Journal Article

FZJ-2018-03211

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Single-cell computational analysis of light harvesting in a flat-panel photo-bioreactor

Loomba, V.FZJ* ; Huber, G.FZJ* ; von Lieres, E. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2018
BioMed Central London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/18706  doi:10.1186/s13068-018-1147-3

Abstract: BackgroundFlat-panel photo-bioreactors (PBRs) are customarily applied for investigating growth of microalgae. Optimal design and operation of such reactors is still a challenge due to complex non-linear combinations of various impact factors, particularly hydrodynamics, light irradiation, and cell metabolism. A detailed analysis of single-cell light reception can lead to novel insights into the complex interactions of light exposure and algae movement in the reactor.ResultsThe combined impacts of hydrodynamics and light irradiation on algae cultivation in a flat-panel PBR were studied by tracing the light exposure of individual cells over time. Hydrodynamics and turbulent mixing in this air-sparged bioreactor were simulated using the Eulerian approach for the liquid phase and a slip model for the gas phase velocity profiles. The liquid velocity was then used for tracing single cells and their light exposure, using light intensity profiles obtained from solving the radiative transfer equation at different wavelengths. The residence times of algae cells in defined dark and light zones of the PBR were statistically analyzed for different algal concentrations and sparging rates. The results indicate poor mixing caused by the reactor design which can be only partially improved by increased sparging rates.ConclusionsThe results provide important information for optimizing algal biomass productivity by improving bioreactor design and operation and can further be utilized for an in-depth analysis of algal growth by using advanced models of cell metabolism.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Biotechnologie (IBG-1)
2. Pflanzenwissenschaften (IBG-2)

Research Program(s):

1. 583 - Innovative Synergisms (POF3-583) (POF3-583)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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