Biofuel production from photoautotrophic biomass is a
promising energy solution; also attractive is the carbon-neutral nature of
resulting biofuels made with CO2 fixation. Strains of the
cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. are promising candidates, with high biomass
yield and robustness over a wide range of temperatures, salinity, and pH. For
highest productivity, the nutrient supply rates must be matched with the rate of
biomass synthesis.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have developed a novel Membrane Carbonation Photobioreactor that uses
a hollow-fiber membrane to transfer CO2 into the photobioreactor
without bubbling. This allows precise control of pH as well as concentration and
speciation of the inorganic carbon, while simultaneously minimizing loss of
CO2.
Thus, this system maximizes both efficiency and the
production rate of valuable products from photosynthesis, such as biofuel, and
does so in a carbon-neutral fashion.
Potential Applications
- Highly efficient production of biofuel and other products
from photoautotrophs
Benefits and Advantages
- Maximizes production and efficiency by matching nutrient
supply rates to biomass synthesis
- Allows precise, on-demand control of CO2
delivery (without waste), pH, and inorganic carbon concentration and
speciation
- System can also be used to remove valuable metabolic
byproducts such as H2 and O2
- Decouples gas delivery and removal from gravity, thereby
imposing fewer constraints on reactor configuration and orientation
- Permits a truly closed system with a pure culture,
without microbiological contamination
- Carbonation unit configuration and location can be varied
to tailor gradients (CO2 concentration, pH and biomass), promote or
minimize biofilm formation, or to remove valuable products
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Rittmann's directory webpage
