: an inlet for automatically obtaining a sample directly from a fluid or fluid stream to be analyzed; preparation for preparing the fluid sample from the sample, comprising first coupling means for coupling with the inlet; and—an outlet for discharge of prepared fluid to measurement means, wherein the preparation means comprise indicator micro-organisms.

Abstract: A microalgae cultivation module for carbon reduction and biomass production is provided, which includes a first photobioreactor set, a second photobioreactor set, a gas switching device and a control unit. The gas switching device is communicated to the first and the second photobioreactor sets. The control unit is coupled to and controls the gas switching device, thereby aerating a waste gas into the first photobioreactor set and aerating air into the second photobioreactor set for a first predetermined time, then aerating the waste gas into the second photobioreactor set and aerating the air into the first photobioreactor set for a second predetermined time. The first and the second photobioreactor sets include a microalgae species.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for protecting bio-reactor housing from solar radiation, by applying UV-protective material to an outer surface of a plastic wall of the bio-reactor housing to protect from solar radiation. The housing includes a wall formed of plastic that defines the outer surface. In this manner, the effective life of the housing is extended and the overall cost of generation of photosynthetic biomass is decreased, improving system performance and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract: A primer or primer pair comprising a 3?-photolabile group, and a method of amplifying nucleic acids with controlled polymerization using the primer or primer pair, as well as related compositions, kits, and device for amplifying nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photobioreactor for mass culture of microalgae. The present invention provides a photobioreactor for mass culture of microalgae, comprising: a culture container comprising external walls which comprise an optical filter zone capable of selective penetration or blocking of a part of wavelength or region from sunlight and/or a heat conversion zone for selectively absorbing a part of wavelength or region from sunlight to convert the same into heat, and a reaction chamber which is three-dimensionally formed so as to accommodate microalgae and is an inner space restricted by the external walls; and a coupling means for connecting a floating means which is connected to the culture container or the culture container to the bottom of the water or a structure on the water, thereby locating the culture container near the surface of the water for the exposure of the culture container to sunlight.

Abstract: An immersible bioreactor illumination assembly is provided. An immersible bioreactor illumination assembly includes an optical waveguide with a cylindrical structure that possesses a known refractive index and causes light within the optical waveguide to longitudinally propagate through a length of the optical waveguide at a reflective angle of incidence upon meeting an inside surface of the cylindrical structure. A non-reflective surface is formed on an end of the optical waveguide for the light from an external light source propagating to that end of the optical waveguide. Diffusing structure is formed with an outer surface of the optical waveguide that alters the reflective angle of incidence. A bioreactor medium with a different refractive index than the known refractive index causes the light within the optical waveguide to diffuse at the diffusing structure through the inside surface of the optical waveguide and into the medium at a different angle of incidence.

Abstract: A bioreactor arrangement has a bioreactor and an illuminating body for illuminating a medium in a reactor interior. The illuminating body has at least one emission surface via which light, reflected by at least one end surface into the reactor interior, is emitted. The bioreactor is formed as a container having a transparent wall. The illuminating body is outside the reactor interior, next to at least one subregion of the transparent wall. The illuminating body forms a support surface for the bioreactor with its emission surface. A shaking device has a reactor holder that can be in oscillated, for a bioreactor with a transparent wall. The reactor holder has a two-dimensional illuminating body, the emission surface of which forms a support surface for the bioreactor, via which light can be reflected into the reactor interior of the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

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: 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: The invention relates to a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic micro-organisms, comprising: a) at least one cultivation container (1) for containing the culture medium (3) of the micro-organisms, b) photovoltaic cells (2) isolated from the culture medium (3), emitting light towards the culture medium (3), and c) means (4) for powering the photovoltaic cells (2) in order to operate the photovoltaic cells in light emission mode.

Abstract: A system and method for using a pulse flow to circulate algae in an algae cultivation apparatus are provided. In order to counteract the negative effects of biofouling on algae cultivation equipment, a pulse flow is created to periodically move through an algae cultivation apparatus. The pulse flow will dislodge algae cells adhering to various surfaces of the apparatus, and it will also create turbulence to stir up any algae cells which may have settled onto the bottom of the apparatus. To produce an increased fluid flow rate required to create an effective pulse flow, a sump, which is periodically filled with drawn algal culture from the apparatus, is located at an elevated position above the apparatus. When released, the algal culture travels through a transfer pipe and into the apparatus with gravity causing the algal culture to flow at a very high rate.

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

Abstract: A gravity flow photobioreactor core (10) comprised of a support means (3); a tube (5) that continuously runs and curls with declination about a vertical axis to form a stack (7) of levels (9) and having an inlet sparge (11); a gas exchange tank (13) and a central feed pipe (15) with a sparge (17). A gravity flow photobioreactor farm comprised of a bottom tank (19); a pump (21); a plurality of bioreactor cores (10) connected in series at decreasing elevations and a return pipe (23).

Abstract: A novel algae bioreactor and biofuel production system is presented that uses an efficient distribution and delivery mechanism for light, water, nutrient, and carbon dioxide. An efficient light delivery system uses multiple LEDs at red and blue wavelengths to enhance/optimize the algal growth. In addition, multiple light rods are immerses in large and deep bioreactor to achieve even growth of algae within the tank. A novel water/nutrient/CO2 delivery and distribution system enhances CO2 retention in the culture, produces even distribution of nutrient and results in even and rapid algae growth throughout the bioreactor tank. A nutrient delivery system is disclosed based on processing of aquatic waste for superior nutrient for algal growth. The modular design of the system allows for scaling and maintenance, for continuous operation of the plant.

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

Abstract: A method of cultivating biomass by photosynthesis. The method includes providing a fluid growth medium in which biomass is dispersed and which light can penetrate, exposing the growth medium to a source of incident light characterised in that the incident light is lensed using lensing means so as to form one or more elongate light foci in the growth medium, and transporting growth medium through said foci in a direction transverse or oblique with respect to a longitudinal foci axis so as to provide temporal photo-modulation in the growth medium.

Abstract: Described are methods, apparatus, and a system for robust and long-term sequestration of carbon. In particular, described is the sequestration of carbon as carbonates, using coccolithophorid algae grown using land-based aquaculture. Also described are methods of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTCE).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms.

Abstract: An aquatic-based algae production apparatus employing a microalgae production support assembly (30) and a cluster of six floating, closed loop, flatbed, CO2/O2 gas-permeable, photo-bioreactors, offering an economical solution for microalgae industrial production. The apparatus's bioreactors are submerged in the proximity of the water surface mark (20) for maximum light exposure and for CO2/O2 continue diffusion. A microalgae processing and control assembly (200) is monitoring the algae growth for each photo-bioreactor in the cluster, and is cyclically harvesting the microalgae. After harvesting the microalgae are transferred into a submerged variable-volume microalgae storage tank (250). Solar photovoltaic panels (400) and (500) are supplying the energy required for the operation of the apparatus. Swivel electrical propellers (330) attached to the bottom of the apparatus protective outer barrier (300) are controlling the apparatus's water deployment.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a photocatalytic method of generating hydrogen gas in algae, and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to algal-bacterial co-culture for enhancing the kinetics and improving the yield of algal hydrogen photoproduction.

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

Abstract: A compressible bioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, the bioreactor comprising a feeder trough, a collection trough, a growth fabric, and a barrier layer, where the bioreactor has a compressed mode and an extended mode, the growth fabric is coupled to the feeder trough and the collection trough, the growth fabric is substantially extended in the extended mode of the bioreactor, the growth fabric is substantially compressed in the compressed mode of the bioreactor and the barrier layer is coupled to the feeder base and the collection base that encases the growth fabric in a substantially airtight environment

Abstract: Provided are a cultivating system for cultivating aquatic organisms including a load-bearing structure having a top portion with at least two top rims transverse to each other and defining a top portion, a bottom portion, and flexible tank adapted for receiving therein a growing medium and for cultivating therein aquatic organisms. Further, the tank can include at least two sidewalls extending such that at least in one cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to said top portion, at least two of the sidewalls form a general V-shape converging towards the bottom portion. The system can also include a gas emitting arrangement linkable to a source of pressurized gas and comprising gas emitting nozzles disposed within the flexible tank at the bottom portion.

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

Abstract: The invention refers to a process to produce H2 from biomass containing carbon. The biomass is gasified to obtain a gaseous flow essentially containing molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) and molecules of molecular hydrogen (H2). These molecules (CO) and (H2) are then oxidized by oxygen holders in oxidized state (MeO) to obtain a gaseous flow essentially containing CO2 and water steam (H2Osteam) and oxygen holders in reduced state (Me). The oxygen holders are then oxidized by water steam. That oxidation produces oxidized oxygen holders and a gaseous flow essentially containing di-hydrogen (H2). The invention also refers to a system containing the means to perform the steps of such a process.

Abstract: A photobioreactor comprising a receptacle with a first and a second outer side surface, wherein the receptacle is formed from a flexible, fluid-tight and transparent material, and wherein the receptacle is disposed in a rack provided with elongated, substantially vertical, support elements arranged in at least one horizontal row, whereby the support elements abut, in an alternating and supporting manner, against the first and the second outer side surfaces of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for growing microalgae in cold climate areas. The system includes an expanding Plug Flow Reactor with a plurality of ponds used to grow algae by mixing a culture fluid with a nutrient. To minimize the loss of heat due to environmental factors, the expanding Plug Flow Reactor is covered with a translucent, light-transmitting cover and is lined with an insulation liner. In addition, an underground sump and pump are provided and connected to the expanding Plug Flow Reactor. The sump is provided to store the algae at night when ambient air temperature is at its coldest. An adjacent power plant provides: (1) heat byproducts to warm the culture and (2) CO2 for use as a source of carbon in photosynthesis.

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

Abstract: A solar powered spectral photosynthetic bioreactor system for culturing microalgae at high density, the system comprising a photobioreactor and further comprising a solar collector, optical fiber, an illuminant device within the photobioreactor, and a residual gas absorption device and culture medium separation and recovery device each connected to the photobioreactor; the illuminant device having one end connected to a spectral light intensity adjusting device installed above the photobioreactor; the adjusting device connected to the solar collector via the optical fiber; a gas distributor provided between the underside of the illuminant device and a base part of the photobioreactor; the distributor connected to an output end of a gas mixing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-speed photobioreactor for culturing microalgae using a hollow fiber membrane. More particularly a high-speed photobioreactor for culturing microalgae using a hollow fiber membrane capable of facilitating growth of microalgae and maximizing carbon dioxide fixation by increasing the rate of carbon dioxide saturation in a culture medium. Specifically, a high-speed photobioreactor for culturing microalgae using a hollow fiber membrane includes a reactor main body for culturing microalgae; a hollow fiber membrane module for supplying carbon dioxide into a culture medium in the reactor main body; a culture medium circulation pump for circulating the culture medium; and a defoamer for removing foams produced in the culture medium.

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

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

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

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to photobioreactors, methods, assembly and use of such apparatus for culturing light-capturing organisms in a cost-effective manner. Various embodiments provide for a passive thermal regulation system employing selected microorganisms in a photobioreactor apparatus and methods for biological production of various fuel and chemical products from these organisms. Additional embodiments provide a solar biofactory system capable of culturing light capturing organisms to an areal productivity of 3.3 g/m2/hr. Further embodiments are directed to a photobioreactor capable of culturing light capturing organisms to an OD730 of about 14 g/L DCW. Such embodiments incorporate passive thermal regulation and systems.

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 bioreactor including a substantially horizontal containing vessel having a base and at least one upstanding side-wall, at least one inlet located at a lower portion of the containing vessel, at least one outlet located at an upper portion of the containing vessel, an upper wall having a reflective material associated there with, at least one light source associated with the upper wall, and at least one light tube associated with each light source extending substantially the length of at least one sidewall of the vessel, the light tube provided adjacent an upper edge of the at least one sidewall and having a reflective lining to direct light from the light source across the upper wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fermenter (10) for producing biogas from organic material, having a fermentation chamber (11) with a substantially round basal surface to receive fermentation material; arranged, in the peripheral region of the fermentation chamber, filling means (12) for substrate to be fermented; arranged, above the fermentation chamber, an unpressurized gas store (13) with gas discharging means (14); stirring means (15); a settling chamber (16) with overflow rim; and also pumping means (17) for the continuous or batchwise removal of fermentation material from the fermentation chamber and introduction into the settling chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photobioreactor (1) for the culture of cells, comprising a runoff substrate (2) having a surface inclined at an average slope along a direction of inclination (I-I) on which a solution flows and including an upstream side (21) and a downstream side (22), said solution comprising cells in suspension. The invention is characterised in that the photobioreactor (1) comprises an upflow element (3) that conveys the solution from the downstream end (22) to the upstream end (21) along an upflow direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of inclination (I-I).

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

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

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

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

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