Nannochloropsis and biofuels

One marine Nannochloropsis species has been shown to be suitable for algal biofuel production due to its ease of growth and high oil content (28.7% of dry weight), mainly unsaturated fatty acids and a significant percentage of palmitic acid.

Based on these results, a two-phase cultivation process, with a nutrient sufficient phase to rapidly increase number of cells prior to a nitrogen deprived phase to boost lipid content, was found to produce more than 90 kg of lipid per hectare per day in outdoor cultures.

In Nannochloropsis oculata, the effect of CO2 concentration on biomass production and lipid accumulation was investigated.

[5] A light-acquisition problem exists for aquatic algae since submergence can reduce light intensity and dampen photosynthesis.

For land plants, full-spectrum of sunlight, from blue to red light, is available for chlorophyll absorption.

Algal cells are likely to be transported to such depth of water, and many have evolved a mechanism to better absorb blue-green light.

Bulk alginate is widely used in the food industry and for medical purposes due to its unique characteristics such as high viscosity in aqueous solution and gel-forming property in the presence of calcium ions.

Previous studies have also shown that alginate oligosaccharides may act as growth promoting agents on some plant cells.

[9] Temperature has significant impact on algal growth rate, cell size, and biochemical composition.

They are usually made of polypropylene acrylic or polyvinylchloride pipes which have small internal diameters and an air pump that generates bubbles to mix and agitate the culture.

The main advantages are: 1) large ratio of culture volume to surface area and optimized light penetration depth; 2) easy control over temperature and contaminants; 3) easy spatial distribution of fresh air and CO2; 4) better CO2 transfer through the culture; and 5) automated sensor providing cell concentration reads.

Both open pond and flat-plate photoreactors were proven to be feasible, given that the lipid content of biomass could be increased to 60%.

Under mixotrophic conditions, both light and a carbon substrate such as sugars can provide energy for cell growth.

[13] A unique bio-technology-based environmental system can utilize flue gas from coal burning power plants.

A direct transesterification of Nannochloropsis biomass to biodiesel production can be achieved using either microwave or ultrasound radiation.

These properties make Nannochloropsis residue a very promising candidate for algal fuel production.