Photobioreactor

What is a photobioreactor?

A bioreactor may refer to any device or system that supports a biologically active environment. A photobioreactor is a device similar to a bioreactor but also incorporates a light source. It is used to house and cultivate algae. The photobioreactor is what provides a suitable environment for algae growth, supplying light, nutrients, air, and heat to the culture.

Why a photobioreactor?

Algae can be found in lakes, rivers, and estuaries. However, the challenge with open air bioreactors, such as a pond, is that we cannot control it as well as in a closed system. There are many environmental factors to consider. There are different species of algae and the algae with the highest oil content may not be the fastest way to reproduce in an open system. This becomes a problem when other species take over.

In using a photobioreactor, the algae can be grown in a closed structure. Their growing environment can be better controlled. Although the costs of setting up and using a photobioreactor would be more expensive, it is more efficient and this would mean higher oil yields from the algae. In the long run, the benefits outweigh the costs.

How does it work?

Not all photobioreactors look alike, but they basically work the same way. Algae only need nutrients, a light source, and carbon dioxide to grow. In a photobioreactor, different levels of nutrients, carbon dioxide, and temperatures can be adjusted to cultivate algae with high oil content.