Method using immobilized algae for production and harvest of algal biomass and products

Abstract

Compositions, articles, apparatus, methods and systems are provided for the growth of algae immobilized on a support in a gaseous environment supplying access to sources of carbon dioxide and light, and for subsequent harvesting and biomass processing.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 496,171, filed June 13, 2011, and entitled "Compositions, Articles, Apparatus, Methods, and Systems Relating to Algal Biomass," which is incorporated for all purposes in its entirety. The contents are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to compositions, articles, devices, methods and systems relating to algal biomass and uses of algal biomass. Background technique [0004] The increase in global demand for oil has led to two main problems: price increases, and the release of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and other toxic gases are causing increasing air pollution. More recently, the growth of unicellular algae in humid cultures has been proposed to produce algal biomass including lipids that can be converted to commercially useful biodiesel, or biomass that can be converted to al...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] The increase in global demand for oil has led to two main problems: price increases, and the release of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and other toxic gases

Known enclosed photobioreactors with high photosynthetic efficiency are being developed and evaluated, but appear to be far from commercialization

Known growing and harvesting processes appear to be energy-intensive, water-intensive, and expensive, and it is therefore desirable to find solutions to one or more of these deficiencies so that algal biomass and resulting fuel can be produced cost-effectively on a large scale

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