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With free energy from sunlight and the greenhouse gas CO2, algae produce substances that are used as food supplements or animal feed. Lgem believes it also can replace fungi and yeast in the future. In this article, we’ll explain how, why and when algae conquer the world.
The different substances by algaeWe expect to make various substances with the bioreactor. Most attention is now focused on beta-carotene, a pigment that acts as a UV blocker and is used as an antioxidant in foods. Also on the wish list are omega-3 fatty acids, which occur naturally in fish oil and whose consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and the substance astaxanthin, a pigment that colors salmon pink. The algae themselves can also be used as food for larvae of, for example, sea bass. With the sun as a free energy source, a bioreactor is potentially very efficient. The most common photosynthesis pigment on Earth, chlorophyll, can convert a maximum of twenty percent of the light collected into biomass. However, a plant as a whole only has a photosynthetic efficiency of one percent. With algae, this could theoretically go much closer to twenty percent. However, traditional algae bioreactors are nowhere near achieving this high yield.
The photobioreactorA traditional algae bioreactor is therefore no more than an open pond. A photobioreactor is a closed system. Simply put, it is a vessel with water in which the algae swims. The cleverness of the construction lies in the way in which the entire volume is provided with sufficient sunlight. Then it is a matter of supplying CO2, properly controlling the temperature and mixing the algae at the right speed. After everything has been properly coordinated, the bioreactor is a fact.
Sun drivenEfficient air-driven bioreactors belong to the future. Ultimately, Lgem hopes to take metabolite production by algae out of niche markets and make it a competitor to production by yeast or fungi. Lgem believes that algae production can eventually become an alternative. In addition, the photobioreactor is one of the first steps towards a solar-driven society. Using the sun as a sustainable energy source has an obvious advantage over the use of fossil fuels. With algae bioreactors that run on sunlight and CO2, the knife cuts both ways. |
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Frequently asked questions
What substances can algae bioreactors produce?▼
Algae bioreactors can produce beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and astaxanthin. These substances are used as food supplements, animal feed, and in food production. Algae can also serve as direct food for fish larvae.
How efficient are algae bioreactors compared to traditional plants?▼
Chlorophyll in algae can theoretically convert up to 20% of collected light into biomass, compared to just 1% for traditional plants. Photobioreactors are designed to approach this higher efficiency level through controlled conditions.
What is a photobioreactor and how does it work?▼
A photobioreactor is a closed system vessel containing water and algae. It optimizes light distribution, supplies CO2, controls temperature, and maintains proper mixing speed to maximize algae growth and metabolite production.
Can algae replace yeast and fungi in production?▼
Yes, Lgem believes algae bioreactors can eventually become a competitive alternative to yeast and fungi for producing metabolites and food supplements in the future.
What are the environmental benefits of algae bioreactors?▼
Algae bioreactors use sunlight as free, sustainable energy and consume CO2, a greenhouse gas. This dual benefit makes them an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-dependent production methods.