Bioreactor Systems and Methods

Abstract

The present invention provides a bioreactor system and method for producing biomass. The system includes at least one bioreactor unit comprising at least one liquid-containing compartment. The liquid-containing compartment comprises: (i) a first wall comprising a composite membrane allowing gas transport therethrough, wherein the composite membrane comprises at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; and (ii) a second wall comprising a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has a gas permeability substantially lower than that of the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of biomass production, particularly through the use of microbial or cell bioreactors, and more particularly to the field of photobioreactor systems. Background Technology

[0002] The increasing global demand for bioproducts, such as specialty molecules, chemicals, and food ingredients, is driving growing interest in the microbial origins of these materials. A growing population, coupled with evolving consumption patterns and the dangers of climate change, is placing unprecedented pressure on global food, pharmaceutical, and chemical production systems. By 2100, the population is projected to exceed 11 billion, and contemporary agriculture already has a significant environmental footprint in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use, eutrophication, topsoil degradation, and biodiversity loss. The necessary expansion of global food production systems in the coming decades will only exacerbate environmental pressures if conventional agricultural and food production methods are relied upon.

[0003] Photobioreactors (PBRs) are commonly used to cultivate microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae. Many conventional PBRs suffer from several limitations, particularly poor light distribution, inefficient gas transport, inefficient mixing, inefficient biomass extraction, and high water and energy consumption. For example, microalgae have traditionally been cultivated in open PBRs such as “open raceway ponds” due to the simplicity of their design and significantly lower operating costs. Unfortunately, these open PBRs only allow for limited control over operating conditions. Furthermore, cultures are easily contaminated. Therefore, there is a need to move towards improved PBRs that are closed systems capable of providing optimal growth conditions and thus enabling the production of biomass from microalgae and other photosynthetic organisms.

[0004] The transfer of gas into biomass production systems, such as photobioreactors (closed or open systems), is typically achieved using jetting techniques, such as compressing CO2, O2, or air and delivering the compressed gas into the liquid culture medium through a nozzle, or by bubbling or jetting the gas into the liquid culture medium (see, for example, US2015 / 0230420, WO2015 / 116963). These techniques can be used to add desired gases or to remove unwanted excess gases (see, for example, US2015 / 0093924).

[0005] This type of technology can be inefficient in terms of both energy requirements and infrastructure costs. When soluble gases are bubbled through a liquid, only a small fraction of the gas successfully dissolves; therefore, the remaining gas is wasted, leading to energy waste and inefficient gas absorption. Furthermore, soluble gases need to be transported under pressure, which increases the energy consumption for pressurization or the cost of supplying the pressurized gas. Gas removal using this technology is limited by the gas that can be trapped in the generated bubbles, which only provide a limited surface area for effective gas exchange.

[0006] Furthermore, for operations in countries with warmer climates, moisture buildup and condensation can pose problems in sections of photobioreactor components that are primarily filled with gas or exposed to liquids. This can lead to reduced operational performance and heat buildup throughout the system, putting stress on the organisms being grown for biomass. Improvements to the system to allow for better handling of moisture and heat are desired, resulting in higher operational efficiency.

[0007] While photobioreactors based on photosynthetic microorganisms offer several advantages, such as high biomass productivity, the ability to grow in non-arable land, and carbon capture potential, they also present several current challenges that limit scalability. Some of these obstacles include:

[0008] 1. High capital and operating costs: The cost of building a dedicated system can be several times that of a conventional open pond system. Furthermore, the energy required for pumping and mixing the culture medium, as well as for lighting if necessary, can also be expensive.

[0009] 2. Risk of contamination: Microbial cultures are susceptible to contamination by rotifers, amoebas, bacteria, fungi, and / or other microorganisms, which can reduce the yield or quality of biomass. Furthermore, contamination may occur during the cultivation process or during the handling and processing of harvested microorganisms.

[0010] 3. Difficulty in scaling up: Photobioreactor systems are currently limited in size, which may hinder their scalability. Scaling up production is challenging due to the economic and technical complexity of the systems.

[0011] 4. Light attenuation: Photosynthetic microorganisms require sufficient light; however, light penetration into the culture medium may be limited, leading to reduced growth rates or biomass productivity. Furthermore, the use of high-density cultures may exacerbate this problem.

[0012] 5. Energy Consumption: Existing photobioreactor systems require energy for mixing and circulating culture media, as well as for providing lighting to the cultures. The energy required for these processes can be significant, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy costs.

[0013] Some of the most widely used photobioreactor systems in the prior art currently face several technical and economic challenges that need to be addressed to make them viable alternatives to traditional energy sources and other products. Specifically, in existing photobioreactor systems, such as flat-plate photobioreactors, glass-panel photobioreactors, tubular photobioreactors, open cascade raceway tanks, or conventional open pond systems, some significant drawbacks may be the limited control over environmental conditions or operating parameters, including but not limited to pH and dissolved gases. Furthermore, existing technological solutions require relatively large land areas or footprints.

[0014] Jetting is an important aspect of existing photobioreactor systems because it provides the gases necessary for algal growth, mass transfer, and nutrient cycling. Several challenges associated with jetting exist, such as: when bubbles are introduced into the culture medium, they may coalesce and form large bubbles, which can disrupt flow within the system and ultimately lead to foam formation. Foam can accumulate on the surface of the culture and reduce the amount of light penetrating into the culture, potentially reducing photosynthesis and hindering growth rates. Several transport limitations may arise when the efficiency of gas transfer from bubbles to the culture medium is restricted by bubble size, bubble density, the viscosity of the culture medium, and the dispersion and distribution of bubbles within the medium. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of contamination from airborne bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Additionally, jetting requires air pumps, compressors, and other energy-intensive equipment, which may further reduce the overall economic viability of the system. Other disadvantages may include the complexity of cleaning and sterilization, and the limitation of photobioreactors to cultivating only a few species.

[0015] Some existing photobioreactor systems attempt to utilize porous membranes. However, even if they are hydrophobic, they have associated drawbacks. On an industrial scale, the hydraulic pressure of the system may exceed the liquid inlet pressure of the porous membrane, causing leakage of the liquid culture medium through the material. In some cases, the presence of a biofilm can further reduce the liquid inlet pressure of the porous membrane. Biofilms can alter the surface properties of the membrane. If the biofilm is hydrophilic, it can reduce the hydrophobicity of a hydrophobic membrane, thereby reducing the liquid inlet pressure. Furthermore, in some cases, the presence of cells and biofilm on the surface and / or pores of a hydrophobic porous membrane can allow liquid to pass through the biofilm into the pores via capillary action, thus allowing the liquid culture medium to pass through the membrane. Additionally, microbial cells and associated debris from the culture may become trapped inside the membrane and block the pores, reducing its gas permeability. Cells and debris may also accumulate in the pores and cannot be removed by cleaning, potentially contaminating subsequent cultures if the bioreactor is reused [Kishi et al. (2022) (https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.algal.2022.102959)].

[0016] In general, there is a need to address some major problems existing in the prior art, particularly in the production of valuable products from biomass and cellular materials, and to provide a simple and cost-effective solution to the problems arising from the cultivation of large numbers of photosynthetic microorganisms within systems that promote efficient gas exchange to enable large-scale biomass production. These and other uses, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings provided herein. Summary of the Invention

[0017] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a bioreactor system for producing biomass, the system comprising:

[0018] At least one bioreactor unit includes at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the liquid-containing compartment includes,

[0019] (i) a first wall, wherein the first wall includes a composite membrane that allows gas to pass through it, wherein the composite membrane includes at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; and

[0020] (ii) A second wall, wherein the second wall comprises a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has gas permeability substantially lower than that of the first wall, wherein the first and second walls cooperate to define a liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a bioreactor unit suitable for integration into a bioreactor system, wherein the bioreactor unit includes at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the liquid-containing compartment includes,

[0022] (i) a first wall, wherein the first wall includes a composite membrane layer that allows gas to pass through it, wherein the composite membrane includes at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; and

[0023] (ii) A second wall, wherein the second wall comprises a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has a gas permeability substantially lower than that of the first wall, wherein the first and second walls cooperate to define a liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the liquid-containing compartment includes an inlet and an outlet to allow the liquid to circulate through the liquid-containing compartment.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing microbial biomass, the method comprising providing a bioreactor system as described herein; culturing one or more biomass-producing microorganisms within the system or bioreactor unit for a period of time sufficient to produce a certain amount of biomass; and optionally separating the biomass.

[0026] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a photobioreactor system for producing microbial biomass, the system comprising:

[0027] A plurality of bioreactor units defining a circuit, wherein each bioreactor unit includes at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the liquid-containing compartment includes,

[0028] (i) a first wall, wherein the first wall includes a composite membrane that allows gas to pass through it, wherein the composite membrane includes at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; and

[0029] (ii) a second wall, wherein the second wall comprises a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has substantially lower gas permeability than the first wall, wherein the first and second walls cooperate to define a liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit; and

[0030] (iii) Inlet and outlet to allow liquid culture medium to circulate within;

[0031] Each liquid-containing compartment comprises a volume of at least 100 L; and each liquid-containing compartment is configured to withstand a hydraulic pressure of more than 100 mbar.

[0032] It should be understood that the various embodiments and aspects of the invention described herein can be suitably combined, and if not inherently incompatible. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 1b and 1c A schematic diagram of a system comprising more than one bioreactor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 2a and 2b A schematic diagram of a bioreactor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 A cross-section of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the linear bioreactor unit consists of a two-part structure, the linear unit being inserted into a channel along direction c to define and surround a chamber comprising a controlled atmosphere.

[0038] Figure 4 A cross-section of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a plurality of bioreactor units are arranged in a panel and a closed atmosphere chamber is located on one side of the panel.

[0039] Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5a i, 5a ii and 5a iii show liquid-containing compartments with different surface area percentages in contact with the chamber.

[0040] Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5b i shows an embodiment of a bioreactor unit in which the second wall is a flat planar surface. Figure 5b ii shows an embodiment of a bioreactor unit in which the second wall is composed of a grooved surface. Figure 5b iii shows an embodiment of a bioreactor unit in which the second wall is composed of an irregular polygon.

[0041] Figures 5c i and 5c ii show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the invention in which the second wall is composed of a flexible thin film material.

[0042] Figure 6a An embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a system of bioreactor units connected in series.

[0043] Figure 6b An embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a system of bioreactor units connected in parallel.

[0044] Figure 6cEmbodiments of the present invention are shown in the system comprising a reconfigurable manifold and bioreactor units connected in series and parallel.

[0045] Figure 6d An embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a bioreactor unit connected in series with two chambers.

[0046] Figure 7a and 7b Embodiments of the invention with different flow configurations for larger-scale manifolds are shown.

[0047] Figure 8 An embodiment of the invention illustrating key dimensions is shown.

[0048] Figure 9a , 9b Figures 9c and 9c show cross-sectional views illustrating different construction possibilities of the chamber in embodiments of the invention.

[0049] Figure 10a and 10b Schematic diagrams of different embodiments of the present invention are shown, illustrating different methods for removing biomass and adding liquid culture medium.

[0050] Figure 11a and 11b An experimental apparatus constructed as an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 11c This illustrates the change in culture pH relative to the CO2 concentration in the gas chamber.

[0051] Figure 12a and 12b An experimental setup was constructed to illustrate the difference in permeability between a homogeneous polymer membrane and a composite membrane with a thin barrier layer.

[0052] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the percentage of the inner surface of the liquid-containing compartment within the cavity.

[0053] Figure 14 Partially broken-down embodiments of the present invention, comprising multiple bioreactors including the same second wall, are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0055] The inventors have developed a gas-permeable bioreactor system suitable for generating biomass. In alternative embodiments, the bioreactor can be used to generate biomass or other biological products from phototrophic, heterotrophic, autotrophic, chemotrophic, or mixed-trophic organisms. Advantageously, the system includes one or more bioreactor units suitable for biomass production, each bioreactor unit comprising a liquid-containing compartment capable of gas exchange with a controlled atmosphere via a composite membrane or other thin-film material having a degree of permeability to the movement of gas molecules across it. Suitably, the atmosphere is confined within a chamber adjacent to all or part of the liquid-containing compartment. The atmosphere within the chamber can be controlled to supply the bioreactor unit with a gaseous feed having a specified composition and effluent gases from an industrial process. Embodiments of the invention allow specified apparatus to include optimized atmospheres to improve or maximize organism survival, organism growth rate, and / or biomass production and / or the production of specific biochemical substances within the bioreactor system. In specific embodiments of the present invention, the bioreactor is a photobioreactor, specifically used for producing biomass or other biological products derived from photosynthetic organisms (including photosynthetic microorganisms). Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments involving photobioreactors described herein can also be used, where appropriate, as bioreactors for producing biomass or other biological products from non-phototrophic organisms.

[0056] Before further elaborating on the invention, numerous definitions are provided to aid in understanding it.

[0057] As used herein, the term "comprising / including" means that any of the listed elements must be included and other elements may optionally be included. "consisting substantially of" means that any of the listed elements must be included, excluding elements that would substantially affect the essential and novel features of the listed elements, and other elements may optionally be included. "Constitutes of" means that all other elements besides those listed are excluded. Embodiments defined by each of these terms are within the scope of the invention.

[0058] The term "photosynthesis" refers to the complex biochemical process that occurs in green plants and other photosynthetic organisms, including photosynthetic microorganisms, including (micro)algae and cyanobacteria. The phenomenon of photosynthesis utilizes energy from light and converts carbon dioxide and water into essential metabolic products and oxygen. As used herein, the term "photosynthetic microorganism" refers to any organism capable of performing photosynthesis. The terms "phototrophic organism," "phototrophic," or "phototrophic type" refer to any (micro)organism or process that can capture energy from light for any purpose, particularly organisms and processes that use energy from electromagnetic waves (light) to produce energy and / or produce organic compounds through photon capture. As mentioned above, the production of organic compounds by fixing inorganic carbon using energy from light is called photosynthesis.

[0059] As used in this article, the term "autotrophic organism" refers to an organism that uses carbon from simple substances such as carbon dioxide to synthesize complex organic compounds, typically using energy from light (photosynthesis) or energy from inorganic chemical reactions (chemosynthesis).

[0060] As used herein, the term "photoautotrophic organism" is another term for an organism that uses light energy to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide and water. Photoautotrophic organisms are capable of photosynthesis, which in this context refers to the process of converting light energy into chemical energy that can be stored in organic molecules. As further described, photosynthetic organisms and photoautotrophic organisms are not limited to using only photosynthesis, and many organisms can or are capable of photosynthesis. In addition, some organisms use light to provide cellular energy, such as in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but are not necessarily able to fix carbon to produce organic compounds. The term "photoheterotrophic organism," as used herein, refers to an organism that can generate cellular energy from light to produce ATP but cannot fix (sufficient) carbon dioxide or inorganic carbon into organic compounds. They are heterotrophic, meaning they require organic compounds as a source of carbon and energy. In general, "heterotrophic organism" refers to an organism that cannot produce its own food and therefore depends on consuming other organisms or organic compounds to obtain the carbon and energy it needs. Unlike general autotrophic organisms, they cannot perform photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Therefore, photoheterotrophic organisms can use organic compounds (such as sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids) as carbon sources, along with light energy, to generate ATP through a process called photophosphorylation. The term "chemotrophic organism" refers to organisms that can obtain energy by oxidizing chemical compounds instead of using light energy. Chemotrophic organisms obtain their energy by breaking down inorganic or organic compounds (such as sulfur, iron, or ammonia) through chemosynthetic processes. Unlike typical phototrophic organisms, chemotrophic organisms can obtain energy from chemical reactions in the absence of light. The term "photomyotrophic organism" refers to organisms and processes that can use more than one energy source, but also includes those that produce cellular energy from light and / or organic compounds. They are "myotrophic" or "mixed-trophic organisms," meaning they can utilize both organic and inorganic compounds as sources of energy and carbon. A typical characteristic of mixed-trophic organisms is their ability to switch between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes depending on nutrient availability and ecosystem conditions.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that references to the concentration or percentage of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in a liquid refer to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the solution, i.e., dissolved CO2 and related inorganic forms such as H2CO3 (carbonic acid), HCO3- - (bicarbonate) and CO3 2- (Concentration of carbonates) 。 Similarly, references to “gas concentration” and the like are intended to include any and all ionic forms or chemical compounds formed from gases in liquid or aqueous environments, such as ammonium ions (NH4+) resulting from ammonia. +) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as a result of sulfur oxides.

[0062] As used herein, the term "dissolved oxygen" (DO) refers to the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) dissolved in an aqueous solution. Dissolved oxygen can be expressed in mg·L⁻¹. -1 The dissolved oxygen saturation is measured. It can also be expressed as the maximum amount of O2 that would dissolve in an aqueous solution under stable equilibrium conditions. These conditions include temperature and pressure. Aqueous solutions can become supersaturated with oxygen (i.e., reach saturation levels exceeding 100%), for example, due to the presence of photosynthetic organisms that produce oxygen through water.

[0063] As used herein, the term "translucent" has its common meaning in the art and refers to a light-transmitting material that allows light to pass through, resulting in random internal scattering of light. This term is synonymous with "semi-transparent."

[0064] As used herein, the term "transparent" has its common meaning in the art and refers to a material that allows visible light to pass through, making it possible to see an object clearly from the other side of the material; in other words, it can be described as substantially "optically transparent." All membrane and non-membrane materials, chamber walls, attachments, control structures, coatings, and other materials described herein can be substantially translucent or substantially transparent. However, transparent materials may contain tints or filters that allow certain wavelengths of light to pass through preferentially over others—e.g., color filters. Alternatively, transparent materials may contain polarizing filters, such that they remain optically transparent but only for waves of polarized light that can pass through them.

[0065] The term "optically transmissive" covers materials that are translucent and / or substantially transparent.

[0066] As used herein, the term "effluent gas" means gas produced as a waste product, byproduct, or intended product from a naturally or anthropogenic process, particularly when such gas is rich in CO2 and / or O2 and / or H2 and / or N2 and / or CH4 compared to normal atmospheric conditions; and / or poor in CO2 and / or O2 and / or H2 and / or N2 and / or CH4. Such processes include, but are not limited to, combustion, manufacturing, industrial processes, power generation and / or heating, vehicles such as ships, aircraft, and road vehicles, fermentation, biomass production, biomass processing, fuel production, fuel processing or conversion, refining, and waste treatment.

[0067] As used herein, the term "jet" refers to the introduction of any one or more gases into a liquid. This can involve bubbling gas through a liquid, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as increasing the concentration of a gas (e.g., CO2), removing dissolved gases (e.g., O2), or adding any particular gas. Aeration is a type of jet that introduces air into a liquid, typically achieved through bubbling.

[0068] As used herein, the terms “permeable” or “gas-permeable” mean a material that allows gases (referred to as “permeates”), particularly but not limited to oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), and hydrogen (H2), to travel from one side of the material to the other in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner. As used herein, the related terms “air-permeable” and “semi-permeable” are synonymous with “permeable” and the two terms are used interchangeably herein. Typically, the material is contained in sheets, films, or membranes. Permeable or gas-permeable materials can be contained within composite materials, such as composite membranes.

[0069] As used herein, the term "composite membrane" refers to a gas-permeable membrane comprising multiple layers and / or materials. In a composite membrane, each layer or material may perform one or more specific functions. In a composite membrane, the individual layers may be laminated and / or bonded to form a single composite structure.

[0070] As used herein, the term "permeate" refers to a substance and / or molecules and / or components (such as one or more gases) that pass through a permeable material or membrane (such as a composite membrane). It can be used to refer to a single component in a mixture and / or multiple components in a mixture that have the ability to transport across a membrane.

[0071] As used herein, the term "permeate" refers to a substance and / or molecules and / or components (such as one or more gases) that have passed through a permeable material or membrane (such as a composite membrane). It can refer to the product obtained after the permeate has been transported through a gas-permeable membrane.

[0072] As used herein, the term "reinforcing layer" refers to any layer of the composite membrane that contributes the highest mechanical strength to the composite membrane. It typically comprises a porous material, which may consist of randomly distributed fibers and / or nonwoven fibers and / or woven fibers and / or fibers of any other orientation, and these fibers may be composed of polymeric materials and / or metals / alloys and / or bio-based materials.

[0073] As used herein, the term "barrier layer" refers to any layer of a composite membrane that has minimal permeability to any particular gas. Typically, barrier layers can be optimized for the desired separation purpose.

[0074] The barrier layer can contain either non-porous or porous materials. A barrier layer containing porous materials can also be called a "porous barrier layer." A barrier layer containing non-porous materials can also be called a "non-porous barrier layer."

[0075] In some embodiments, the barrier layer of the composite membrane may be impermeable to liquids and / or liquid phase substances, and / or may include a specific surface geometry, and / or may be hydrophobic, and / or may be hydrophilic, and / or may be composed of food-grade or evaluated materials for food contact processing applications, and / or may have significant resistance to acidic and alkaline chemicals / substances and / or resistance to UV light transmission.

[0076] As used herein, the term "intermediate layer" refers to any layer of the composite membrane that is not a barrier layer or a reinforcing layer. Typically, the intermediate layer provides substantially negligible resistance to the transport of the desired gas and / or multiple gases through the composite membrane relative to any barrier layer of such a composite membrane.

[0077] The intermediate layer can contain porous or non-porous materials. An intermediate layer containing porous materials can also be called a "porous intermediate layer." An intermediate layer containing non-porous materials can also be called a "non-porous intermediate layer."

[0078] The intermediate layer can provide any one or more suitable functions for the composite membrane, such as reducing concentration polarization to facilitate gas permeation through the composite membrane. Furthermore, it can be optimized to facilitate the fabrication of the composite membrane; for example, to facilitate the deposition of a barrier layer. An intermediate layer that facilitates composite membrane fabrication can prevent deposited / applied barrier layer material from permeating into the pores of any subsequent porous layers, which in turn facilitates the transport of permeate through the composite membrane. In some embodiments, in addition to any of the functions previously mentioned, the composite membrane may include one or more intermediate layers to effectively seal and / or bond any subsequent layers without substantially impeding the permeate permeation relative to any barrier layer of such composite membrane. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer can be optimized to provide additional functions, such as, but not limited to, improving the mechanical properties of the composite membrane, and / or increasing resistance to fouling (preventing biofilm formation), and / or enhancing durability, and / or imparting additional suitable functions (such as, but not limited to, aesthetic factors, and / or UV resistance). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the composite membrane may include an intermediate layer for the purpose of protecting other layers of the composite membrane, such as barrier layers.

[0079] As used herein, the term "selectivity" is a measure of the relative ease with which different permeates or gases can permeate through a material or gas-permeable membrane. The selectivity (α) of a composite membrane can be mathematically expressed as the ratio of the permeability coefficients of the two gases through the composite membrane:

[0080]

[0081] Where P 气体1 and P 气体2 These represent the permeation coefficients of gas 1 and gas 2 through the composite membrane, respectively. Higher selectivity (α) indicates a greater difference in permeability between the two gases, thus affecting faster gas transport performance.

[0082] According to the solubility-diffusivity model, which is commonly used to describe the permeation behavior of gases through membranes, the permeability of a gas through a membrane is the product of its solubility (S) and diffusivity (D) in the membrane material. Solubility refers to the ability of a gas to interact or dissolve in the membrane material, while diffusivity represents the rate at which dissolved gas molecules pass through the membrane.

[0083] The selectivity of the barrier layer can be extended to control gas permeation in a unidirectional and / or bidirectional manner, while modulating the permeation rates of different gases. In some embodiments, the barrier layer can facilitate the non-selective permeation of multiple gases, but at different permeation rates and / or through different enrichment regions within the layer material.

[0084] The "Barrer" is a non-SI unit for gas permeability, named after Richard Barrer. Barrers are commonly used in membrane science and technology to describe the permeability of gas separation membranes and other porous materials. In the context of gas transport membranes, the Barrer is used to express the permeability of a material to gases, and specifically, it quantifies the amount of gas that can permeate through a material of a given thickness and surface area under specific conditions. The permeability coefficient in dense polymers is defined as the molar flux of gas (permeability per unit area) normalized by the film thickness and the difference between upstream and downstream partial pressures. Therefore, the higher the permeability of a given membrane material, the greater the expected gas transport across the membrane.

[0085] Therefore, the Barrell unit is a measure of the rate at which airflow passes through an area of ​​membrane material of a certain thickness under a given pressure. The Barrell is defined as:

[0086]

[0087] When comparing the permeability of different membrane materials, the thickness is usually set to one. Therefore, mathematically, one barre is defined as the permeability of a material with a thickness of one centimeter, which allows for 10... -10 A cubic centimeter of gas at standard temperature and pressure (0 degrees Celsius and 1 atmosphere) passes through one square centimeter of the material per second under a pressure difference of one centimeter of mercury (1 cmHg).

[0088] Similarly, another unit used to characterize gas transport through a material or membrane is the "gas permeation unit" (GPU), and mathematically, one GPU is defined as allowing 10-1 gases to pass through a material or membrane. -6The permeability of a cubic centimeter of gas at standard temperature and pressure (0 degrees Celsius and 1 atmosphere) passing through one square centimeter of the material per second under a pressure difference of one centimeter of mercury (1 cmHg).

[0089]

[0090] Permeability parameters (GPUs) are commonly used in polymer science and engineering to describe the permeability of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen through various polymers. Specifically, they are used in packaging and barrier applications, where barrier properties are crucial for maintaining the quality and shelf life of food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable products. The main difference between GPUs and Barrell units is that permeability, or permeability coefficient, characterized by the Barrell unit, is the inherent permeability property of a gas through a material or membrane. It was an earlier introduced unit, facilitating comparisons of materials used for membrane gas separation. Permeability, on the other hand, characterized by the GPU, is directly related to the material or membrane thickness and is a pressure-normalized steady-state flux. It characterizes the transport of gas through the membrane and has been introduced to compare the suitability of membranes for separating mixed gases.

[0091] Besides barre and GPU, gas permeability can also be expressed in various units, such as, but not limited to, cm. 3 ·cm·cm -2 ·s -1 ·Pa -1 kmol·m·m -2 ·s -1 ·kPa -1 m 3 ·m·m -2 ·s -1 ·kPa -1 and kg·m·m -2 ·s -1 ·kPa -1 However, the Barrell is a more standardized and widely accepted unit in materials science. It should be understood that the Barrell is currently the most common unit of measurement for gas permeability, especially for the permeability of gases through polymers and similar materials, particularly regarding gas-permeable membranes.

[0092] The term "gas permeability" refers to a measurement of the rate at which a particular gas can permeate through a material, typically expressed in units of volume per unit area per unit time. Gas permeability and gas permeability are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Gas permeability is the rate at which a quantity of gas can pass through a material, while gas permeability is a measure of the inherent property of a material to allow gas to pass through. ISO 15105-1 specifies two methods for determining the gas permeability of single-layer plastic films or sheets and multilayer structures under differential pressure. One method uses a pressure sensor, and the other uses a gas chromatograph to measure the amount of gas permeating through the test sample. Other equivalent measurements of gas permeability are known to those skilled in the art and are readily equivalent to the Barrell measurement described herein.

[0093] As used herein, the term “biomass” means any living or dead organism, including any part of the organism (including metabolites and byproducts produced and / or excreted by the organism).

[0094] As used herein, "system" refers to an arrangement of modular components (i.e., "modules") that work together to provide the necessary functionality for operation as a bioreactor. A system may include one or more "units," which are modular components that define the primary locations within the system for biomass growth. A system may include arrays or combinations of multiple "units."

[0095] As used herein, the term “chamber” also refers to “gas chamber” and / or “air chamber”, and these terms are used interchangeably herein.

[0096] As used in this article, the term "slender" refers to a two- or three-dimensional shape whose length along its principal axis is greater than its length along any perpendicular axis.

[0097] As used herein, the term "fluid" refers to a flowable material, typically a liquid and suitably a liquid culture medium, contained within a unit, and therefore within the apparatus of the present invention. As defined above, "fluid" also refers to any gas and / or gas mixture, suitably a gaseous atmosphere contained within a unit, and therefore within the apparatus of the present invention.

[0098] As used in this article, the term "flow rate" refers to the volume of fluid that passes through a cross-section per unit time. Flow rate can be expressed in many units, such as m³ / s. 3 / Hour.

[0099] As used herein, the term "flow velocity" refers to the average speed of a fluid passing through the cross-section of a channel in a specific direction parallel to its motion, averaged over a sufficiently long time period such that changing the length of that time period has a negligible effect on the result. Flow velocity can be expressed in many units, such as m·s. -1 .

[0100] As used herein, the term "flow regime" refers to different flow behaviors. These behaviors are defined as laminar or turbulent. In laminar flow, the fluid travels along non-intersecting streamlines. There is no mixing of the fluid, and all transport across the streamlines is due to diffusion. In turbulent flow, the fluid is in a chaotic state due to eddies, vortices, and countercurrents. There is significant mixing in turbulent flow, and due to the chaotic nature of the fluid, transport is no longer controlled by diffusion. The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless number used to indicate which flow regime the flow is in. The general convention is that laminar flow has a low Reynolds number (Re < 2000), while turbulent flow has a high Reynolds number (Re >= 4000). In the transition region (2000 <= Re < 4000), the flow can be laminar or turbulent, and this can only be determined through physical observation.

[0101] The Reynolds number of a flow can be defined as:

[0102]

[0103] Where Re = Reynolds number, ρ = fluid density (kg / m³) 3 L = characteristic linear dimension (m) (e.g., hydraulic diameter in pipe flow), and μ = fluid dynamic viscosity (Pa‧s).

[0104] As used herein, the term "liquid culture medium" has its common meaning in the art and is a liquid used to culture and containing organisms. A liquid culture medium may contain one or more of the following: fresh water, brackish water, salt water, brine, seawater, wastewater, sewage, nutrients, phosphates, nitrates, vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, macronutrients, metals, biogas slurry, fertilizers, agricultural biomass, nutrient-rich liquids derived from agricultural biomass, microbial growth media, BG11 growth medium, PYGV medium, and organisms. Liquid culture media may also contain carbon sources for the contained organisms; these carbon sources are typically glucose and / or monosaccharide and / or polysaccharide sources. Such suitable carbon sources may include, but are not limited to, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, xylan, polysaccharides, xylose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, glycerol, molasses, or glucose or derivatives thereof. Other suitable carbon source sources may be food waste, biomass waste, agricultural waste, and / or industrial fluid waste. Due to the high density of organisms that may be supported in the apparatus of the present invention, the term liquid culture medium is intended to cover a wide range of viscosities, including compositions that are substantially liquid, gel-like, or semi-solid.

[0105] As used herein, the term "organism" refers to a subject that performs life processes and possesses various characteristics, such as, typically, cellular structure, proliferation (self-reproduction), growth, regulation, metabolism, and repair capabilities. Generally, organisms possess fundamental properties such as heredity controlled by nucleic acids and proliferation involving metabolism controlled by proteins. Organisms can include natural, wild-type, artificially manipulated, genetically modified, hybrid, or other variants or isolates. Organisms suitable for use within the systems of this invention generally include prokaryotes, eukaryotes (e.g., single-celled organisms, such as yeast), and multicellular organisms (e.g., plants, animals, etc.). It should be understood that when used herein, "organism" also refers to and encompasses cells as defined herein, and the methods of this disclosure can be applied to any one or more such cells. In specific embodiments of the invention, the organism is a microorganism, also referred to as a microbiome. The systems and methods of this invention are not intended to cover human embryos or pluripotent stem cells derived from human embryos.

[0106] As used herein, terms relating to the orientation of the apparatus of the present invention are generally used in their usual sense, but are also intended to be appropriately varied according to the particular intent or configuration of the invention. Thus, terms such as upper, top, and above can refer to a direction away from the Earth's center—that is, away from gravity. Similarly, terms such as lower, bottom, and below refer to a direction toward the Earth's center—that is, toward gravity. Likewise, vertical / vertically can be defined as parallel to the direction of gravity toward the Earth's center, and horizontal / horizontally is defined as perpendicular to that force.

[0107] The term "mass transport" refers to the movement of matter from one location to another, driven by a concentration gradient. The phenomenon of mass transport is driven by diffusion, the movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. The rate of mass transport is determined by the concentration gradient, diffusion coefficient, and the physical properties of the system, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of chemicals and other molecules. As used herein, the term "mass transport" in the context of general bioreactors (including photobioreactors) refers to the movement of gases (such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, as well as other gases) and nutrients and metabolites within the culture medium and between the culture medium and the surrounding environment. The term "mass transport" in the context of single membranes or selective and / or non-selective membranes or composite membranes refers to the movement of molecules or particles through their respective membranes and / or barrier layers. Mass transport through composite membranes can be selective, where only certain molecules and particles are allowed to pass through while others are blocked, or it can occur non-selectively, where all molecules and particles are allowed to pass through but at different velocities or mass transport rates. The rate of mass transfer through a membrane is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the membrane material, membrane thickness, membrane porosity (if it is a porous membrane), concentration gradient across the membrane, membrane active surface area, and the physicochemical properties of the transported molecules or particles.

[0108] As used herein, the term "pH" refers to a scale from 0 to 14 used to specify the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. The pH of liquid culture media is a critical parameter that needs to be controlled. It affects the solubility of nutrients, the stability of pigments and other biomolecules, which can influence the quality of the final product. Growth, photosynthetic activity, and other metabolic processes that affect growth rates and biomass productivity require optimal pH conditions. Therefore, maintaining a stable and optimal pH and temperature range is a critical parameter for photobioreactors and bioreactors.

[0109] Similarly, temperature can also affect optimal growth rates, solubility, and other biochemical parameters in culture media, which collectively influence the microbial kinetics that determine the quality and safety of the final product. Temperature plays a crucial role in photobioreactors and bioreactors by influencing microbial growth, metabolism, and photosynthetic efficiency. Each species has an optimal temperature range for achieving maximum growth and productivity, and deviations can lead to reduced biomass yield or heat stress. Temperature can also affect nutrient availability, uptake, and microbial contamination control. Proper temperature management ensures operational efficiency, energy consumption, and desired microbial dominance. Overall, maintaining appropriate temperatures is essential for optimizing microbial performance, biomass yield, and the overall success of the photobioreactor system.

[0110] Specific embodiments of the present invention use gas-permeable membrane bioreactors of the general category described in WO2017 / 093744, WO2018 / 100400, and WO2020 / 225709 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference) for the cultivation of photosynthetic and heterotrophic microorganisms, but are further adapted to provide the application of a wider range of materials for use in constructing bioreactor systems. This approach offers greater versatility in the selection of materials and configurations for constructing bioreactor systems, as well as the use of cheaper or even more advanced materials.

[0111] The configurations defined herein are particularly well-suited for bioreactors consisting of elongated bioreactor units (e.g., based on tubular liquid loops as described in some embodiments herein) because, among other things, maintaining uniform liquid culture conditions along the entire length of the bioreactor can be challenging.

[0112] This elongated reactor configuration allows for substantially uniform control of key parameters of the culture throughout the entire culture volume. In embodiments of the invention where the culture medium contains photosynthetic microorganisms, the gas-permeable composite membrane allows for the uniform addition of gases, such as CO2, throughout the entire volume of the culture medium to provide a carbon source for phototrophic growth. The co-positioning and orientation of the second wall of the bioreactor unit and / or the gas-permeable membrane layer can be appropriately modified to increase or decrease the gas transfer rate between the fluid-containing compartment and the gaseous atmosphere in the adjacent chamber.

[0113] Another benefit of this technology is that gases generated by the activity of the culture can pass through a gas-permeable composite membrane, exit the liquid culture medium, and be uniformly distributed throughout its volume. For example, in embodiments of the invention containing photosynthetic microorganisms, O2 generated during photosynthesis (which is toxic to the culture at high concentrations) can be continuously and uniformly removed from all liquid culture media in the bioreactor unit via the gas-permeable composite membrane.

[0114] The diffusion of gases (such as CO2) across membranes and their dissolution into liquid culture media can lower the pH of the liquid medium. This mechanism for controlling the pH of liquid media is easier and cheaper than existing alternatives that involve spraying and adding buffer solutions. To elaborate, when CO2 dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). + Carbonic acid dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). - ) and hydrogen ions (H +The presence of hydrogen ions causes a decrease in pH, making the liquid culture medium more acidic. Compared to other alternatives such as spraying and adding buffers, this mechanism provides a relatively simple and cost-effective way to control the pH of liquid culture media. Gas diffusion and dissolution occur naturally when the liquid culture medium and the gas phase come into contact with each other through a gas-permeable membrane. No complex equipment or additional processes are required. pH control using gas diffusion is likely more cost-effective than spraying systems that require pumps, blowers, and mixing devices. It eliminates the need for energy-intensive spraying equipment and reduces operating costs associated with maintenance and power consumption. Furthermore, gas diffusion and dissolution allow for continuous pH adjustment based on the concentration of the gas present. As the gas permeates the membrane, the pH of the liquid culture medium can be gradually decreased. This continuous adjustment provides better pH control and stability compared to batch or intermittent methods. Gas diffusion and dissolution are relatively non-destructive to the system. Unlike adding buffers, which can alter the chemical composition of the liquid culture medium, gas diffusion allows for pH control without introducing additional components.

[0115] One benefit of this invention relates to the high energy, operating, and capital costs associated with the injection and compression of gases such as CO2 (or air mixtures) in standard photobioreactors as previously described. This invention partially enables more efficient gas delivery control in liquid culture media, including on a large scale, and provides greater versatility compared to systems requiring injection and compression of feed gases applied directly to the liquid culture medium. It also avoids the operational complexity and additional weight associated with compression and injection techniques. Gases already pressurized to lower pressures than required using other photobioreactor technologies can also be used, without the need for further pressure. Due to the nature of this invention, the natural expansion characteristics of the gas mean that the supplied gas can be readily supplied and expanded to rapidly alter the composition of the entire chamber. This provides a further benefit, as the gas concentration within the chamber can be relatively easily controlled on a large scale, and consequently, the gas concentration in the liquid culture medium can be controlled on the same scale. In some embodiments of this invention, direct injection into the liquid culture medium (e.g., via bubbling) is not necessary for providing the gas required for culture growth and / or agitation and / or pH control.

[0116] The absence of necessary gas bubbling or jetting techniques also means that the nozzles, outlets, and inlets required by such techniques will not come into contact with liquid culture media or organisms, and therefore do not require cleaning. Such features can be difficult to clean and are often areas of microbial growth or debris collection, and may even become sources of contamination themselves by introducing contaminants into the input gas. Therefore, this invention allows for improved sterility and flexibility in process setup and shutdown, as cleaning before and after use can be more effective.

[0117] Furthermore, the nature of the device of the present invention means that cleaning and sterilization processes can be performed effectively and efficiently. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular / elongated configuration of the liquid-containing compartment of the photobioreactor or bioreactor unit (which includes and accommodates a large portion of the liquid culture medium volume within the system) allows for the removal of blind ends, corners, edges, seams, and other cracks by enabling the bioreactor to have a substantially uniform cross-section. Because such features provide areas where unwanted microorganisms and biofilms can adhere, or areas where debris, waste liquid culture medium, or other residues may accumulate and are difficult to clean effectively, the present invention allows for rapid and efficient cleaning.

[0118] Another benefit of this invention is the increased robustness and environmental tolerance of the bioreactor included within the assembly. The second wall of the fluid-containing compartment and the walls of the chamber can be configured to provide physical protection and / or thermal insulation against external factors such as changing environmental or seasonal conditions. This insulation also reduces the energy required to maintain the temperature of the liquid culture medium contained within the bioreactor. Physical protection of the potentially vulnerable gas-permeable layer of the photobioreactor is also provided against factors such as weather, wind, hail, or animal damage. Providing additional barriers also serves to prevent liquid from spilling from the bioreactor into the environment.

[0119] Another benefit of this invention is the increased robustness and environmental tolerance of the photobioreactor included within the unit. The walls of the fluid-containing compartments and / or chambers can be configured to provide physical protection and / or thermal insulation against external factors such as changing environmental or seasonal conditions. This insulation also reduces the energy required to maintain the temperature of the liquid culture medium included in the photobioreactor. Physical protection of the potentially vulnerable membranes of the photobioreactor is also provided against factors such as weather, wind, hail, or animal damage. Providing additional barriers also serves to prevent spillage from the photobioreactor into the environment.

[0120] The present invention can also provide thermal insulation in addition to the device itself. It is conceivable that some embodiments of the invention can be configured for installation on the roof or facade of a building, thereby providing additional thermal insulation benefits to the building on which they are mounted. For this purpose, the surfaces of the chambers in contact with the building can be replaced with or additionally comprised of insulating materials, such as polymer foam, insulating foam, cork, bitumen, fiberglass, or any other highly insulating material and / or coatings and / or composite materials used in buildings.

[0121] Bioreactor System

[0122] In embodiments of the present invention, the bioreactor system is Figure 1aAs shown in the diagram. The bioreactor system 101 includes at least one bioreactor unit 105. The bioreactor unit 105 includes a liquid-containing compartment 102 and a closed-atmosphere chamber 103. The liquid-containing compartment 102 is located near the chamber 103, allowing gas exchange to occur through the composite membrane 104. A gas flow is maintained continuously or intermittently through the chamber 103 via an inlet 110 and an outlet 106. The chamber 103 may be in gas communication with an auxiliary subsystem 121, which may have various functions, including but not limited to optimizing gas circulation through the chamber 103. The liquid-containing compartment 102 may be in liquid communication with an auxiliary subsystem 120 via an inlet line 108 and an outlet line 109, which may have various functions, including but not limited to optimizing the circulation of liquid culture medium through the liquid-containing compartment 102. Bioreactor unit 105 can be used as a photobioreactor unit, in which case some or all of the walls defining chamber 103 and / or compartment 102 for containing liquids can be translucent and / or transparent to certain wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum required for photosynthesis. Illumination 130 can be from the sun or from an artificial light source. If sterilization of bioreactor unit 105 is required during downtime (such as during cleaning cycles), illumination 130 can also provide a UV light source (e.g., UV-C). It should be understood that... Figure 1a The orientation of the bioreactor unit 105 shown is not restrictive, and it is equally suitable that the liquid-containing compartment 102 is located at the bottom of the unit, or other arrangements in which multiple liquid-containing compartments are combined with one or more chambers in series or in parallel.

[0123] In an alternative embodiment of the design, the liquid-containing compartment 102 may be a channel and / or conduit and / or hose and / or pipe and / or tube and / or conduit and / or passage and / or line and / or any substantially elongated form.

[0124] In embodiments of the present invention, for example Figure 1b In the embodiments described herein, the bioreactor system 101 may include a plurality of bioreactor units 105 arranged in series, such that a liquid-containing compartment outlet line 109 and / or chamber outlet 106 from one unit can be used as an inlet line into adjacent units or multiple units. In this way, fluid communication between the liquid-containing compartments 102 and / or chambers 103 of adjacent bioreactors 105 is maintained, allowing a constant flow of liquid culture medium and / or gas to occur within the loop. Atmosphere supply to chamber 103 may originate from the same auxiliary subsystem 121 or be independently controlled by a separate auxiliary subsystem for each bioreactor unit 105 within system 101. In embodiments of the invention, the bioreactor system in Figure 1bAs shown, it consists of multiple bioreactor units connected in series, wherein the atmosphere to chamber 103 is controlled by the same auxiliary subsystem 121. Similarly, in this embodiment, the liquid circulation in the liquid-containing compartments 102 of all bioreactor units is via the same liquid auxiliary subsystem 120.

[0125] In alternative embodiments of the invention, for example Figure 1c In the embodiments described herein, the bioreactor system may include multiple bioreactor units 105 arranged in parallel, such that an inlet line 108 provides a common inlet to the parallel-arranged bioreactor units 105, and one or more outlet lines 109 return to an auxiliary subsystem 120. For each bioreactor unit 105, the atmosphere supply to the chamber 103 may be the same or independently controlled by a common auxiliary subsystem 121 or multiple such auxiliary subsystems, which provide manifold supply via inlet 110 and return outlet 106. In alternative embodiments, each of the parallel-arranged bioreactor units 105 may also be connected in series to additional bioreactor units.

[0126] Figure 2a A side view shows the arrangement of a bioreactor unit 205 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bioreactor unit 205 may be elongated and divided into a liquid-containing compartment 202 and a sealed chamber 203 filled with a gas atmosphere. Figure 2a In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow through chamber 203 is shown in the direction of arrow b, while the liquid culture medium is shown flowing countercurrently through the liquid-containing compartment 202 in the direction of arrow a. In alternative embodiments, it should be understood that co-current and / or countercurrent and co-current mixing of liquid culture medium and gaseous atmosphere is also provided in the same unit 205 (this can occur when the liquid-containing compartment is configured to follow a tortuous path through a single chamber). The liquid-containing compartment 202 is separated from chamber 203 by a membrane or other gas-permeable material membrane 204. A structurally rigid shell 211 provides the remaining walls of chamber 203, thereby defining an atmosphere shell therein. The shell 211 may optionally be composed of a translucent or transparent material. The remaining walls of the liquid-containing compartment 202 are provided by a structurally rigid second wall 207. In other embodiments, the second wall 207 is formed of a flexible or inflatable material. In an embodiment of the present invention in which the bioreactor unit 205 is a photobioreactor unit, natural sunlight or artificial lighting 230 can be provided, and the outer shell 211 can be made of a translucent or transparent material. Figure 2b The arrangement of the bioreactor unit 205 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a side view. Figure 2bIn the illustrated embodiment, the airflow through chamber 203 is shown in the direction of arrow b, and the liquid culture medium is shown flowing in parallel through the liquid-containing compartment 202 in the direction of arrow a. It should be understood that... Figure 2a and Figure 2b The orientation of the bioreactor unit 205 shown is not limiting, and it is equally appropriate for the liquid-containing compartment 202 to be located at the bottom of the unit. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the flow of the atmosphere contained in the chamber can be in any direction relative to the flow direction in the liquid-containing compartment, including but not limited to co-current, counter-current, perpendicular, and angular flow.

[0127] exist Figure 3 The present invention is illustrated in the figure, which includes a bioreactor system 301, the bioreactor system 301 including a bioreactor unit 305, the bioreactor unit 305 including a single elongated liquid-containing compartment 302 and a single adjacent chamber 303. Figure 3 The embodiment shown is a partially exploded representation illustrating one manner of assembling a bioreactor unit 305. A second wall 307 defines a semi-circular channel on which a complementary semi-circular extension of a gas-permeable membrane layer 304 is applied. The wall 307 may be formed of a structurally rigid or flexible material, which presents its final configuration under positive hydraulic pressure applied primarily by or through the contents of the liquid-containing compartment 302 (Figures 5c i and 5c ii). The wall 307 and the membrane layer 304 are bonded along a transverse seam to provide a fluid tight seal in the longitudinal direction and thereby define a liquid conduit 302 therein. The liquid-containing compartment 302 may be laid within a channel in a groove or conduit 311, as indicated by directional arrow C. The groove 311 cooperates with the laid liquid-containing compartment 302 to define adjacent aligned chambers 303 therein. The chamber 303 may be substantially airtight, or at least sufficiently nonporous, such that the atmosphere within the chamber 303 is compositionally controllable in order to facilitate gas exchange through the membrane 304 between the atmosphere within the chamber 303 and the interior of the liquid-containing compartment 302.

[0128] In embodiments where bioreactor unit 305 is used as a photobioreactor unit, one or both of the materials used to manufacture wall 307 and / or trough / chamber wall 311 are translucent or transparent to visible light. When wall 307 is made of a translucent or transparent material, it is optional, but not necessary, for membrane layer 304 to be made of an optically translucent material. Indeed, an advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that light-opaque composite materials or microporous materials are suitable for use in the manufacture of membrane layer 304.

[0129] Figure 4An embodiment of the bioreactor system 401 of the present invention is shown. The bioreactor system 401 includes a bioreactor unit 405 comprising three adjacent fluid compartments 402, each fluid compartment 402 containing a liquid culture medium and microbial cultures and / or organisms grown therein to produce a biomass harvest. Figure 4 In the embodiments described, the microbial cultures and / or organisms include photosynthetic microorganisms and / or macroalgae and / or aquatic plants, and therefore the bioreactor system 401 is a photobioreactor. However, it should be understood that the bioreactor system of the present invention and the illustrated embodiments are not limited thereto if non-photosynthetic organisms are used.

[0130] The liquid-containing compartment 402 is longitudinal and elongated, thereby allowing liquid culture medium to flow through it. The compartment 402 is defined by a rigid and / or flexible second wall 407, which provides attachment points that allow the plurality of compartments 402 to be substantially parallel aligned.

[0131] The composite membrane 404 is in contact with the atmosphere contained within a chamber 403 defined by structural member 411. Member 411 may cooperate with wall 407 to provide structural integrity to unit 405 and to seal and protect the composite membrane 404. Chamber 403 includes a conduit extending in the same direction as all or at least a substantial proportion of the liquid-containing compartment 402. This arrangement allows the gaseous composition of the atmosphere to be controlled, if necessary, by an auxiliary subsystem (not shown), and positioned to contact the composite membrane 404, thereby allowing gas exchange through the composite membrane 404 between the liquid-containing compartment 402 and the atmosphere within chamber 403. Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment demonstrates an exemplary gaseous transport of carbon dioxide and oxygen through the composite membrane layer 404.

[0132] It should be understood that the shape and configuration of walls 404 and 407 can vary depending on the desired performance characteristics of system 401. Therefore, in some embodiments, the channel defined by walls 404 and 407 may be deeper or more enclosed, have a non-circular cross-section (e.g., oval, square, or polygonal), or other shapes.

[0133] An embodiment of the invention is shown in cross-section in FIG5a, which shows that the ratio of the inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment 502, including wall 504, to the inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment including wall 507 can vary.

[0134] In all these embodiments, the bioreactor unit functions in a manner equivalent to that explained in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4. These arrangements illustrate how the position of the liquid-containing compartment relative to the chamber can be varied to maximize the available surface area for gas transport through the composite membrane, either when the chamber atmosphere composition is favorable or in alternatives where maximizing the external exposure of the liquid-containing compartment is required (e.g., to optimize lighting or achieve effective thermal conditioning). Those skilled in the art will understand that the positioning of the liquid-containing compartment relative to the chamber can be varied to present a co-location falling between or on either side of those co-locations depicted in Figures 5a i, 5a ii, and 5a iii.

[0135] The embodiment of the invention shown in cross-section in Figure 5b illustrates an alternative arrangement of the bioreactor unit, in which the second wall (non-membrane layer) is planar (Figure 5b i), curved (Figure 5b ii), or irregular (Figure 5b iii).

[0136] In embodiments of the present invention, compartments 602 can be connected to each other using U-shaped connectors to form a tortuous flow loop, such as... Figure 6a As shown. Alternatively, if compartment 602 is to be operated in parallel, a liquid distribution inlet manifold can be provided, such as Figure 6b As shown. Similarly, the outlet manifold can collect the effluent of the culture medium from the parallel compartment 602. Alternatively, in the case of a series and parallel arrangement of liquid-containing compartments, there is a combination of U-shaped connectors and liquid distribution manifolds. Figure 6c As illustrated, the manifold can be reconfigurable to change the number of liquid-containing compartments to parallel or series during different operating modes. In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second walls of the liquid-containing compartments can be shaped to include bends to facilitate changes in direction, such as U-shapes and / or curves and / or angles. In an alternative embodiment, liquid-containing compartment 602, as part of the same circuit, can contact different chambers, such as... Figure 6d As shown. In some embodiments, different chambers can have their atmospheres optimized differently, for example, they can contain gases of different compositions or be under different pressures.

[0137] The bioreactor units described herein are particularly space-efficient, and units comprising multiple liquid-containing compartments can be arranged in series within a single chamber, with the outlet of one bioreactor flowing into another connected to it, or arranged in parallel, or a combination of these methods. For example, in a particular embodiment, multiple bioreactor units can be arranged in series such that the flow within each bioreactor travels in a direction opposite to and parallel to the preceding bioreactor, causing the liquid culture medium to take a meandering path through several bioreactor units. Where two or more bioreactor units are connected for fluid communication with each other, the connectors or conduits connecting them can be separate components that do not necessarily include any gas-permeable material.

[0138] For a system consisting of a fixed number of liquid-containing compartments with identical cross-sectional areas, arranging the units in parallel may be advantageous because, at a fixed flow rate, the path length of the liquid culture medium is shorter, and therefore the pressure drop across the inlet and outlet of the connected liquid-containing compartments is reduced. Alternatively, increasing the number of bioreactor units in series can reduce the pump capacity required to achieve the necessary flow rates in all units.

[0139] Connectors can also be used to liquid-tightly seal the liquid-containing compartments of individual bioreactor units to other components, including liquid-containing compartments of adjacent bioreactor units, inlets or outlets, manifolds, U-turns, or auxiliary subsystems. Connectors may include valves, typically butterfly valves, pinch valves, solenoid valves, or diaphragm valves, for preventing or allowing fluid to pass through the connector, for example, between one bioreactor and the next. Advantageously, this allows for several points of blockage within a system comprising multiple bioreactor units arranged in series. This allows any hydrostatic stress resulting from a sudden cessation of flow within the system to be shared between adjacent bioreactors and prevents pressure waves from propagating throughout the connected bioreactors. Otherwise, if flow suddenly stops, such as due to pump failure while all bioreactor units remain fluidly connected within the system, the "water hammer" effect could exert excessive stress on certain components. Any measures to mitigate such effects, such as pressure regulators, slow-closing valves, diverters, shock absorbers, dampers, etc., can be suitably used in the system according to the invention. Including valves throughout the liquid system also allows for the isolation of sections from each other when necessary for maintenance. The connector can also provide ports for sensor probes or provide direct connection to in-line sensors to sense key performance parameters of liquid culture media. The connector may also include filters and / or meshes to capture specific particles, beads, wash beads, and / or molecules present in the liquid culture medium.

[0140] Figure 7a and 7bA specific embodiment of the invention is illustrated, in which the liquid-containing compartments of multiple bioreactor units are connected by connector 771. In this embodiment, the multiple bioreactor units are arranged in four rows of bioreactor units (721, 722, 723, 724). Each row of bioreactor units consists of four bioreactor units, and the liquid-containing compartments of each bioreactor unit are connected in series. The four rows of bioreactor units are connected at each end by a manifold. In this embodiment, all bioreactor units share the same chamber 703.

[0141] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the connectors between bioreactors can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for the rapid removal of bioreactor units for repair or replacement during maintenance. This increases the ease of maintenance and reduces the cost of operating the system.

[0142] In specific embodiments of the invention, the connector may include structures formed into or placed on an inner surface that promote turbulence in the liquid culture medium flowing through the bioreactor system. Such structures may include one or more of fins, ribs, baffles, surface textures, protrusions, or rolled edges. Promoting fluid turbulence can be used to facilitate mixing of the liquid culture medium—allowing the organisms within the liquid-containing compartment to circulate and thus more effectively absorb light or nutrients—as well as to disrupt biofilm formation due to sedimentation, improve gas transport across the membrane, and / or improve thermal regulation by removing hot or cold zones.

[0143] It is conceivable that features could be introduced to improve the mixing of liquid culture media as they flow through a bioreactor system or bioreactor unit. In this regard, static mixers could be installed in the system (within a bioreactor unit, or within one or more connectors between units) to increase turbulence in the liquid-containing compartments and facilitate the mixing of liquid culture media and cultures. These mixers are static and designed to mix fluids in motion passing through them. For example, static mixers could include helical structures that disrupt the flow of liquid culture media.

[0144] Improved mixing and turbulence can also be achieved by increasing the Reynolds number of the flow. Increased turbulence leads to eddies and vortices in the flow, which can be transported across the fluid boundary layer, allowing all parts of the liquid to contact the membrane more effectively. This can aid the mass transport mechanism by increasing the tendency of the gas to mix with the composite membrane surface, which can increase the effective surface area available for continuous gas transport and improve the diffusion rate of the gas through the membrane.

[0145] In some embodiments, the flow regime of the liquid culture medium that facilitates gas transport includes a Reynolds number not exceeding about 200,000, about 175,000, about 150,000, about 125,000, about 100,000, about 75,000, suitably not exceeding about 50,000, about 40,000, about 30,000, about 20,000, and generally not exceeding about 10,000. In some embodiments, the Reynolds number may be at least 2,000, at least 4,000, at least 10,000, suitably at least 20,000, at least 30,000, at least 40,000, and optionally at least 50,000.

[0146] In addition to increased gas permeability, increased turbulence in the flow can improve the effectiveness of cleaning processes involving guiding chemicals through liquid-containing compartments. In a larger embodiment of this design, turbulence in one section of the system can be increased by increasing the fluid velocity in that section without increasing the pressure drop between the system's inlet and outlet. To achieve this, a reconfigurable manifold can be used to alter the path of the liquid culture medium, reducing the overall path length of the fluid and the flow velocity in other parts of the system. Both of these reduce the pressure drop across the inlet and outlet. Figure 7a and 7b An embodiment of the invention is shown, in which multiple bioreactor units are arranged in four rows (721, 722, 723, and 724). Figure 7a In this configuration, the manifold is arranged so that all liquid-containing compartments are connected in series, meaning that the flow velocity is the same throughout the system and the path length is as long as possible. Figure 7b In this configuration, lines 722, 723, and 724 are connected in parallel, thus reducing the flow velocity in these lines and decreasing the total distance the fluid travels, thereby lowering the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet. This will allow the flow velocity at the inlet (and in line 721) to increase until... Figure 7b The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the middle span and Figure 7a The pressure difference is the same.

[0147] First wall – a gas-permeable composite membrane

[0148] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the bioreactor unit includes a first wall comprising a composite membrane that allows gas transfer between a liquid-containing compartment and an adjacent chamber comprising an atmosphere of controllable composition.

[0149] In some embodiments, the composite membrane may include any combination of a barrier layer and / or an intermediate layer and / or a reinforcing layer.

[0150] In some embodiments, the number of layers comprising the composite membrane may suitably not exceed about 20 layers, about 15 layers, about 12 layers, about 10 layers, about 9 layers, about 8 layers, about 7 layers, about 6 layers, about 5 layers, about 4 layers, or about 3 layers, and typically not exceed about 2 layers. The number of layers comprising the composite membrane may suitably be at least about 2 layers, at least about 3 layers, at least about 4 layers, at least about 5 layers, at least about 6 layers, at least about 7 layers, at least about 8 layers, at least about 9 layers, at least about 10 layers, or at least about 12 layers, and typically at least about 15 layers.

[0151] In some embodiments, the composite membrane comprises a multilayer structure, wherein at least one layer is a barrier layer that is impermeable to liquids and selectively and / or non-selectively permeable to any one or more gases. In specific embodiments, the composite membrane may exhibit a degree of asymmetry in its structure, such that the arrangement of the layers within the structure allows the membrane to define different physical properties on either side of the membrane. As a non-limiting example, each side of the composite membrane may have discrete properties that enhance the separation of permeated gases and / or hydrophobicity.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the composite membrane consists of at least one porous layer, the single porous layer / multiple porous layers are typically characterized by uniform pores or channels throughout the layer. For example, a composite membrane may include a dense barrier layer, a porous intermediate layer, and a porous reinforcing layer; the pore size of the intermediate layer may range from one to tens of micrometers, and the pore size of the reinforcing layer may range from hundreds of micrometers. In other embodiments, the single porous layer / multiple porous layers in the composite membrane may be characterized by non-uniform pore sizes, which increase or decrease along the permeation direction through the respective layer, resulting in a “shrinkage” effect. As a non-limiting example, the composite membrane may consist of a dense barrier layer, a dense intermediate layer, and a porous reinforcing layer, wherein the pore size may be larger on one side and decrease along the thickness of the reinforcing layer. Furthermore, this pore size gradient can be optimized to enhance mass transport through the composite membrane.

[0153] In the context of gas transport composite membranes, porosity refers to a measure of the empty spaces or voids within the membrane structure or the individual layers of a composite membrane. Porosity represents the ratio of the volume of empty spaces (pores) to the total volume of the membrane and is characterized by the unit "%". Porosity is an important parameter because it affects the permeability and / or selectivity of composite membranes and plays a role in determining the amount of gas that can pass through the composite membrane. Higher porosity generally allows for increased gas permeation because there are more pathways available for gas molecules to move through the membrane. However, excessively high porosity can lead to reduced mechanical strength and structural integrity of the membrane and may also lead to liquid permeation. The porosity of composite membranes can be controlled by a variety of factors, including material selection, manufacturing techniques, and post-processing. Adjusting the porosity of composite membranes can help optimize their performance for specific gas transport and / or separation applications, thereby balancing the need for high permeability with the requirements of sufficient mechanical strength and stability.

[0154] In suitable embodiments, the composite membrane or any individual porous layer thereof may have a porosity that suitably does not exceed about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, and typically does not exceed about 10%. The composite membrane or any individual porous layer thereof may have a porosity that suitably does not exceed about 1%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, and typically at least about 50%.

[0155] In the context of gas transport composite membranes, pore size refers to the average diameter or size of individual pores or openings within the composite structure or individual layers of the composite membrane. Pore size represents the amount of empty space that gas molecules can pass through and is a critical parameter because it directly affects the permeability and / or selectivity of the permeate (gas) passing through the composite membrane. The pore size determines which types of gas molecules can pass through the composite membrane and to what extent. Smaller pore sizes can restrict the passage of larger gas molecules, while larger pore sizes allow a wider range of gas molecules to permeate. The required pore size depends on the specific gas transport and / or separation requirements of the application.

[0156] In suitable embodiments, the composite membrane or any individual porous layer thereof may have an average pore size that suitably does not exceed about 1000µm, about 500µm, about 400µm, about 300µm, about 200µm, about 100µm, about 50µm, about 40µm, about 30µm, about 20µm, about 10µm, about 1µm, about 0.1µm and typically does not exceed about 0.01µm. The composite membrane or any individual porous layer thereof may have an average pore size that is at least about 0.001 µm, at least about 0.01 µm, at least about 0.1 µm, at least about 1 µm, at least about 10 µm, at least about 20 µm, at least about 30 µm, at least about 40 µm, at least about 50 µm, at least about 100 µm, at least about 200 µm, at least about 300 µm, at least about 400 µm, and typically at least about 500 µm.

[0157] In some embodiments, the composite membrane can be designed to selectively transport specific gases through the membrane while blocking other gases based on their molecular size, affinity for the membrane material, and / or any other means. In alternative embodiments, the composite membrane can be designed to non-selectively allow all gases to be transported at variable mass transfer or permeation rates and within various concentration regions of the membrane, depending on the type of gas. Such membranes may consist of at least one barrier layer, which may be composed of a thin, dense material on a top surface, followed by subsequent layers, such as intermediate layers / multiple intermediate layers and reinforcing layers / multiple reinforcing layers below them. Generally, in embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the individual layers and subsequently the overall thickness of the composite membrane can be adjusted and optimized based on desired performance. For example, in a composite membrane comprising a barrier layer, an intermediate layer, and a reinforcing layer; the thickness of the intermediate layer may be about one or two times the pore size of the reinforcing layer to improve mass transfer efficiency. Furthermore, in some embodiments, for a composite membrane consisting of a dense barrier layer, a non-porous intermediate layer, and a porous reinforcing layer, the thickness of the intermediate layer may be similar to or less than the thickness of the barrier layer to improve mass transfer efficiency.

[0158] Typically, the thickness of each layer within a composite membrane plays a significant role in determining the overall membrane performance and gas transport and / or exchange parameters. In terms of selectivity, thinner barrier layers allow for precise control over the permeability and selectivity of the composite membrane. By adjusting the thickness of the barrier layers, the membrane performance can be tailored to specific gas permeation behaviors, achieving higher selectivity with minimal trade-offs in permeability. Conversely, thicker barrier layers can provide higher selectivity but may reduce the gas permeation rate.

[0159] As a whole, gas-permeable composite membranes can have any total thickness, as long as they allow suitable gases to pass through them to allow the bioreactor to function satisfactorily. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, the first wall comprises a composite membrane having a total thickness that suitably does not exceed about 5000 μm, about 4900 μm, about 4000 μm, about 3000 μm, about 2000 μm, about 1500 μm, about 1000 μm, about 800 μm, about 600 μm, about 500 μm, about 400 μm, about 200 μm, about 100 μm, about 50 μm, about 20 μm, and typically does not exceed 10 μm. The first wall includes a composite membrane having a total thickness suitably of at least about 5 µm, at least about 10 µm, at least about 20 µm, at least about 50 µm, at least about 100 µm, at least about 200 µm, at least about 400 µm, at least about 500 µm, at least about 600 µm, at least about 800 µm, at least about 1000 µm, at least about 1500 µm, at least 2000 µm, at least 3000 µm, at least 4000 µm, and typically at least about 4900 µm. In other embodiments, the thickness of the liquid-containing compartment composite membrane layer may vary along its length; for example, when the photobioreactor unit is connected to another unit or object via a connector, the thickness in a portion of the composite membrane closer to the connector may increase and / or decrease compared to the composite membrane farther from the connector. The thickness of the composite membrane can also vary depending on the location of the liquid-containing compartment within the unit. For example, a photobioreactor unit located at a lower vertical position can use a thicker composite membrane layer to provide more protection against swelling under increased hydrostatic pressure.

[0160] Similarly, the thickness of the reinforcing layer in a composite membrane can also affect its mechanical stability and resistance to mechanical stress without impairing mass transfer efficiency. In some embodiments, the first wall includes a composite membrane comprising a reinforcing layer with a thickness that may suitably not exceed about 4900 µm, about 4000 µm, about 3000 µm, about 2500 µm, about 2000 µm, about 1500 µm, about 1200 µm, about 1000 µm, about 800 µm, about 500 µm, about 200 µm, about 100 µm, about 50 µm, and typically not exceed about 20 µm. The first wall comprises a composite membrane including a reinforcing layer with a thickness that can suitably be at least about 10 µm, at least about 20 µm, at least about 50 µm, at least about 100 µm, at least about 200 µm, at least about 500 µm, at least about 1000 µm, at least about 1200 µm, at least about 1500 µm, at least about 2000 µm, at least 2500 µm, at least 3000 µm, and typically at least about 4000 µm. Ultimately, the ideal thickness of the reinforcing layer can be determined based on a careful balance between mechanical strength, the impact on gas transport performance, hydrophobicity, and other specific requirements of the application. As a non-limiting example, a thinner reinforcing layer may be preferred for applications where a stronger membrane may not be required. On the other hand, in some current embodiments, a thicker reinforcing layer may be preferred to provide sufficient mechanical support and structural stability to withstand higher compartment pressures containing liquids, and / or compatibility with the second wall.

[0161] Furthermore, the thickness of the intermediate layer within the composite membrane can also play an important role in providing an optimized concentration distribution for efficient gas transport. In some embodiments, the first wall comprises a composite membrane including a porous intermediate layer with a thickness that may suitably not exceed about 4000 µm, 3000 µm, about 2000 µm, about 1600 µm, about 1400 µm, about 1200 µm, about 1000 µm, about 800 µm, about 500 µm, about 200 µm, about 100 µm, about 50 µm, about 10 µm, about 1 µm, and typically not exceed about 0.1 µm. The first wall includes a composite membrane comprising an intermediate layer with a thickness that may suitably be at least about 0.01 µm, at least about 0.1 µm, at least about 1 µm, at least about 10 µm, at least about 50 µm, at least about 100 µm, at least about 200 µm, at least about 500 µm, at least about 800 µm, at least about 1000 µm, at least 1200 µm, at least 1400 µm, at least 1600 µm, at least 2000 µm, and typically at least about 3000 µm.

[0162] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the composite membrane includes a non-porous interlayer with a thickness that suitably does not exceed about 500 µm, about 400 µm, about 300 µm, about 200 µm, about 150 µm, about 100 µm, about 50 µm, about 30 µm, about 20 µm, about 10 µm, about 1 µm, and typically does not exceed about 0.1 µm. The composite membrane includes a non-porous interlayer with a thickness that suitably is at least about 0.01 µm, at least about 0.1 µm, at least about 1 µm, at least about 10 µm, at least about 20 µm, at least about 30 µm, at least about 50 µm, at least about 100 µm, at least 200 µm, at least 300 µm, and typically at least about 400 µm. The thickness of the non-porous interlayer can vary depending on the specific intended use, desired performance, and material composition in the interlayer. Overall, a non-porous interlayer in gas transport composite membranes is likely essential for the fabrication of the composite membrane (i.e., the barrier layer), reducing internal concentration polarization, optimizing concentration distribution, minimizing pressure drop, preventing leakage, sealing the barrier layer to prevent delamination, and ensuring long-term stability and performance.

[0163] In one embodiment, for optimized permeability of a particular gas, the thickness of the porous intermediate layer within the composite membrane may suitably not exceed about ten times, about five times, or about three times the average pore radius of the reinforcing layer, and typically not exceed about two times. For optimized permeability of a particular gas, the thickness of the porous intermediate layer within the composite membrane may suitably be at least about one time, at least about two times, or at least about three times the average pore radius of the reinforcing layer, and typically at least about five times.

[0164] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first wall includes a composite membrane comprising a barrier layer that can have any thickness, provided it allows for suitable gas transport and acts as a barrier against liquid in a liquid-containing compartment. In specific embodiments, the first wall includes a composite membrane comprising a barrier layer with a thickness that can suitably not exceed about 1000µm, about 800µm, about 500µm, about 300µm, about 200µm, about 100µm, about 50µm, about 40µm, about 30µm, about 20µm, about 10µm, about 8µm, about 5µm, about 2µm, and typically not exceed about 1µm. The first wall includes a composite membrane comprising a barrier layer with a thickness that can suitably be at least about 0.1 µm, about 0.5 µm, at least about 1 µm, at least about 2 µm, at least about 5 µm, at least about 8 µm, at least about 10 µm, at least about 20 µm, at least about 30 µm, at least about 40 µm, at least about 50 µm, at least about 100 µm, at least about 200 µm, at least about 300 µm, at least about 500 µm, and typically at least about 800 µm. The thickness of the barrier layer can vary depending on the specific application, desired performance, and the material composition in the barrier layer.

[0165] The thickness of the non-porous barrier layer can be determined by the intended use of the composite membrane. As an example, composite membranes including a thinner barrier layer can exhibit higher flux (i.e., permeation rate), while a thicker barrier layer can provide better selectivity relative to a particular permeate.

[0166] In terms of mass transfer, composite membranes with thinner barrier layers minimize mass transfer resistance, allowing gas to permeate through the membrane more quickly. Higher gas flux rates can be achieved due to reduced resistance and shorter diffusion paths encountered by gas molecules passing through the barrier layer material, subsequently improving overall mass transfer efficiency. In some embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the barrier layer is tailored to enhance mass transfer efficiency into and out of liquid-containing compartments.

[0167] As used herein, the term "hydrophobicity" refers to a parameter used to describe the degree to which a surface or material repels water. As used herein, the term "contact angle" or "water contact angle" refers to the angle formed between a water droplet and the surface of a material. This angle measures the hydrophobicity of the surface; a high contact angle indicates a hydrophobic surface that repels water, while a low contact angle indicates a hydrophilic surface that attracts water. Furthermore, if the contact angle between a surface and water is greater than 90°, the surface is generally considered hydrophobic, indicating that it repels water and is resistant to wetting.

[0168] In some embodiments of the invention, regarding composite membranes, hydrophobicity also refers to the ability of the membrane surface, as a whole composite membrane and / or individual layers, to resist the passage of water molecules therethrough. In some embodiments of the invention, the gas transport membrane is designed to be highly hydrophobic to prevent the accumulation of liquid phase on the surface of the composite membrane and / or within the composite membrane structure, which could clog pores and reduce the gas permeation rate of the composite membrane. In other words, a hydrophobic surface refers to a material or surface that has a low affinity for water or other liquids, meaning that water molecules tend to bead up and roll off the surface of the membrane. Hydrophobic membranes can also be optimized to prevent the transport of water vapor, which can also interfere with gas transport or lead to unwanted condensation. Hydrophobicity can be achieved by modifying and / or treating the surface of the composite membrane with hydrophobic materials or by selecting materials with inherent hydrophobic properties to form the composite structure. Some examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which are inherently hydrophobic due to their low surface energy and lack of polar groups. In some cases, excessive hydrophobicity can also be detrimental to the performance of composite membranes, as it may prevent other substances, such as gases, from passing through the membrane. Therefore, in embodiments of the invention, the degree of hydrophobicity can be carefully controlled and optimized for the intended use of the composite membrane to prevent biofilm formation and / or accumulation without impeding the mass transport of the desired gas / multi-gas mixture. The contact angle of the hydrophobic composite membrane can vary depending on its surface properties, the measurement methods used, and other factors.

[0169] In some embodiments of the present invention, any layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic. For example, any barrier layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic, the reinforcing layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic, and any intermediate layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic.

[0170] In some embodiments, the contact angle of the surface of the first wall in contact with the liquid culture medium and / or the surface of the first wall in contact with the atmosphere within the chamber may suitably not exceed about 170 degrees, about 160 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 70 degrees, and typically not exceed about 60 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 40 degrees, or about 30 degrees. The contact angle of the surface of the first wall in contact with the liquid culture medium and / or the surface of the first wall in contact with the atmosphere within the chamber may suitably be at least about 0 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 50 degrees, at least about 60 degrees, at least about 70 degrees, at least about 80 degrees, at least about 90 degrees, at least about 100 degrees, at least about 110 degrees, at least about 120 degrees, at least about 130 degrees, at least about 140 degrees, and typically at least about 150 degrees.

[0171] In some embodiments, the contact angle of any surface of the composite film and / or any surface of any of its constituent layers may suitably not exceed about 170 degrees, about 160 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 70 degrees, and typically not exceed about 60 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 40 degrees, or about 30 degrees. The contact angle of any surface of the composite film and / or any surface of any of its constituent layers may suitably be at least about 0 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 50 degrees, at least about 60 degrees, at least about 70 degrees, at least about 80 degrees, at least about 90 degrees, at least about 100 degrees, at least about 110 degrees, at least about 120 degrees, at least about 130 degrees, at least about 140 degrees, and typically at least about 150 degrees.

[0172] In some embodiments of the invention, any layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic. For example, any barrier layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic, the reinforcing layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic, and any intermediate layer of the composite membrane may be hydrophilic. In another embodiment, the composite membrane includes a barrier layer or any layer whose surface or material itself may have hydrophilic properties. In such embodiments, the composite membrane can be designed to enhance interaction with liquid molecules (such as liquid culture media), which can affect the prevention of unwanted biofilm formation and / or accumulation without impairing the mass transfer efficiency of the composite membrane. The degree of hydrophilicity can also be precisely tuned to improve the permeability and / or selectivity and / or durability of the composite membrane, thereby facilitating efficient separation and purification processes.

[0173] At least a portion of the composite membrane is permeable to the transport of gases across the membrane. As used in this context, the phrase "at least a portion" means a region of the composite membrane of sufficient size to allow one or more gases to pass through its outer surface (i.e., the side of the liquid-containing compartment facing the chamber atmosphere). Gases can typically include, but are not limited to, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, and may also include nitrogen, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and / or methane. As used herein, permeability or permeability coefficient refers to the permeability of the least permeable layers of the composite membrane. In embodiments of the invention, the interpretation of permeability for the composite membrane and / or for any individual layer of the composite membrane is defined by Barrell units, appropriately attributed to the layer with the lowest gas permeability.

[0174] A barre can be expressed in SI units as:

[0175]

[0176] In addition, the barre can also be expressed in CGS units as:

[0177]

[0178] Where M is the molecular weight of the permeating gas, in g·mol⁻¹ -1 .

[0179] The references to the permeability or permeability coefficient of the composite membrane herein can also be understood as referring to the permeability of the layer with the lowest gas permeability in the embodiments of the present invention. Permeability is directly related to the concentration gradient of the permeate (such as a gas), the inherent permeability of the material, and the diffusion rate of the permeating gas in the membrane material, including through the individual layers of the composite material and the composite membrane material as a whole.

[0180] The oxygen permeation coefficient through the composite membrane can appropriately not exceed about 2500 barel, about 2000 barel, about 1500 barel, about 1250 barel, about 1000 barel, about 900 barel, about 800 barel, about 700 barel, about 600 barel, about 400 barel, about 300 barel, about 200 barel, and generally not exceed about 100 barel. The oxygen permeation coefficient through the composite membrane can be appropriately at least 50 barre, at least 100 barre, at least 200 barre, at least 300 barre, at least 400 barre, at least 500 barre, at least 600 barre, at least 700 barre, at least 800 barre, at least 900 barre, at least 1000 barre, at least 1250 barre, at least 1500 barre, and typically at least 2000 barre.

[0181] The oxygen permeation coefficient through the composite membrane, in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 8375 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 6700 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 5025 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 4187.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2345 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s-1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1340 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1005 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The oxygen permeability through the composite membrane can be suitably at least 167.5 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1005 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1340 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2345 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m-2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 4187.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 5025 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 6700 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0182] Permeability can be expressed in units of m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 To measure. Depending on specific conditions (such as, but not limited to, the composition and formulation of the barrier layer, temperature, pressure difference, relative humidity, concentration gradient, and the thickness of the barrier layer), the oxygen permeability through the composite membrane can appropriately not exceed about 10. -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s-1 Approximately 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -14 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Depending on the specific conditions, the oxygen permeability through the composite membrane can be at least 10. -15 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Appropriately, at least 10 -14 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least h10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0183] The permeability coefficient of carbon dioxide through the composite membrane can appropriately not exceed approximately 10,000 barel, approximately 7,500 barel, approximately 5,000 barel, approximately 4,500 barel, approximately 4,000 barel, approximately 3,500 barel, approximately 3,000 barel, approximately 2,500 barel, approximately 2,000 barel, approximately 1,500 barel, approximately 1,000 barel, approximately 800 barel, approximately 600 barel, approximately 400 barel, and generally not exceed approximately 200 barel. The permeability coefficient of carbon dioxide through the composite membrane can be appropriately at least 100 barre, at least 200 barre, at least 400 barre, at least 600 barre, at least 800 barre, at least 1000 barre, at least 1500 barre, at least 2000 barre, at least 2500 barre, at least 3000 barre, at least 3500 barre, at least 4000 barre, at least 4500 barre, at least 5000 barre, and typically at least 7500 barre.

[0184] The permeability coefficient of carbon dioxide through the composite membrane, in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 33,500 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 25125 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 15075 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 13400 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 11725 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 10050 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 6700 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 5025 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1340 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The permeability coefficient of carbon dioxide through the composite membrane, expressed in SI units, can appropriately be at least 335 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1340 x 10 -16mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 5025 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 6700 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 10050 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 11725 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 13400 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 15075 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 25125 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0185] Depending on the specific conditions, the permeability of carbon dioxide through the composite membrane can appropriately not exceed approximately 10. -1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Depending on the specific conditions, the permeability of carbon dioxide through the composite membrane can appropriately be at least 10. -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0186] The permeability of water vapor through the composite membrane may suitably not exceed about 40,000 barel, about 30,000 barel, about 20,000 barel, about 10,000 barel, about 5,000 barel, about 1,000 barel, about 500 barel, about 200 barel, and typically not exceed about 100 barel. The permeability of water vapor through the composite membrane may suitably be at least 50 barel, at least 100 barel, at least 200 barel, at least 500 barel, at least 1,000 barel, at least 5,000 barel, at least 10,000 barel, at least 20,000 barel, and typically at least 30,000 barel.

[0187] The permeability coefficient of water vapor through the composite membrane, expressed in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 134,000 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 100500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s-1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 67000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 33500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The water vapor permeability coefficient through the composite membrane, expressed in SI units, can appropriately be at least 167.5 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 16750 x 10 -16mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 33500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 67000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And usually at least 100500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0188] Depending on the conditions, the permeability of water vapor through the membrane can appropriately not exceed approximately 10. -1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of water vapor through the composite membrane can be appropriately at least 10. -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0189] In addition, water vapor permeability can also be expressed in g·m -2 24h -1 Measurements are taken in units of 3200 g·m⁻². In these terms, the suitable water vapor permeability through a composite membrane at a thickness of 20 µm can be approximately 3200 g·m⁻². -2 24h -1 At a thickness of 50µm, it can produce approximately 1200 g·m. -2 24h -1 And at a thickness of 100µm, it can produce approximately 800 g·m⁻¹. -2 24h -1 In the composite films within the embodiments, the barrier layer can have a much lower thickness, even as low as about 1 µm. In such composite films, in g·m -2 24h -1 The calculated water vapor permeability may be much higher than the above.

[0190] When the composite membrane is permeable to sulfur dioxide (SO2), the permeability coefficient of sulfur dioxide may suitably not exceed about 16,000 barel, about 14,000 barel, about 12,000 barel, about 10,000 barel, about 9,000 barel, about 8,000 barel, about 7,000 barel, about 6,000 barel, about 5,000 barel, or about 2,500 barel, and typically not exceed about 1,000 barel. The permeability coefficient of sulfur dioxide may suitably be at least 500 barel, at least 1,000 barel, at least 2,500 barel, at least 5,000 barel, at least 6,000 barel, at least 7,000 barel, at least 8,000 barel, at least 9,000 barel, at least 10,000 barel, or at least 12,000 barel, and typically at least 14,000 barel.

[0191] When the composite membrane is permeable to sulfur dioxide, the sulfur dioxide permeability coefficient, in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 53600 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 46900 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 40200 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 33500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 30150 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 26800 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 23450 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 20100 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The permeability coefficient of sulfur dioxide, expressed in SI units, can appropriately be at least 1675 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 20100 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 23450 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 26800 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 30150 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 33500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 40200 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 46900 x 10-16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0192] When the composite membrane is permeable to sulfur dioxide, and depending on the specific conditions, the permeability of sulfur dioxide can appropriately not exceed approximately 10. -1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Usually no more than about 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of sulfur dioxide can be appropriately at least 10. -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2‧s -1 At least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0193] When the composite membrane is permeable to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the permeability coefficient of hydrogen sulfide may suitably not exceed about 12,000 barel, about 10,000 barel, about 9,000 barel, about 8,000 barel, about 7,000 barel, about 6,000 barel, about 5,000 barel, about 2,500 barel, or about 1,000 barel, and typically not exceed about 500 barel. The permeability coefficient of hydrogen sulfide may suitably be at least 100 barel, at least 500 barel, at least 1,000, at least 2,500, at least 5,000 barel, at least 6,000 barel, at least 7,000 barel, at least 8,000 barel, or at least 9,000 barel, and typically at least 10,000 barel.

[0194] When the composite membrane is permeable to hydrogen sulfide, the permeability coefficient of hydrogen sulfide through the composite membrane, expressed in SI units, can not exceed approximately 40200 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Appropriately not exceeding approximately 33500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 30150 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 26800 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 23450 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 20100 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s-1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The permeability coefficient of hydrogen sulfide through the membrane, expressed in SI units, can be at least 335 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Appropriately, at least 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 16750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 20100 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 23450 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 26800 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 30150 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 33500 x 10-16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0195] When the composite membrane is permeable to hydrogen sulfide, and depending on the specific conditions, the hydrogen sulfide permeability can appropriately not exceed approximately 10. -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of sulfur dioxide can be appropriately at least 10. -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m-2 ‧s -1 .

[0196] When the composite membrane is permeable to molecular hydrogen (H2), the permeability coefficient of molecular hydrogen may suitably not exceed about 1600 barel, about 1400 barel, about 1200 barel, about 1000 barel, about 900 barel, about 800 barel, about 700 barel, about 600 barel, about 500 barel, about 250 barel, about 150 barel, and generally not exceed about 100 barel. The permeability coefficient of molecular hydrogen may suitably be at least 50 barel, at least 100, at least 150, at least 250 barel, at least 500 barel, at least 600 barel, at least 700 barel, at least 800 barel, at least 900 barel, at least 1000 barel, at least 1200 barel, and generally at least 1400 barel.

[0197] When the composite membrane is permeable to molecular hydrogen, the permeability coefficient of molecular hydrogen, in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 5360 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 4690 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 4020 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2345 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1675 x 10-16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 837.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 502.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The permeability coefficient of molecular hydrogen, expressed in SI units, can suitably be at least 167.5 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 502.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 837.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2345 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa-1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 4020 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 4690 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0198] When the composite membrane is permeable to molecular hydrogen, and depending on the specific conditions, the permeability of molecular hydrogen can appropriately not exceed 10. -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of molecular hydrogen can be suitably at least 10. –9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s-1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0199] When the composite membrane is permeable to molecular nitrogen (N2), the permeability coefficient of molecular nitrogen can appropriately not exceed about 1600 barel, about 1400 barel, about 1200 barel, about 1000 barel, about 900 barel, about 800 barel, about 700 barel, about 600 barel, about 500 barel, about 250 barel, about 150 barel, about 100 barel, about 90 barel, about 80 barel, about 70 barel, about 60 barel, about 50 barel, about 30 barel, and generally not exceed about 20 barel. The permeability coefficient of molecular nitrogen may suitably be at least 10 barre, at least 20 barre, at least 30 barre, at least 50 barre, at least 60 barre, at least 70 barre, at least 80 barre, at least 90 barre, at least 100 barre, at least 150 barre, at least 250 barre, at least 500 barre, at least 600 barre, at least 700 barre, at least 800 barre, at least 900 barre, at least 1000 barre, at least 1200 barre, and typically at least 1400 barre.

[0200] When the composite membrane is permeable to molecular nitrogen, the permeability coefficient of molecular nitrogen, expressed in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 5360 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 4690 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 4020 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2345 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 837.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 502.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 301.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 268 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 234.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 201 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1Approximately 167.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 100.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 67 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The permeability coefficient of molecular nitrogen, expressed in SI units, can appropriately be at least 33.5 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 67 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 100.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 167.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 201 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 234.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 268 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 301.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 502.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s-1 ‧Pa -1 At least 837.5 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1675 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2345 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2680 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 4020 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 4690 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0201] When the composite membrane is permeable to molecular nitrogen, and depending on the specific conditions, the permeability of molecular nitrogen can appropriately not exceed approximately 10. -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of molecular nitrogen can be appropriately at least 10. –9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0202] When the composite membrane is permeable to methane (CH4), the permeability coefficient of methane can appropriately not exceed about 3500 barel, about 3000 barel, about 2500 barel, about 2000 barel, about 1800 barel, about 1500 barel, about 1200 barel, about 1000 barel, about 900 barel, about 800 barel, about 600 barel, about 400 barel, about 200 barel, and generally not exceed about 100 barel. The permeability coefficient of methane may suitably be at least 50 barre, at least 100 barre, at least 200 barre, at least 400 barre, at least 600 barre, at least 800 barre, at least 900 barre, at least 1000 barre, at least 1200, at least 1500 barre, at least 1800 barre, at least 2000 barre, at least 2500 barre, and typically at least 3000 barre.

[0203] When the composite membrane is permeable to methane, the methane permeability coefficient, in SI units, can appropriately not exceed approximately 11725 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 10050 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 6700 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 6030 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 5025 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 4020 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3015 x 10 -16mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1340 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically no more than approximately 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 The permeability coefficient of methane, expressed in SI units, can appropriately be at least 167.5 x 10⁻⁶. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 670 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1340 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 2010 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3015 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 4020 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1At least 5025 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 6030 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 6700 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 8375 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least 10050 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0204] When the composite membrane is permeable to methane, and depending on the specific conditions, the methane permeability can appropriately not exceed approximately 10. -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of molecular methane can be appropriately at least 10. -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0205] In some embodiments, the composite membrane may consist of individual porous layers, which can be attributed to a pore structure distribution having any pore size and / or any porosity and / or any kind of pore structure. In such embodiments, the permeability of any gas through a composite membrane in which all its individual layers are porous can suitably not exceed about 100,000,000 barre, 10,000,000 barre, about 9,000,000 barre, about 8,000,000 barre, about 7,000,000 barre, about 6,000,000 barre, about 5,000,000 barre, about 4,000,000 barre, about 3,000,000 barre and 2,000,000 barre, about 1,000,000 barre, about 500,000 barre, about 100,000 barre, about 10,000 barre, about 5,000 barre, about 1,000 barre, and typically not exceed about 100 barre. The permeability of any gas through a composite membrane in which all its individual layers are porous can suitably be at least 10 barre, at least 100 barre, at least 1000 barre, at least 10,000 barre, at least 100,000 barre, at least 500,000 barre, at least 1,000,000 barre, at least 2,000,000 barre, at least 3,000,000 barre, at least 4,000,000 barre, at least 5,000,000 barre, at least 6,000,000 barre, at least 7,000,000 barre, at least 8,000,000 barre, and typically at least 10,000,000 barre.

[0206] In suitable embodiments, the permeability of any gas through a composite membrane in which all its individual layers are porous can suitably not exceed about 335,000,000 x 10⁻⁶ in SI units. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 33,500,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 30,150,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1‧Pa -1 Approximately 26,800,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 23,450,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 20,100,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 16,750,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 13,400,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 6,700,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 3,350,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 1,675,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 335,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 33,500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 Approximately 16,750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And not exceeding approximately 3,350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1The permeability of any gas through a composite membrane in which all its individual layers are porous can suitably be at least 33.5 x 10⁻⁶ in SI units. -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3,350 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 16,750 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 33,500 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 335,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 1,675,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 3,350,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 6,700,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 13,400,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 16,750,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 20,100,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1At least 23,450,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 26,800,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 At least 30,150,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 And typically at least approximately 33,500,000 x 10 -16 mol‧m‧m -2 ‧s -1 ‧Pa -1 .

[0207] In other embodiments, depending on the specific conditions, the permeability of any gas through a composite membrane in which all its individual layers are porous can suitably not exceed 10. 3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Approximately 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually no more than about 10 -7 m3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of any gas through a composite membrane in which all its individual layers are porous can suitably be at least 10. -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 1 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually 10 2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 .

[0208] In some embodiments, it is important that the gas-permeable material of the barrier layer is impermeable to the passage of liquid to prevent leakage of liquid culture medium from the bioreactor to the outside. Loss of liquid culture medium leading to chamber overflow will result in depletion of the liquid volume in the liquid-containing compartment and hinder efficient gas transport from the chamber to the liquid-containing compartment. In some embodiments, any gas-permeable material and / or layer constituting the composite membrane can be porous (including microporous or nanoporous structures) or non-porous. A gas-permeable material is referred to as a porous material if gas particles can migrate by direct movement through a porous structure. In some embodiments, when the gas-permeable material is porous, it is important that it is substantially impermeable to liquid for the reasons described above. A particular advantage of the present invention is that a wider range of gas-permeable membrane materials than previously thought possible can be used, as there is no corresponding requirement that the composite membrane be optically transmissive (i.e., translucent or transparent).

[0209] Any layer of a gas-permeable composite membrane can be a polymer, such as a chemically optimized gas-permeable polymer. Chemically optimized polymers may have advantages over their corresponding unmodified polymers because they may be cheaper, more tear-resistant, stronger, more hydrophobic, superhydrophobic / superhydrophobic, antistatic, easier to manufacture, less brittle, more elastic, more permeable to gases, and selectively permeable to specific gases. Chemical modification of the polymer can be carried out in any manner known to those skilled in the art, such as by modifying the chemical composition of the monomers, the main chain, side chains, end groups, and / or by using different curing agents, crosslinking agents, fillers, vulcanization processes, manufacturing, processing, and / or by using coatings and other methods.

[0210] Polymer chemical modification can improve gas separation and / or permeability, and enhance the overall performance of any single layer within a composite membrane or simply the composite membrane as a whole. Some chemical modifications that can impart chemical properties to polymers for use in gas transport composite membranes may include, but are not limited to:

[0211] 1. Crosslinking: The term "crosslinking" in polymer refers to the formation of chemical bonds between polymer chains, creating a three-dimensional network of interconnected polymer molecules. These bonds can be covalent or ionic and can be formed by various methods, such as chemical reactions, radiation, or physical means such as heat or pressure. Crosslinking can improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the polymer matrix. In specific embodiments of the invention, crosslinking can be used to reduce the mobility of polymer chains in barrier layers or layers with the lowest permeability and to increase the selectivity of desired specific gases.

[0212] 2. Functionalization: The term "functionalization" of a polymer refers to the process of introducing new functional groups or chemical moieties into the polymer backbone. This modification can alter the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the polymer, including its solubility, reactivity, thermal stability, and surface properties. Functionalization can be achieved through various methods, such as grafting, copolymerization, crosslinking, and chemical modification. It can be used to improve the compatibility of polymers with other materials, enhance their adhesion to surfaces, increase their biocompatibility, or introduce new functions for specific applications. In a specific embodiment of the invention, adding functional groups to the polymer structure of the barrier layer or the most impermeable layer can alter its surface properties and enhance its selectivity, thereby improving the permeability of the composite membrane to desired specific gases, such as carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen and / or oxygen.

[0213] 3. Blending: The term "blending" in relation to polymers refers to the process of combining two or more different polymers to produce a new material having properties that combine with those of the individual polymers. In this process, the polymers can be physically mixed together to form a homogeneous blend. In specific embodiments of the invention, blending the polymer material of any layer of the composite membrane with another polymer or a suitable compatible substance can enhance its overall functionality for its intended use. For example, blending the polymer of the barrier layer with substances such as, but not limited to, zeolites and / or zinc-based compounds can improve its selectivity, permeability, and / or resistance to biofilms. Additionally, as an example, blending the polymer of the reinforcing layer with substances such as, but not limited to, another polymer and / or reinforcing agents and / or compatibilizers can improve the overall mechanical strength of the composite membrane and / or its bonding compatibility with the second wall and / or its bonding with it.

[0214] 4. Incorporation of Nanoparticles: In specific embodiments of the invention, certain nanoparticles may be incorporated into the polymer matrix of any layer of the composite film, which may alter its structure and / or composition and / or surface morphology and enhance its overall functionality for its intended use. By way of non-limiting examples, nanoparticles (such as, but not limited to, silica-based and / or graphene oxide-based and / or titanium dioxide-based nanoparticles) may be carefully incorporated into the polymer matrix of the barrier layer to ensure sustainable performance and / or lifespan and / or impart its surface geometry.

[0215] 5. Copolymerization: The term "copolymerization" refers to the process of combining two or more different monomers (structural units of a polymer) to form a single polymer chain. In this process, the monomers can react with each other in different ways, such as alternating, block, or random copolymerization, producing copolymers with unique properties and characteristics. Depending on the properties of the monomers and the reaction conditions, copolymerization can also be achieved through different methods, such as free radical polymerization, anionic polymerization, cationic polymerization, or coordination polymerization. In specific embodiments of the invention, copolymerization of any layer of the composite membrane can introduce different monomers into the polymer structure of each layer and modify its properties, which can improve its overall functionality for its intended use. By way of non-limiting examples, the polymer matrix of the non-porous intermediate layer within the composite membrane can be copolymerized with a fluoropolymer (such as PTFE), which can significantly enhance the mass transfer efficiency across the composite membrane and / or its mass transfer efficiency.

[0216] For composite membranes including porous barrier layers, they can consist of “highly hydrophobic” or “superhydrophobic” coatings, treatments, or surfaces. Such highly hydrophobic surfaces can restrict the passage of liquids such as water or any other liquid or liquid contaminants, while allowing the transport of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. The suitability of porous barrier layer materials as liquid barriers with gas-permeable properties depends on various factors, including but not limited to specific application requirements, required gas permeability, liquid barrier performance, and / or environmental compatibility. The term “highly hydrophobic” refers to a surface treated to take the concept of hydrophobicity to an extreme level, exhibiting extremely high water or liquid repellency. These treatments can produce surfaces with self-cleaning capabilities and effectively repel water droplets. Superhydrophobic coatings, treatments, or surfaces can provide significant water and / or liquid repellency properties to porous surfaces, making them highly suitable for applications utilizing embodiments of the invention, including self-cleaning and / or anti-fouling surfaces. Some common methods for superhydrophobic treatments of porous polymer surfaces include, but are not limited to:

[0217] 1. Surface Roughening: One method to achieve superhydrophobicity is to create a rough surface texture on porous materials. This can involve techniques such as, but not limited to, etching, sandblasting, or electrochemical deposition. Rough surfaces trap cavitation, reducing the contact area with water / liquids and enhancing water and / or liquid repellency.

[0218] 2. Coating with superhydrophobic materials: Superhydrophobic coatings can be applied to porous polymer surfaces to impart high liquid-repellent properties. These coatings are typically composed of, but not limited to, low surface energy materials, such as fluoropolymers or nanoparticles, which produce a rough surface texture. The combination of surface roughness and low surface energy results in superhydrophobic behavior.

[0219] 3. Chemical Modification: Surface chemical modification can be used to give porous materials superhydrophobicity. This can involve functionalizing the surface with specific chemical compounds or altering the surface chemical properties through a reaction. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, introducing perfluorinated groups into the surface can significantly enhance its liquid repellency.

[0220] 4. Hierarchical Structures: Creating hierarchical structures by combining micron- and nano-scale features on porous surfaces can contribute to superhydrophobicity. This can be achieved through techniques such as, but not limited to, photolithography, nanoimprinting, or self-assembly methods. Hierarchical structures enhance surface roughness and air trapping capabilities, resulting in excellent liquid repellency.

[0221] 5. Self-assembly: Self-assembly technology can be used to create superhydrophobic surfaces on porous materials and can involve molecules or nanoparticles spontaneously arranging into ordered structures on the surface. Self-assembled monolayers or nanoparticle coatings can produce superhydrophobicity by altering surface energy and structure.

[0222] In some embodiments, the composite membrane including the porous barrier layer can be composed of a highly hydrophobic surface. Furthermore, increasing the hydrophobicity of the porous barrier layer can improve the liquid ingress pressure of the composite membrane. These can include, but are not limited to, materials such as: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE)-polypropylene (PP) blends, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyimide, cellulose acetate, polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyethersulfone (PES), polysulfone (PSU), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), silicone rubber, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), nylon 6,6 (PA6,6), nylon 6 (PA6), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Chitosan-based polymers, Cellulose-based polymers, Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Polybenzimidazole (PBI), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyoxyethylene (POE), Polysulfide (PS), Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), Polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Polyacrylamide (PAM), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polyphthalamide (PPA), polybenzoxazole (PBO), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyoxyethylene (POE), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde (PVF), polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME), polyvinyl ketone (PVMK), polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), polytriazole (PTA), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybenzimidazole (PBI), graphene-based additives / materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOF), carbon nanotubes.

[0223] In other embodiments, the composite membrane comprising the porous barrier layer may be composed of porous silicon-based materials and / or specific nanoporous silicon and / or porous silicon nanostructures, such as, but not limited to: nanoporous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), nanoporous polyphenylmethylsiloxane (PPMS), nanoporous polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), nanoporous polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS), nanoporous polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), nanoporous polytrifluoropropylmethylsiloxane (PTFPMS), nanoporous polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS), nanoporous polymethylvinylsiloxane (PMVS), nanoporous polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS), nanoporous poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-ethylene oxide) (PDMS-PEO), nanoporous polysiloxane-polyimide block copolymers, nanoporous polysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymers, and / or nanoporous polysiloxane-polyether block copolymers are also contemplated for use.

[0224] In some embodiments, the gas-permeable polymer is characterized by a rigid, twisted, or bent macromolecular backbone that creates multiple microvoids within the material structure. In specific embodiments, the porous barrier layer may comprise an intrinsically microporous polymer (PIM) characterized by a continuous network of interconnected voids with widths ranging from one to tens of nanometers. These voids are typically formed by twisted fused ring sequences interrupted by helical centers.

[0225] In a specific embodiment, increasing the hydrophobicity of any porous layer of the composite membrane can increase the liquid ingress pressure of the composite membrane and / or individual layers of the composite membrane. Liquid ingress pressure refers to the pressure required to force liquid into the pores and through the material.

[0226] In some embodiments, the composite membrane comprising a non-porous or dense barrier layer may contain any suitable gas-permeable material, including but not limited to: poly(ethylene oxide), poly(butylene terephthalate), or poly(ethylene oxide), poly(butylene terephthalate) block copolymer (PEO-PBT), such as 1000PEO40PBT60; silicones, polysiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); fluorosilicones, organosilicones, SiOX modified polymers, vinylmethylsiloxane (VMQ), phenylvinylmethylsiloxane (PVMQ), silica polymers, sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK), amino organosilicones such as, but not limited to, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ-APS), cellulose (including plant-based cellulose and bacterial cellulose), polyimide, polyamide, cellulose acetate (celluloid), nitrocellulose, and cellulose esters. In addition, polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polymethylpentene (PMP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL), thermoplastic starch blends, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polybenzimidazole (PBI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are also mentioned. PEEK), polysulfone (PSU), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyisobutylene (PIB), polyisoprene (PI), polyacrylate (PA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polybutadiene (PB), polychloroprene (CR), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), fluoroelastomer (FKM), hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), poly(1-butene)(PB-1), and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) are also envisioned for use.

[0227] In some embodiments, the non-porous barrier layer within the composite membrane may be composed of a polysiloxane-based material. The polysiloxane can be further optimized through chemical and / or mechanical modifications to enhance the performance of the composite membrane. Such modifications can be used to improve gas selectivity and / or gas permeation rate for desired gases such as carbon dioxide and / or oxygen. Polysiloxanes have been found to be good candidates for gas-permeable membranes due to the Si-O bonds in the polymer structure, which promote higher bond rotation, increase chain mobility, and thus increase permeability levels. Polysiloxane elastomers, such as silicone rubber, are also flexible, UV-resistant, and elastic materials.

[0228] Furthermore, in suitable embodiments, the composite membrane including the non-porous barrier layer may contain polysiloxane, optionally containing optimized polysiloxane. These materials may include, but are not limited to, polysiloxanes, such as polytrifluoropropylmethylsiloxane (PTFPMS), polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS), polymethylvinylsiloxane (PMVS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyphenylmethylsiloxane (PPMS), polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS), polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-ethylene oxide) (PDMS-PEO), polysiloxane-polyimide block copolymers, polysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymers, polysiloxane-polyether block copolymers, polyurethane-siloxane copolymers, polysiloxane-polystyrene copolymers, polysiloxane-acrylic acid copolymers, polysiloxane-epoxy copolymers, polysiloxane-polyamide copolymers, polysiloxane-polyurea copolymers, polysiloxane-polyester copolymers, polysiloxane-polyaniline copolymers, and polysiloxane-polypyrrole copolymers. Copolymers, fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), silicone-polypropylene glycol block copolymers, silicone-polyacrylate block copolymers, amino-functionalized polysiloxanes, carboxyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, hydroxyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, alkoxy-functionalized polysiloxanes, vinyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, phenyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, silanol-terminated polysiloxanes, epoxy-functionalized polysiloxanes, methacrylate-functionalized polysiloxanes, ethyl acrylate-functionalized polysiloxanes, poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-) Poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylphenylsiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylhydrosiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-diphenylsiloxane), polysiloxane-elastomer blends, polysiloxane-thermoplastic blends, silica-reinforced polysiloxanes and / or other polysiloxane elastomers, graphene-based films, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon nanotubes and / or combinations thereof.

[0229] Furthermore, the properties of the polysiloxane elastomers used in certain embodiments of the present invention can be optimized through chemical, mechanical, and process-driven interventions, which involve, but are not limited to, the molar mass (M) of the polymer chains. m The dispersion of the polymer (the dispersion of the ratio of weight-average molar mass to number-average molar mass), the temperature and duration of heat treatment during curing, the ratio of crosslinking agent to polysiloxane elastomer, the chemical composition of the crosslinking agent, and different end groups (such as, but not limited to, methyl, hydroxy, and vinyl-terminated elastomers), which can affect the way the polysiloxane structure with end connections is formed during crosslinking and / or together with the coating.

[0230] In the embodiments, the composite membrane or any layer of the composite membrane comprises a polysiloxane, a suitably optimized polysiloxane, which may optionally be optically transparent, translucent, or opaque, and / or highly resistant to UV radiation without impeding the permeability of the desired gas through the composite membrane.

[0231] In specific embodiments, a non-porous barrier layer within a composite membrane may be more effective at maintaining impermeability to liquids compared to a porous layer. In such embodiments, after prolonged use, where the liquid is under pressure, the continuous structure and / or surface of the non-porous layer provides a robust barrier that is more effective than that of a porous layer in preventing liquid permeation. Furthermore, in other embodiments, in environments where biofilms readily form, a non-porous barrier layer can offer significant advantages regarding biofilms. Moreover, biofilms can develop within the pores of a porous membrane, potentially compromising its integrity and increasing the risk of leakage. In contrast, a non-porous barrier layer does not provide the same foothold for biofilms, thus maintaining its impermeability and ensuring consistent gas permeability.

[0232] In some embodiments, the composite membrane may include an interlayer that may comprise a non-porous and / or porous material to facilitate the permeation of the desired gas. In suitable embodiments, the composite membrane including a porous interlayer may comprise polymers, such as, but not limited to; any polyolefin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polybutene-1 (PB-1), polyisobutylene (PIB); any fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated elastomer (FKM), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP); any polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL); any polyamide, such as nylon 6,6 (PA6,6), nylon 6 (PA6), nylon 11. (PA11); any polyimide (PI), such as thermoplastic PI; any polycarbonate and polyphenylene compound, such as polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene ether (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); any polyurethane, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); any polyether, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG); any polyacrylate, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN); any vinyl polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol (P... VA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl butyral (PVB); any styrene, such as polystyrene (PSy), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS); any cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose acetate (celluloid), nitrocellulose, cellulose esters; any polyether, such as polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI); any elastomer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polychloroprene (CR), hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM);Any other polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyisoprene (PyI), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), polyoxymethylene (POM), and poly(1-butene). (PB-1), polyvinyl alcohol formal (PVF), polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME), polyvinyl ketone (PVMK), polytriazole (PTA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polybenzimidazole (PBI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polyphthalamide (PPA), polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyethylene oxide (POE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride (THV); and combinations thereof.

[0233] In specific embodiments, the composite membrane including a porous interlayer may comprise a thin metal foil, such as, but not limited to, aluminum or stainless steel, which can provide excellent barrier properties, mechanical strength, and resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments. In some embodiments, the porous interlayer may comprise a glass fiber pad, which can provide high chemical resistance, anti-crossflow properties, and can act as an additional or sole reinforcing layer of the membrane. In suitable embodiments, the porous interlayer may comprise a nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers (such as, but not limited to, polyester, rayon, spandex, or acrylic fibers) or natural fibers (such as, but not limited to, cotton, jute, hemp, flax, wool, or silk), which can provide better quality transport management capabilities while maintaining structural integrity. In embodiments, the porous interlayer may comprise any combination of the above materials. For example, a combination of polymers and fabrics, or a combination of polymers and metal foils, can provide enhanced performance and enhanced specific functions.

[0234] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the composite membrane including the non-porous interlayer may contain polysiloxane, optionally an optimized polysiloxane. These materials may include, but are not limited to, polysiloxanes, such as polytrifluoropropylmethylsiloxane (PTFPMS), polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS), polymethylvinylsiloxane (PMVS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyphenylmethylsiloxane (PPMS), polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS), polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-ethylene oxide) (PDMS-PEO), polysiloxane-polyimide block copolymers, polysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymers, polysiloxane-polyether block copolymers, polyurethane-siloxane copolymers, polysiloxane-polystyrene copolymers, polysiloxane-acrylic acid copolymers, polysiloxane-epoxy copolymers, polysiloxane-polyamide copolymers, polysiloxane-polyurea copolymers, polysiloxane-polyester copolymers, and polysiloxane-polyurethane copolymers. Aniline copolymers, polysiloxane-polypyrrole copolymers, fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), silicone-polypropylene glycol block copolymers, silicone-polyacrylate block copolymers, amino-functionalized polysiloxanes, carboxyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, hydroxyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, alkoxy-functionalized polysiloxanes, vinyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, phenyl-functionalized polysiloxanes, silanol-terminated polysiloxanes, epoxy-functionalized polysiloxanes, methacrylate-functionalized polysiloxanes, acrylic acid Ethyl ester-functionalized polysiloxanes, poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-phenylsiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylphenylsiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylhydrosiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane), poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-diphenylsiloxane), polysiloxane-elastomer blends, polysiloxane-thermoplastic blends, silica-reinforced polysiloxanes, and / or other polysiloxane elastomers. In other embodiments, the non-porous interlayer may comprise chemically modified and / or mechanically modified materials, including but not limited to those described above.

[0235] The properties of composite membranes can be tailored by adjusting the composition, thickness, and morphology of their different layers, making them a versatile and effective tool for permeation applications. Due to their composite structure, such membranes are often only partially transparent (e.g., translucent or semi-transparent) and not considered fully transparent, which is why they were not previously considered advantageous for use with photobioreactor systems. However, advances in materials science and engineering have opened up the possibility of developing gas-permeable composite membranes that can be highly translucent and / or near-transparent. In some embodiments, by optimizing the material selection, arrangement, and physical properties of the individual layers of the composite membrane, it is possible to fabricate composite membranes that maintain or further enhance their functional performance while allowing significant light transmission.

[0236] In some embodiments, the composite membrane includes a reinforcing layer (typically porous) that may be composed of polymers such as, but not limited to, those listed below; any polyolefin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polybutene-1 (PB-1), polyisobutylene (PIB); any fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated elastomer (FKM); any polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL); any polyamide, such as nylon 6,6 (PA6,6), nylon 6 (PA6), nylon 11. (PA11); any polyimide (PI), such as thermoplastic PI; any polycarbonate and polyphenylene compound, such as polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene ether (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); any polyurethane, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); any polyether, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG); any polyacrylate, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN); any vinyl polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl butyral (PVB); any styrene, such as polystyrene (PSy), acrylonitrile-butadiene. - Styrene (ABS); any cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose acetate (celluloid), nitrocellulose, cellulose esters; any polyether, such as polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI); any elastomer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polychloroprene (CR), hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM); any other polymer, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyisoprene (PyI), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), polyoxymethylene (POM), poly(1-butene). (PB-1), polyvinyl alcohol formal (PVF), polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME), polyvinyl ketone (PVMK), polytriazole (PTA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polybenzimidazole (PBI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polyphthalamide (PPA), polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyoxyethylene (POE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and their derivatives.

[0237] In specific embodiments, the reinforcing layer of the composite membrane may comprise a porous ceramic material, such as, but not limited to, alumina (Al2O3) or zirconium oxide (ZrO2), which can serve as a reinforcing layer with high temperature resistance, chemical stability, and high mechanical strength. In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer may comprise a metal / alloy mesh or wire mesh made of materials such as, but not limited to, aluminum or stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metals, or a carbon fiber or glass fiber (fabric) pad, which can provide robust support, good gas transport distribution, dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and high mechanical strength. Furthermore, the reinforcing layer may comprise a nonwoven and / or woven-oriented synthetic (artificial) and / or natural fiber or filament pad. In other embodiments, the reinforcing layer may comprise a nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers (such as, but not limited to, polyester, rayon, spandex, or acrylic fibers) or natural fibers (such as, but not limited to, cotton, jute, hemp, flax, wool, or silk). In embodiments, the reinforcing layer may comprise a combination of any of the above materials, which can provide enhanced mechanical properties and specific functions.

[0238] In some embodiments, the composite film can be flexible, meaning it may contain a durable material that can be bent or deformed without breaking or wrinkling. Flexibility determines the ability to withstand deformation under various harsh conditions. For example, some polymers, such as silicone rubber, are highly elastic and can be stretched or compressed without permanent deformation, making them particularly durable.

[0239] Furthermore, in suitable embodiments, the reinforcing layer can provide adaptability in the context of sufficient mechanical properties, material compatibility, and / or ease of fabrication of the liquid-containing compartment. Similarly, the reinforcing layer within the composite membrane can be composed of materials that may include combinations of strength, pore size, porosity, and pore distribution uniformity.

[0240] In some embodiments, the composite membrane and / or the reinforcing layer included within the composite membrane may have a yield strength that suitably does not exceed about 10,000 MPa, about 1,000 MPa, 500 MPa, about 250 MPa, about 200 MPa, about 150 MPa, about 100 MPa, about 50 MPa, about 40 MPa, about 30 MPa, about 20 MPa, about 10 MPa, about 5 MPa, about 4 MPa, about 3 MPa, about 2 MPa, about 1 MPa, about 0.5 MPa, and typically does not exceed about 0.1 MPa. The composite membrane and / or the reinforcing layer included in the composite membrane may have a yield strength that is suitably at least 0.01 MPa, at least 0.1 MPa, at least 0.5 MPa, at least 1 MPa, at least 2 MPa, at least 3 MPa, at least 4 MPa, at least 5 MPa, at least 10 MPa, at least 20 MPa, at least 30 MPa, at least 40 MPa, at least 50 MPa, at least 60 MPa, at least 70 MPa, at least 80 MPa, at least 90 MPa, at least 100 MPa, at least 200 MPa, at least 500 MPa, and typically at least 1000 MPa.

[0241] In specific embodiments, any layer of the composite membrane may contain additives and / or combinations of additives incorporated into various compositions tailored to meet specific antibiofilm requirements. Some of these additives include, but are not limited to, zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ammonium compounds, natural essential oil compounds, chitosan, bismuth subsalicylate, and materials thereof.

[0242] Membranes or composite membranes can be prepared by any method known in the art. Typically, they can be manufactured through a multi-step process, which depends on a specific manufacturing process that can vary depending on the type of gas-transfer or mass-transfer composite membrane, the materials used, and the intended application. Optimization and customization of the manufacturing process are often required to achieve the desired membrane properties and performance. Typically, the composite membrane manufacturing process may involve the following steps:

[0243] 1. Material Selection: Choosing appropriate materials for the barrier layer, reinforcement layer, interlayer, and any additional layers (such as, but not limited to, protective interlayers or coatings) is crucial for the overall stability and performance of the membrane. These materials may possess the required gas or mass transport properties, liquid barrier properties, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility.

[0244] 2. Substrate Preparation: Prepare a substrate or reinforcing layer that provides structural support for the membrane and may also form a base on which additional layers can be coated. This may involve surface cleaning, treatment, or modification to enhance adhesion and compatibility with other layers.

[0245] 3. Layer Deposition: This step involves depositing additional layers (such as, but not limited to, intermediate or barrier layers) onto the prepared substrate. This can be achieved using various techniques, such as casting, solution casting, coating, spin coating, dip coating, deposition, vapor deposition, or electrochemical deposition. Barrier layer materials are typically applied in liquid form and then cured or solidified to form a thin film or dense film, or an ultrathin dense coating.

[0246] 4. Additional Layer Deposition: If necessary, additional layers (such as additional intermediate layers or protective intermediate layers or coatings) can be applied to enhance the performance or function of the membrane. These layers can be deposited using techniques similar to those mentioned in the previous step.

[0247] 5. Layer bonding: If the composite membrane consists of multiple layers, the different layers can be bonded together using appropriate methods such as lamination, hot pressing, or adhesive bonding. This ensures the integrity and stability of the composite structure and / or the individual layers.

[0248] 6. Post-processing: After the layers are assembled, the membrane may undergo post-processing, such as curing, drying, annealing, or surface modification or chemical modification, to improve its properties or to enumerate specific functions, durability or performance.

[0249] 7. Quality Control: The manufactured membranes undergo quality control checks to ensure their dimensional stability, accuracy, gas transport performance, mechanical strength, and other desired properties. This may involve testing the membrane under specific operating conditions to assess its gas permeability, selectivity, and durability.

[0250] In some embodiments, solution coating techniques, such as dip coating, can be used to fabricate composite films having one or more ultrathin layers on any suitable layer, such as a reinforcing layer or intermediate layer. Dip coating involves immersing a suitable layer, acting as a “substrate,” into a polymer solution, uniformly coating the surface. Typically, a selected polymer is diluted into a polymer solution, which is then homogenized in a water-insoluble solvent. When the substrate is removed, a film / layer is formed, and the solvent subsequently evaporates, causing the layer to solidify, thereby forming a thin polymer layer on the substrate. This method is versatile and can be tailored to achieve specific properties by adjusting the polymer concentration in the solution and coating parameters. Post-treatment steps, such as crosslinking or surface modification, can further enhance the mechanical, chemical, and functional properties of the coating, thereby optimizing the composite film for a variety of applications.

[0251] In some embodiments, dip coating can be used to manufacture composite films, including but not limited to ultrathin barrier layer composite films. Dip coating is particularly advantageous for forming ultrathin barrier layers because it can produce a consistent and precise coating with high permeability. In some embodiments, post-treatment methods (such as, but not limited to, crosslinking, annealing, or surface modification) can be applied to the dip coating to further enhance its mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and functional properties, thereby improving the performance and durability of the composite film.

[0252] Furthermore, techniques such as solution casting can be used to fabricate porous or micro / nanoporous barrier membranes and / or any intermediate layers and / or any other layers that enhance the function of the overall composite membrane in its intended use. This technique involves preparing a polymer solution by dissolving the polymer in a suitable solvent and then casting the solution onto a flat substrate (e.g., onto any layer constituting the composite membrane) to form a uniform membrane. When subjected to drying, the solvent evaporates, and the polymer solidifies, resulting in a membrane with a porous structure. The pore size and pore distribution can be finely tuned by adjusting factors such as the concentration of the polymer solution, the casting speed, and the solvent evaporation rate.

[0253] In some embodiments, solution casting methods can be used to manufacture composite membranes, including but not limited to micro / nanoporous barrier layer composite membranes. In some embodiments, post-processing steps (such as thermal annealing, solvent vapor exposure, or surface modification) can be applied to the cast polymer layer to further enhance its mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and functional properties, thereby improving the overall performance of the composite membrane.

[0254] Furthermore, techniques such as "electrospinning" can also be used in specific embodiments to fabricate membranes and / or any individual layer included within a composite membrane. The term electrospinning refers to a general technique capable of producing porous membranes or layers with fine fibers (both nanofiber and microfiber sizes). The process begins by preparing a polymer solution by dissolving the polymer in a suitable solvent compatible with the composite membrane. This solution is then loaded into a syringe connected to a metal needle or spinneret. An electric field is generated by applying a high voltage to the needle. As the voltage increases, droplets of the polymer solution form at the needle tip, eventually elongating into a cone known as a "Taylor cone." Once the electric field strength reaches a critical point, a charged jet of the polymer solution is ejected from the Taylor cone, and the jet undergoes stretching and agitation, resulting in the formation of ultrathin polymer fibers. These fibers are collected on a grounded or oppositely charged collector, forming a nonwoven mat, membrane, or layer. During this process, the solvent in the polymer solution evaporates, causing the fibers to solidify and form a porous structure. The resulting electrospun porous membranes or layers have a high surface area to volume ratio and an interconnected pore structure, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, such as those described in this invention (mass transport, gas transport). Optimization of electrospinning parameters and material selection is often necessary to achieve the morphology, porosity, and performance required for a specific application.

[0255] In some embodiments, post-processing steps (such as crosslinking, annealing, or surface modification) can be applied to the electrospun porous membrane structure to enhance its mechanical and / or chemical and / or functional properties (e.g., hydrophobicity). These additional treatments can further tailor the properties and characteristics of specific individual layers or the entire composite membrane. In certain embodiments, electrospinning can be used to initially fabricate a reinforcing layer (e.g., materials including, but not limited to, PMMA, ETFE, and PSy microporous structures), and subsequently, any intermediate layer can be similarly electrospun onto this already electrospun reinforcing layer (e.g., materials including, but not limited to, PVDF, PTFE, and micro / nanoporous structures). Furthermore, in suitable embodiments, the combined electrospun intermediate and reinforcing layers can be coated and / or cast and / or sprayed and / or treated to deposit one or more suitable materials of the desired thickness to form a barrier layer for the composite membrane.

[0256] In some embodiments, nanocomposites can be used to fabricate any layer of highly gas-permeable membrane materials and / or composite membranes. Nanomaterials and nanostructures mixed with the membrane material can be used to improve the permeability of that membrane material, such as nanoclay-filled siloxanes. It has been found that nanoclays (nanoparticles of layered mineral silicates) provide significant polymer reinforcement, and the gas permeability of the nanocomposites remains high despite the large aspect ratio of the nanolayers. The random orientation of the clay nanolayers within the polymer matrix results in a lack of effective gas-barrier properties, thereby increasing its gas permeability.

[0257] Ordinary cellulose, or plant-based cellulose, or bacterial cellulose, can be used to manufacture any layer of membranes or composite membranes. These materials are inherently hydrophilic, meaning they have a high affinity for water. However, cellulose can be modified to be hydrophobic by introducing hydrophobic groups or coatings onto its surface. Some methods for making cellulose hydrophobic can be as follows. These can include chemical modification, which may involve treating cellulose with hydrophobic agents or functional groups. This can be achieved by using reagents that react with hydroxyl groups on cellulose and introduce hydrophobic substituents. For example, in specific embodiments of the invention, reaction with alkyl halides or silanes can introduce hydrophobic alkyl chains or silane groups onto the cellulose surface and can result in a hydrophobic surface. Another method can be to apply a hydrophobic coating to the surface of cellulose. This can be done by using a water-repellent hydrophobic polymer or coating. In specific embodiments of the invention, the hydrophobic coating can be applied to the cellulose surface using techniques such as dip coating, spray coating, or electrostatic deposition. Alternatively, plasma treatment can be used, which may involve exposing cellulose to a low-pressure plasma environment. This can alter the surface properties of cellulose, including making it more hydrophobic. Plasma treatment can also introduce functional groups or rearrange the surface structure, resulting in increased hydrophobicity. Alternatively, vapor deposition techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), can be used to deposit thin hydrophobic layers on cellulose surfaces. This method allows for precise control over the thickness and composition of the hydrophobic layer.

[0258] In another embodiment, the composite membrane comprises bacterial cellulose. Although bacterial cellulose has the same molecular formula as plant cellulose, it has significantly different macromolecular properties and characteristics. Generally, bacterial cellulose is chemically purer and contains no hemicellulose or lignin. Furthermore, bacterial cellulose can be produced on a variety of substrates and can be grown into almost any shape due to its high moldability during formation. In addition, bacterial cellulose has a more crystalline structure compared to plant cellulose and forms characteristic thin, ribbon-like microfibrils that are significantly smaller than those in plant cellulose, making bacterial cellulose more porous. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many bacterial systems are designed to optimize cellulose production, such as cellulose biosynthesis systems of *Acetobacter* sp., *Azotbacter* sp., *Rhizobium* sp., *Pseudomonas* sp., *Salmonella* sp., and *Alcaligenes* sp., which, for example, can be expressed in *Escherichia coli*. Bacterial cellulose can be treated to create a chemical interface on its surface that allows it to bind to molecules.

[0259] In suitable embodiments, the liquid-containing compartment comprises a tube, pipe, hose, or any other suitable elongated form, including a continuous composite membrane of gas-permeable material fused to a second wall for a certain length. Typically, in some embodiments, such an elongated tube or hose is arranged with substantially uniform cross-sectional orifices over at least a majority of its length, optionally having substantially uniform cross-sectional orifices over its entire length. This cross-sectional profile may be (but not necessarily) circular or annular, or may be elliptical, oval, or rounded polygonal in shape, such as a square or rectangle. Suitably, the cross-section lacks internal blind ends, sharp corners, edges, and other cracks. In other words, in some embodiments, for at least a majority of the length of the bioreactor unit, the internal profile of the orifices of the liquid-containing compartment is substantially uniform, with substantially smooth surfaces. The interface between the bioreactor unit and the connector may include some small cracks and gaps without compromising the overall uniformity of the liquid-containing compartment in the bioreactor system. End reinforcements can be used to enhance the end portions of liquid-containing compartments by attaching thicker walls or stronger materials, particularly in areas where the composite membrane layer contacts the connector for connection to adjacent inlet / outlet lines or other bioreactor units. Similar reinforcements can be applied along the underside of the composite membrane layer if desired. This reinforcement can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as by attaching a thicker layer of the same composite membrane material (e.g., using adhesive methods), or by attaching stronger and / or thicker materials (e.g., flexible inelastic polymers or thicker meshes), or by using more layers of thermosetting silicone tape, or by using more layers of self-curing (or UV-curing) silicone to create a thicker layer, or by adding sheets and / or membranes of microporous material to the outside of the composite membrane layer (i.e., the side communicating with the atmosphere of the chamber).

[0260] In some embodiments, the first and second walls may be joined or bonded to form a liquid-containing compartment. In the areas where the walls are joined, and in specific sections of the first wall (i.e., the composite membrane), the individual layers of the composite membrane may be fused to seal the pores of any porous layers of the composite material (e.g., intermediate and / or barrier layers). This process is performed to prevent any loss of liquid from the liquid-containing compartment through the porous layers of the composite material, ensuring a completely liquid-tight seal. In suitable embodiments, the process may also strengthen the bonds between the individual layers of the composite material, thereby reinforcing these areas and reducing the likelihood of delamination over time. This fusion may be achieved by applying an adhesive and / or by heat treatment and / or pressure treatment.

[0261] The first wall and the second wall, i.e., the composite membrane layer and the second wall, can be bonded and / or joined by any of the following methods, but not limited to:

[0262] 1. Adhesion: In embodiments of the invention, the first and second walls can be bonded together using an adhesive that is food-grade or at least biocompatible. Similarly, such adhesive interfaces can also exist at the interface between the first and second walls in the form of adhesive tape or double-sided adhesive tape. In some embodiments of the invention, pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes can be used between the first and second walls. A PSA is a tape with an adhesive coating on one side that allows it to adhere to a membrane or surface or material when pressure is applied. These tapes can provide a simple and effective method for bonding membranes because they can be easily applied and removed without leaving residue or requiring additional curing time. Furthermore, after application, the interface can be cured using thermosetting techniques, or it can self-cure at room temperature, or it can self-cure at a specific temperature, or it can be cured after irradiation with UV light (light containing ultraviolet wavelengths) or other suitable wavelengths, or it can be cured using heat or pressure alone. In some embodiments of the invention, epoxy resins, either single-component or two-component, can be used between the first and second walls. Furthermore, epoxy resins can be customized to cure at different rates and under various conditions, allowing flexibility in the manufacturing and application process. As used herein, the term "adhesive interface" or "glue interface" also includes the use of a non-crystalline (non-vulcanized) polymer capable of bonding two walls by hot or wet pressing. As used herein, the related terms "glue interface," "adhesive," and "adhesive interface" are synonymous and are used interchangeably.

[0263] 2. Hot Pressing: In this embodiment, the terms "heat pressing," "hot press," "heat welding," or "heat sealing" refer to the process of bonding two materials (i.e., a first wall and a second wall) by applying heat, pressure, and temperature. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with suitable hot pressing techniques for this application. The precise temperature, pressure, surface preparation method, duration of heat application (time), and subsequent cooling and curing required to bond portions of the first and second walls together will depend on the specific materials contained in the two components.

[0264] 3. Mechanical Engagement: In specific embodiments, the first and second walls can be mechanically clamped and / or pressed together using specific devices such as, but not limited to, clamps, clips, rails, crimping elements, or frames. Such methods apply pressure to securely hold the walls in place, creating a temporary or permanent joint depending on the configuration. Furthermore, the walls can be designed with interlocking mechanisms, such as hooks, rings, or tabs, which allow them to be mechanically engaged together. Those skilled in the art will recognize such interlocking features, which can provide a secure, cost-effective connection and may include attributes such as, but not limited to, closures, fasteners, or attachment points. In some embodiments, attachment points can be applied manually or using specialized tools or equipment that provide a secure and / or reversible method of engaging or sealing the walls, allowing for easy disassembly when needed or if required. Additionally, gaskets, typically made of elastomeric materials such as rubber or silicone, can be used to provide a compressible and flexible sealing interface between the two walls. In the context of mechanical clamping, gaskets can be used to create a tight seal and hold the seal in place. In specific embodiments, the gasket material can be selected based on its compatibility with the first and second walls and the specific application of the invention. The gasket can be flexible enough to accommodate irregularities in the two wall surfaces and provide a reliable seal, while also possessing sufficient strength and resilience to maintain the clamping force. In specific embodiments of the invention, the clamping or securing device can be integrated into one or more walls of the chamber. In these embodiments, the chamber can provide a surface or support on which a liquid-containing compartment is secured, and the first wall of the liquid-containing compartment can be sealed to the second wall and the liquid-containing compartment can be sealed to the chamber in the same engagement assembly.

[0265] 4. Ultrasonic Welding (USW): The term "ultrasonic welding" refers to a process or technique used to join two walls (in this example) together using high-frequency vibrations. Ultrasonic welding offers several advantages for joining polymer materials, films, surfaces, or porous membranes, enabling rapid welding speeds, precise control over the welding process and geometry, and the ability to produce strong and consistent adhesion. It is a non-contact method that does not require the use of adhesives or additional materials, resulting in clean and visually appealing welds. However, the suitability of ultrasonic welding depends on the specific polymers or materials contained within the two walls, and their compatibility with process parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and pressure. Several parameters play a crucial role in the ultrasonic welding process and influence the welding results. Proper parameter selection and control ensure consistent and reliable welds in the ultrasonic welding process. Some important parameters are described below:

[0266] ● Frequency: The term "frequency" refers to the number of vibrations per second and is typically in the range of 20 to 70 kHz. Higher frequencies can provide finer vibrations, resulting in better precision and smaller weld dimensions between the two walls. However, higher frequencies may require lower amplitudes and may be more sensitive to variations in material thickness.

[0267] ●Amplitude: The term "amplitude" refers to the maximum displacement of the vibrating tool or ultrasonic generator. It directly affects the energy transmitted to the first and second walls during welding. Higher amplitudes generally result in stronger welds, but excessive amplitudes can lead to material damage or inconsistent welds. The amplitude can be selected based on material properties and the required weld strength between the two walls.

[0268] ● Pressure: In ultrasonic welding, the term "pressure" refers to the force applied between materials or two walls during welding. It ensures proper contact and promotes molecular interdiffusion for effective adhesion. Optimal pressure depends on the material type, thickness, and surface condition; insufficient pressure may result in weak or incomplete welds, while excessive pressure may cause material deformation or damage.

[0269] ● Welding Time: The term "welding time" refers to the duration for which vibration and pressure are applied to create adhesion between two walls. It depends on factors such as material type, thickness, and desired weld strength. Welding time can be determined based on having a sufficient window for appropriate energy transfer, melting, and adhesion to the material surfaces. Too short a welding time may result in a weak weld, while a welding time longer than necessary may lead to overheating and degradation of the material as a whole, encompassing both walls or each respective wall.

[0270] ● Tool design and contact area: The shape and design of the ultrasonic generator, actuator, or vibrating tool that applies vibration to the corresponding wall affect the distribution of energy and pressure during welding. The contact area between the tool and the material should be optimized to achieve efficient energy transfer and uniform adhesion.

[0271] ● Cooling and curing: Once the desired bond is formed between the two walls, maintain a certain pressure value for a short period of time to allow the bonded interface to cool and cure.

[0272] ● Material Properties: The material properties of the two walls, including melting temperature, thermal conductivity, and viscoelastic behavior, affect the ultrasonic welding process. Different or dissimilar materials require different process parameters to achieve optimal weld strength and quality.

[0273] It is important to take these parameters into account and optimize them for each specific application and material combination within the embodiments of the present invention.

[0274] 5. Unconventional Welding Techniques: In some embodiments of the invention, other unconventional welding methods, such as, but not limited to, “radio frequency welding” and “solvent welding,” can be used to bond the first and second walls. “Radio frequency (RF) welding,” also known as “high-frequency welding” or “dielectric welding,” refers to a process that uses electromagnetic energy to join or bond thermoplastic materials. It involves generating a high-frequency electric field between two electrodes, causing polar molecules in the thermoplastic material to oscillate rapidly and generate heat. This heat softens and melts the contact surfaces, then presses the contact surfaces together to form a strong bond. The materials cool and solidify, resulting in a durable and consistent bond. In some embodiments of the invention, RF welding can provide fast cycle times, strong bonds, and is suitable for joining large or irregularly shaped parts or surfaces or walls. Specific equipment and parameters can vary based on the materials contained within the two walls and the desired bond strength. Additionally, “solvent welding (SW)” refers to a process or technique used to join thermoplastic materials by applying a chemical solvent to soften the surfaces, allowing them to fuse together. This process involves surface preparation, selection of a compatible solvent, application of the solvent to the surface, alignment and pressure application to the softened parts, and allowing the solvent to evaporate and the joint to cure. Solvent welding can form strong and seamless bonds in materials such as acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. Factors such as solvent selection, surface preparation, and appropriate assembly techniques contribute to the success of solvent welding between two walls in a particular embodiment. When using solvents, aspects such as a clean workspace, safety precautions, and proper ventilation are also important.

[0275] Making dissimilar polymers compatible for use in adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic welding and / or other described bonding techniques can be challenging because these processes may require or rely on molecular interdiffusion and chain entanglement between the polymer materials contained within the two walls. However, several strategies exist to help improve compatibility and enhance adhesion between dissimilar polymers. Essentially, in some embodiments, material compatibility for bonding between the two walls can be achieved by selecting chemically similar or microstructurally similar (i.e., crystalline, semi-crystalline, or amorphous) polymers or materials. For example, in some embodiments, the first wall may comprise acrylic / polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and the second wall (i.e., the composite film and / or any individual layer of the composite film) may comprise similar PMMA or microstructurally similar acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and / or polystyrene (PSy), making the tendency to form a strong adhesive interface high. In some embodiments, the first and second walls, or any suitable compatible constituent layers thereof, may be subjected to additional treatment with certain materials that increase their adhesive strength during adhesive bonding. Such methods may include flame treatment or plasma treatment or surface polishing. In some embodiments, other techniques may be used, including copolymerization or the production of homogeneous polymer blends / copolymers that combine dissimilar polymers and improve compatibility and adhesion. Furthermore, specific compatibilizers that can improve the compatibility of dissimilar polymers may also be used as additives. Compatibilizers work by reducing interfacial tension and promoting molecular interactions between polymers, and they may be added to one or more walls prior to the bonding process. In some embodiments, surface treatment or preparation of the surfaces of the two walls may be crucial for promoting adhesion. Surface treatments (such as plasma treatment or corona treatment) can increase surface energy and enhance wettability between the two walls, thereby allowing for better intermolecular interactions. In specific embodiments, in the case of ultrasonic welding, process optimization or adjustment of welding parameters (such as amplitude, pressure, and welding time) can help optimize adhesion between the two walls. Fine-tuning these parameters based on the specific material combination can enhance intermolecular interactions and improve weld quality. Additionally, in some embodiments, applying a thin interfacial layer or adhesive layer to one or more walls can improve compatibility and adhesion. The interfacial layer can be carefully selected to ensure good adhesion to both walls and act as a “bridge” between them. For example, the composite membrane can be coated with an additional adhesive layer to make it more compatible with the second wall.

[0276] More specifically, if the first wall comprises a composite film layer of polysiloxane, it can be bonded to the second wall using a silicone adhesive, which can be in liquid form, viscous liquid gel form, layer form, tape form, and / or can include all types of silicone adhesives that can be cured at or above 22°C, or can be cured by pressure, or can be cured after being irradiated by UV light (including ultraviolet wavelengths) or other suitable light wavelengths.

[0277] In an alternative embodiment, the silicone adhesive interface between the first wall and the second wall may consist of a thin layer of uncured polysiloxane and / or dimethyl polysiloxane (PDMS), which may be mixed with its crosslinking agent and rapidly applied to the intended bonding area on the wall, and then pressed and heated to cure, thereby bonding the composite film layer to the second wall.

[0278] Composite membranes can include various combinations of layers, depending on factors such as desired permeability, permeability, mechanical strength, biofilm resistance, chemical resistance, durability, and other parameters or properties. Specific embodiments of the invention may include composite membranes comprising combinations of layers, which may include, but are not limited to:

[0279] 1. Porous barrier layer + porous reinforcement layer: In this embodiment of the invention, the porous barrier layer can act as an impermeable layer for the liquid phase to achieve certain hydraulic pressure and / or other related functions. The porous reinforcement layer can substantially provide the mechanical strength of the composite membrane, and / or bonding compatibility with the second wall, and / or other related functions.

[0280] 2. Non-porous barrier layer I + non-porous barrier layer II + porous intermediate layer + porous reinforcing layer: In this embodiment of the invention, non-porous barrier layer I can serve as an impermeable layer for the liquid phase, and / or a selective layer optimized to block unwanted gases, and / or a selective layer optimized to increase the permeability of desired gases, and / or other related functions. Non-porous barrier layer II can serve as a selective layer, and / or reduce the concentration gradient across the composite membrane, and / or other related functions. The porous intermediate layer can facilitate the fabrication of the barrier layer by serving as a suitable substrate and / or other related functions. The porous reinforcing layer can substantially provide the mechanical strength of the composite membrane, and / or bonding compatibility with the second wall, and / or other related functions.

[0281] 3. Non-porous barrier layer + porous intermediate layer + porous reinforcing layer: In this embodiment of the invention, the non-porous barrier layer can serve as an impermeable layer for the liquid phase, and / or a selective layer optimized to block undesirable gases, and / or a selective layer optimized to increase the permeability of desired gases, and / or other related functions. The porous intermediate layer can facilitate the transport of desired gases through the composite membrane, and / or facilitate the fabrication of the barrier layer by acting as a suitable substrate, and / or protect other layers of the composite membrane by absorbing UV radiation, and / or other related functions. The porous reinforcing layer can substantially provide the mechanical strength of the composite membrane, and / or bonding compatibility with the second wall, and / or other related functions.

[0282] 4. Non-porous barrier layer + porous reinforcement layer: In this embodiment of the invention, the non-porous barrier layer can serve as an impermeable layer for the liquid phase and / or a hydrophobic layer. The porous reinforcement layer can substantially provide the mechanical strength of the composite membrane, and / or bonding compatibility with the second wall, and / or other related functions.

[0283] 5. Porous Intermediate Layer I + Non-porous Barrier Layer + Porous Intermediate Layer II + Porous Reinforcing Layer: In this embodiment, the porous intermediate layer I can serve as a protective layer. The non-porous barrier layer can act as an impermeable layer for the liquid phase, and / or a selective layer optimized to block undesirable gases, and / or a selective layer optimized to increase the permeability of desired gases, and / or other related functions. The porous intermediate layer II can facilitate the fabrication of the barrier layer by acting as a suitable substrate. The porous reinforcing layer can substantially provide the mechanical strength of the composite membrane, and / or bonding compatibility with the second wall, and / or other related functions.

[0284] Composite membranes can offer numerous advantages over single-layer gas-permeable membranes designed for the same purpose. These advantages may include, but are not limited to, higher permeability, favorable mechanical properties, lower elasticity, reduced material usage, and easier handling.

[0285] In some embodiments, the composite membrane may include a barrier layer that is significantly thinner than an equivalent monolayer gas-permeable membrane that requires a certain thickness to be suitable for the same applications as the composite membrane. In such embodiments, the significant reduction in the thickness of the barrier layer in the composite membrane thus minimizes the length of the diffusion path, allowing gas to permeate more quickly and enhancing its permeability compared to an equivalent monolayer gas-permeable membrane.

[0286] In some embodiments, the composite membrane may include a reinforcing layer having advantageous mechanical properties superior to those of a single-layer gas-permeable membrane, such as, but not limited to, higher strength and / or lower elasticity. In specific embodiments, the desired gas permeability may be defined solely by the minimum permeable layer of the composite membrane (such as a barrier layer), allowing the materials and construction of other layers (such as reinforcing layers) to be optimized for their mechanical properties. In such embodiments, the reinforcing layer may include a robust material and may include additional reinforcements to further enhance its mechanical strength. Furthermore, in these embodiments, as long as the reinforcing layer remains substantially porous, it can have a negligible effect on the overall gas permeability of the composite membrane. In contrast, the mechanical properties of a single-layer gas-permeable membrane are entirely defined by its single layer. Single-layer gas-permeable membranes typically require additional separate support layers and / or components and / or structures to withstand the required hydraulic pressure.

[0287] In suitable embodiments, the liquid-containing compartment may comprise a composite membrane with low elasticity. This is advantageous because it minimizes the deformation or expansion of the liquid-containing compartment under hydraulic pressure, thereby reducing its volume change. Additionally, a composite membrane with high mechanical strength will increase the liquid-containing compartment's ability to withstand higher internal hydraulic pressure. Therefore, composite membranes can possess superior mechanical properties and higher permeability compared to single-layer gas-permeable membranes.

[0288] In some embodiments, the composite membrane may include a suitable reinforcing layer and / or any layer that can protect the barrier layer without impeding the permeability of the composite membrane, so as to facilitate handling during the manufacture of the liquid-containing compartment. This allows for safer handling of the composite membrane, thereby reducing the risk of any damage that might occur in the absence of the composite membrane. In contrast, a typical monolayer gas-permeable membrane may comprise a soft, homogeneous, unreinforced, rubber-like material, which can be very difficult to handle and easily damaged.

[0289] Second Wall

[0290] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a bioreactor unit includes a liquid-containing compartment assembled using a first wall comprising a composite membrane and a second wall providing one or more functions. The second wall provides light transmission into the liquid-containing compartment and, optionally, also provides structural integrity.

[0291] In one embodiment, the second wall can be constructed of a rigid material with the necessary strength to withstand loads and ensure the structural integrity of both the bioreactor unit and the liquid-containing compartment. This choice of material guarantees the stability and robustness of the bioreactor system. Alternatively, the second wall can be made of a flexible material capable of withstanding hydraulic loads generated by flow within the liquid-containing compartment. This flexibility allows the second wall to adapt to and regulate pressure changes within the bioreactor unit without compromising the overall integrity of the bioreactor system.

[0292] In the case of a photobioreactor, where the unit incorporates light for the photosynthetic process, the second wall can comprise an optically translucent and / or translucent and / or substantially transparent material. This choice allows light to be efficiently transmitted into the liquid-containing compartment, thereby promoting optimal growth conditions for the organisms or processes therein. In some embodiments, the only barrier to light entering the liquid culture medium is the second wall, significantly increasing the amount of light that can reach the liquid culture medium compared to some alternatives known in the art. In specific embodiments, the second wall typically comprises a material that is impermeable to liquid ingress and resistant to oxidation, particularly when exposed to substances present in the liquid culture medium and cleaning fluid. This ensures the durability and lifespan of the bioreactor unit.

[0293] In general, the choice of materials for the second wall depends on the specific requirements of the bioreactor unit, including structural integrity, light transmission, gas transport, manufacturability, impermeability or relatively low permeability compared to the membrane wall, and oxidation resistance. Selecting appropriate materials plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of the bioreactor system.

[0294] In suitable embodiments, the second wall of the bioreactor unit may be composed of a lightweight, rigid structural material, such as, but not limited to:

[0295] ● Metals and metal alloys, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, copper and their alloys;

[0296] ● Glass, including but not limited to soda glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, borosilicate glass, hardened glass or glass polymer composites;

[0297] ●Commercial or engineered polymers, including but not limited to acrylics (such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)), polyethylene (e.g., HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PSy), nylon (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), epoxy resins and urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins, and blends of the above materials;

[0298] ● Fiber-reinforced composites (FRPs), including but not limited to carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs), aramid fiber reinforced polymers (AFRPs) (such as Kevlar®), which can be combined with a polymer matrix (such as epoxy resin) to form AFRP composites, or ceramic fiber (Cr-FRP) reinforced composites and combinations thereof;

[0299] ● Wood and natural fiber-based materials, including marine linings and wood / plant fiber reinforcements (such as MhyDF) and polymers. Natural fibers, such as, but not limited to, jute, hemp, bamboo, or flax, can be combined with a variety of polymer matrices to produce sustainable and environmentally friendly composites. Similarly, natural fibers, such as cellulose or sisal, can be incorporated into cement matrices to produce natural fiber cement composites.

[0300] In suitable embodiments, the second wall of the bioreactor unit may be composed of a lightweight, flexible material, such as, but not limited to:

[0301] ● Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film is transparent and flexible, and offers good durability and chemical resistance;

[0302] ● Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is known for its excellent barrier properties and transparency;

[0303] ● Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) offers good weather resistance, UV resistance and thermal stability;

[0304] ● Polyimide (PI) films offer excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and superior mechanical properties, combined with high transparency and flexibility;

[0305] ● Polycarbonate (PC), PC film is transparent, lightweight, and provides high impact resistance;

[0306] ● Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): PMMA films offer excellent optical transparency, and sections can be easily thermoformed into various semi-rigid shapes.

[0307] ● Polyethylene (PE), such as but not limited to high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), can exhibit excellent transparency and flexibility.

[0308] ● Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). Fluoropolymers such as ETFE, PTFE, and FEP are known for their unique properties and have a wide range of applications. ETFE films are particularly valued for their heat resistance, optical transparency, and strength, while PTFE and FEP films are known for their chemical resistance and low-friction properties.

[0309] ● Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) offers good optical transparency, high tensile strength, and excellent dimensional stability;

[0310] ● Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) films offer high transparency, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. They provide excellent performance in applications requiring superior gas and moisture barrier properties;

[0311] ●Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines flexibility, transparency, and durability;

[0312] ● Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which provides good flexibility, transparency and impact resistance;

[0313] ● Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance material with good transparency and mechanical properties;

[0314] ● Nanocellulose, or cellulose materials derived from wood pulp, plant fibers, or bacteria, can be transparent and flexible. Furthermore, these films are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

[0315] ●Silicone rubber elastomer;

[0316] ● Any one or a combination of the above materials, comprising additives or combinations of additives incorporated into various compositions tailored to meet specific anti-biofilm requirements without affecting visible light transmittance. Some of these additives include, but are not limited to, zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ammonium compounds, natural essential oil compounds, chitosan, bismuth subsalicylate, and materials thereof.

[0317] The material constituting the second wall can be unreinforced or include structural reinforcements, such as fibers, fabrics, meshes, or wires.

[0318] In some embodiments, the second wall may comprise a composite material comprising one or more materials and / or material layers and / or adhesive layers and / or bonding layers and / or reinforcing structures. These materials, layers, and structures can have a variety of advantages, including but not limited to UV resistance / reflection / absorption, IR resistance / reflection / absorption, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, food contact safety, hydrophobicity, and surface roughness. The layers of the composite film can be bonded and / or laminated by any method known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, an additional layer may be used to laminate the individual layers, acting as a simple or functional adhesive providing a high level of weather resistance, insulation, and additional properties. In some embodiments, the composite second wall may comprise any of the rigid or flexible possible second wall materials included above.

[0319] In some embodiments, the composite material can be designed to include layers with special coatings or treatments that enhance its resistance to UV radiation, UV reflection and / or absorption, corrosion, hydrophobicity, and chemical exposure, thereby extending the lifespan of the second wall under harsh conditions. The specific arrangement and composition of the layers can be customized to meet the unique requirements of different applications, ensuring optimal performance under a variety of structural and environmental conditions.

[0320] In some embodiments, the second wall may include reinforcing structures within a composite material, including embedded metal mesh, woven fabric, or a mesh made of a high-strength material such as, but not limited to, Kevlar or aramid fibers. These reinforcing elements can be strategically placed to maximize load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation under stress. The combination of these different layers and reinforcements results in a supported second wall that provides excellent mechanical properties, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. In other embodiments, these reinforcing structures may also be externally placed or fitted to the second wall.

[0321] In some embodiments, the composite material may include an outer layer made of a durable and weather-resistant polymer (such as, but not limited to, polyethylene or polypropylene) and / or a fluoropolymer (such as, but not limited to, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)). Beneath the outer layer, there may be one or more layers of reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, or bio-based fibers, to provide strength and stiffness to the supporting second wall. Additionally, the inner layer may consist of a foam core or a honeycomb structure to enhance the overall strength of the supporting second wall while maintaining a lightweight profile. In some embodiments, the inner layer of the composite second wall may include a food-contact-safe material. This material will be in direct contact with liquids in the liquid-containing compartment.

[0322] In various embodiments, the second wall may comprise a composite material comprising multiple layers. The second wall composite material may comprise no more than about 10 layers, about 9 layers, or about 8 layers, optionally no more than about 7 layers, about 6 layers, or about 5 layers, and suitably no more than about 4 layers or about 3 layers. The second wall composite material may comprise at least about 2 layers, about 3 layers, about 4 layers, about 5 layers, about 6 layers, or about 7 layers.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second wall and / or the layer included within the composite second wall may have a yield strength that suitably does not exceed about 10,000 MPa, about 1,000 MPa, 500 MPa, about 250 MPa, about 200 MPa, about 150 MPa, about 100 MPa, about 50 MPa, about 40 MPa, about 30 MPa, about 20 MPa, about 10 MPa, about 5 MPa, about 4 MPa, about 3 MPa, about 2 MPa, about 1 MPa, about 0.5 MPa, and typically does not exceed about 0.1 MPa. The second wall and / or the layer included in the composite second wall may have a yield strength that is suitably at least about 0.01 MPa, at least about 0.1 MPa, at least about 0.5 MPa, at least about 1 MPa, at least about 2 MPa, at least about 3 MPa, at least about 4 MPa, at least about 5 MPa, at least about 10 MPa, at least about 20 MPa, at least about 30 MPa, at least about 40 MPa, at least about 50 MPa, at least about 60 MPa, at least about 70 MPa, at least about 80 MPa, at least about 90 MPa, at least about 100 MPa, at least about 200 MPa, at least about 500 MPa, and typically at least about 1000 MPa.

[0324] In some embodiments, the surface of the second wall in contact with the liquid culture medium and / or the opposing surface of the second wall may have a contact angle not exceeding about 160 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 70 degrees, and typically not exceeding about 60 degrees. The contact angle may suitably be at least about 30 degrees, at least about 40 degrees, about 50 degrees, at least about 60 degrees, at least about 70 degrees, at least about 80 degrees, at least about 90 degrees, at least about 100 degrees, at least about 110 degrees, at least about 120 degrees, at least about 130 degrees, at least about 140 degrees, and typically at least about 150 degrees.

[0325] In some embodiments, the invention may include a second wall having a total thickness that may suitably not exceed about 100 mm, about 50 mm, about 20 mm, about 10 mm, about 5 mm, about 4 mm, about 3 mm, about 2 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 800 μm, about 600 μm, about 500 μm, about 400 μm, about 200 μm, about 100 μm, about 50 μm, about 20 μm, and generally not exceed 10 μm. The total thickness of the second wall may suitably be at least about 5µm, at least about 10µm, at least about 20µm, at least about 50µm, at least about 100µm, at least about 200µm, at least about 400µm, at least about 500µm, at least about 600µm, at least about 800µm, at least about 1mm, at least about 1.5mm, and optionally at least about 2mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 8mm, or about 10mm.

[0326] In some embodiments, the invention may include a second wall comprising a composite material having a total thickness suitably not exceeding about 10 mm, about 5 mm, about 4 mm, about 3 mm, about 2 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 800 μm, about 600 μm, about 500 μm, about 400 μm, about 200 μm, about 100 μm, about 50 μm, about 20 μm, and generally not exceeding 10 μm. The total thickness of the second wall may suitably be at least about 5 μm, at least about 10 μm, at least about 20 μm, at least about 50 μm, at least about 100 μm, at least about 200 μm, at least about 400 μm, at least about 500 μm, at least about 600 μm, at least about 800 μm, at least about 1 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, and optionally at least about 2 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 8 mm, or about 10 mm.

[0327] In some embodiments, the invention may include a second wall comprising a composite material. The thickness of the composite material layer may suitably not exceed about 10 mm, about 5 mm, about 4 mm, about 3 mm, about 2 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 800 μm, about 600 μm, about 500 μm, about 400 μm, about 200 μm, about 100 μm, about 50 μm, about 20 μm, and typically not exceed 10 μm. The thickness of the composite material layer may suitably be at least about 0.1µm, about 0.5µm, at least about 1µm, at least about 5µm, at least about 10µm, at least about 20µm, at least about 50µm, at least about 100µm, at least about 200µm, at least about 400µm, at least about 500µm, at least about 600µm, at least about 800µm, at least about 1mm, at least about 1.5mm, and optionally at least about 2mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 8mm, or about 10mm.

[0328] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the material used to construct the second wall will be optically translucent, such that it is transparent and / or translucent, to allow efficient light transmission so that when the organisms included in the bioreactor unit are phototrophic or polytrophic, they can utilize light for photosynthesis to produce energy and / or fix carbon. Such transparency may also be useful even where the cells do not require light, for example, to allow an operator to directly inspect the interior of the liquid-containing compartment. In some embodiments, the proportion of the optically translucent area of ​​one or more of the second walls may not exceed 100%, about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, or about 20%. The proportion of the area allowing visible light to pass through may be at least about 0%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%.

[0329] "Switchable glass," "smart glass," or "electrochromic glass," or similar materials, can be used to manufacture the second wall of this invention. These are materials whose light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light, or heat is applied (they can be, but are not limited to, rigid like glass, or flexible like a polymer film or coating). These can be particularly useful in areas with high light exposure, for example, to reduce damage to materials or microorganisms in liquid-containing compartments due to particularly high light exposure (e.g., photobleaching). Typically, smart glass materials change from being substantially translucent and / or having reflective optical properties (similar to a mirror finish) to being substantially transparent, changing from blocking certain (or all) wavelengths of light to allowing light to pass through. Examples of techniques that can be used to achieve the above objectives include, but are not limited to, electrochromic, photochromic, UV-converting glass, thermochromic, suspended particles, micro-shading, prism-integrated glass, nanoparticle or mineral-integrated glass, and polymer-dispersed liquid crystal devices.

[0330] In specific embodiments, the second wall may include additional and specific treatments to optimize its performance and maintain its transparency. Some common treatments or coatings for the second wall of a photobioreactor include, but are not limited to:

[0331] 1. Antifouling coating: To prevent the formation of dirt or biofilm on the inner surface of the second wall, pipe, or liquid chamber, an antifouling coating is applied. These coatings can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or have low surface energy to prevent the adhesion of microorganisms or other particles, making it easier to clean the chamber and maintaining its optical transparency.

[0332] 2. UV Stabilization: The transparent second wall in a photobioreactor unit is typically exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the light source. UV stabilizers or additives can be incorporated into the material composition to enhance UV resistance and prevent degradation, discoloration, or embrittlement caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays.

[0333] 3. Chemical Resistance: Depending on the specific application and the nature of the substances being handled, the transparent second wall may require chemical resistance to withstand exposure to a variety of chemicals or cleaning agents. Choosing a tube material with inherent chemical resistance or applying a chemical-resistant coating can help protect the transparency and structural integrity of the second wall.

[0334] 4. Enhanced optical transparency: The transparent second wall is designed to effectively transmit light to support the photosynthetic process. Surface treatments or coatings can be applied to improve light transmission properties, reduce light scattering, and enhance light transmission through the portion of the second wall.

[0335] 5. Wavelength Modification: Filters can be applied to the second wall to modify or convert the wavelength of light entering the bioreactor. These filters can be used to block harmful wavelengths and / or enhance specific wavelengths beneficial to biological processes within the reactor, or to convert wavelengths to optimize the efficiency of light utilization by organisms or processes within the bioreactor.

[0336] 6. Thermal stability: The photobioreactor unit can operate at elevated temperatures, especially in certain industrial or research environments. The second wall can be coated with a more thermally stable material to provide sufficient thermal stability to withstand temperature fluctuations while maintaining its transparency and structural integrity without warping or melting.

[0337] 7. Surface Smoothness: A smooth inner and / or outer surface of the second wall minimizes light scattering and reduces the likelihood of dirt or particle buildup, thereby improving the overall performance and lifespan of the photobioreactor system. Surface treatments or polishing can be applied to achieve the desired smoothness.

[0338] 8. Hydrophobic coating: Applying a hydrophobic coating to the second wall can help repel water and reduce moisture buildup, thereby maintaining the optical transparency of the wall and reducing the risk of contamination and biofilm formation.

[0339] It is important to note that, in some embodiments, the specific treatment required for the transparent second wall in the bioreactor unit can vary depending on the materials used, operating conditions, and the nature of the (micro)organisms or substances being treated.

[0340] Photobioreactor Unit

[0341] The geometry of the chambers will vary depending on the overall configuration of the bioreactor unit; for example, in some embodiments, the unit may include multiple parallel-aligned liquid-containing compartments (such as...). Figure 3 (as shown in Figure 5) or a single liquid-containing compartment (such as...) Figure 4 (As shown). Typically, the chambers will have a suitable size and volume to allow gas to flow efficiently throughout the chamber and / or multiple chambers, which are connected to more bioreactor units so that efficient gas exchange can occur through the first wall of the liquid-containing compartment and promote the production of microbial biomass within the liquid-containing compartment.

[0342] In some embodiments of the invention, multiple liquid-containing compartments may include the same first wall and / or second wall (see [reference]). Figure 14 ).

[0343] In some embodiments, the length of the liquid-containing compartment, i.e., the distance between the inlet and outlet of the liquid-containing compartment of a single bioreactor unit, may not exceed about 4000m, about 2000m, about 1000m, about 500m, or about 300m, optionally not exceeding about 250m, about 200m, about 100m, about 75m, about 50m, about 25m, about 10m, about 9m, about 8m, about 7m, about 6m, about 5m, about 4m, or about 3m, and typically not exceeding about 2m. The length of the liquid-containing compartment of a single bioreactor unit may be at least 0.1m, at least about 0.3m, about 0.5m, or about 1m, suitably at least about 2m, about 3m, about 4m, about 5m, about 6m, about 7m, about 8m, about 9m, about 10m, about 25m, or about 50m, and optionally at least about 75m. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the length is represented by dimension D.

[0344] In some embodiments, the width of the liquid-containing compartment of a single bioreactor unit may not exceed about 5m, about 2m, about 1m, about 0.5m, about 0.2m, about 0.1m, about 0.09m, about 0.08m, about 0.07m, about 0.06m, about 0.05m, about 0.04m, about 0.03m, about 0.02m, about 0.01m, or about 0.005m, and typically does not exceed about 0.001m. The width of the liquid-containing compartment can be at least about 0.001m, about 0.005m, about 0.01m, about 0.02m, about 0.03m, or about 0.04m, suitably at least about 0.05m, about 0.06m, about 0.07m, about 0.08m, about 0.09m, about 0.1m, or about 0.2m, and optionally at least about 0.5m. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the width is represented by dimension B.

[0345] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid culture medium may not exceed about 20 m². 2 Approximately 10m2 Approximately 3m 2 Approximately 1m 2 Approximately 1x10 -1 m 2 Approximately 5x10 -2 m 2 Approximately 1x10 -2 m 2 Typically no more than approximately 8x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 6x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 4x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 2x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 1x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 7x10 -4 m 2 Approximately 3x10 -4 m 2 Approximately 8x10 -5 m 2 The cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment, perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid culture medium, can be at least about 5 x 10⁻⁶. -7 m 2 Approximately 1x10 -6 m 2 Approximately 1x10 -5 m 2 Approximately 8x10 -5 m 2 Approximately 1x10 -4 m 2 Approximately 3x10 -4 m 2 Approximately 7x10 -4 m 2 Appropriately, at least about 1x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 2x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 4x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 6x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 8x10 -3 m 2 Approximately 1x10 -2 m 2 Approximately 1x10 - 1 m 2 And optionally at least about 1m 2 .exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area is represented by A.

[0346] In some embodiments, the volume of the liquid-containing compartment of a single bioreactor unit may not exceed approximately 40 x 10⁻⁶. 6 L, optionally not exceeding approximately 750x10 3 L, approximately 100x10 3 L, approximately 5x10 3 L, approximately 5000L, approximately 1000L, approximately 500L, approximately 250L, approximately 100L, approximately 50L, approximately 40L, approximately 30L, approximately 20L, approximately 10L, approximately 8L, approximately 6L, approximately 5L, approximately 4L, approximately 3L, approximately 2L, approximately 1.5L, approximately 1.2L, approximately 1L, usually not exceeding approximately 0.8L. The volume of the liquid-containing compartment of a single bioreactor unit can be at least about 0.0001L, about 0.001L, about 0.005L, about 0.01L, about 0.02L, about 0.03L, about 0.05L, about 0.1L, about 0.2L, about 0.5L, about 1L, about 2L, about 5L, about 8L, about 10L, about 20L, about 30L, about 40L, about 50L, and optionally at least about 100L, about 250L, or about 500L.

[0347] As discussed, in some embodiments, multiple bioreactor units can be connected in series and arranged such that the flow direction of one liquid-containing compartment is opposite to that of the preceding compartment, thereby forming a tortuous path within the unit. The consecutive liquid-containing compartments can be arranged such that their length before such a change in flow direction occurs can not exceed approximately 4000 m, approximately 2000 m, approximately 1500 m, approximately 1000 m, approximately 750 m, approximately 500 m, approximately 400 m, approximately 300 m, approximately 200 m, approximately 100 m, approximately 80 m, approximately 60 m, approximately 40 m, approximately 20 m, approximately 10 m, approximately 5 m, or approximately 1 m. Continuous liquid-containing compartments can be arranged such that, without such a change in flow direction, their length can be at least about 1 m, about 5 m, about 10 m, about 20 m, about 40 m, about 60 m, about 80 m, suitably at least about 100 m, about 200 m, about 300 m, about 400 m, and optionally at least about 500 m. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, length is represented by dimension E. All liquid-containing compartments in a series-connected bioreactor unit without directional changes do not necessarily share the same chamber. Typically, the length is chosen to be as long as possible before a directional change occurs, without causing undue difficulty in maintenance or creating excessive pressure differentials between the system's inlet and outlet. At a given flow rate, the longer the fluid path through the system, the higher the pressure at the inlet will be. This increases the maximum pressure that the liquid-containing compartments and connectors must withstand. Pressure is also proportional to flow rate, so this problem is exacerbated if the flow rate during cleaning is higher than during normal operation.

[0348] In some embodiments, a photobioreactor system including a liquid culture medium loop may include multiple photobioreactor units arranged horizontally in an array, including a series of units connected in series and changing direction, multiple units arranged in parallel, or otherwise arranged. The horizontal (width) dimension of the bioreactor array, measured perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid culture medium, may not exceed about 4000 m, about 2000 m, about 1500 m, about 1000 m, about 750 m, about 500 m, about 400 m, about 300 m, about 200 m, about 150 m, about 100 m, about 75 m, about 50 m, about 40 m, about 30 m, about 25 m, about 20 m, about 15 m, or about 10 m, suitably not exceeding about 5 m. The width of the array can be at least about 0.5m, about 1m, about 2m, about 5m, about 10m, suitably at least about 15m, about 20m, about 25m, and optionally at least about 30m, about 40m, about 50m, about 100m, about 200m. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the width is represented by dimension F. However, the liquid-containing compartments of the bioreactor units included in the array do not necessarily all share the same chamber. The minimum horizontal dimension obviously cannot be less than the horizontal width of a single bioreactor. This width dimension of the array should be chosen to allow for the containment of a sufficient volume of liquid culture medium, but not so wide as to generate excessive pressure due to the need for multiple changes in flow direction.

[0349] Similarly, in some embodiments, the liquid culture medium loop may comprise multiple photobioreactor units arranged vertically or “stacked”. The minimum height of the bioreactor array must obviously not be less than the height of a single bioreactor. The total height of the array may not exceed about 100 m, about 50 m, about 25 m, about 20 m, about 10 m, about 9 m, about 8 m, about 7 m, about 6 m, about 5 m, about 4 m, about 3 m, or about 2 m, and typically not exceed about 1 m. The total height of the array may be at least about 0.15 m, about 0.2 m, about 0.3 m, about 0.4 m, or about 0.5 m, suitably at least about 1 m, about 2 m, about 3 m, about 4 m, or about 5 m, and optionally at least about 6 m, about 7 m, about 8 m, about 9 m, or about 10 m. The height should be chosen to allow for a sufficient volume of liquid culture medium, but should not be so high as to generate excessive pressure and / or cause difficulties in maintenance.

[0350] In some embodiments, the liquid culture medium loop may include multiple photobioreactor units arranged side-by-side or vertically. The vertical or horizontal gaps between them may not exceed about 1000 mm, about 500 mm, about 250 mm, or about 100 mm, suitably not exceeding about 50 mm, and typically not exceeding about 10 mm. The gaps between bioreactor units may be at least about 1 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 50 mm, or at least about 100 mm. In embodiments where multiple liquid-containing compartments share the same chamber, this size can be understood as the gap between the liquid-containing compartments. In some embodiments, no gaps may be left (i.e., adjacent bioreactors may be in contact). Typically, the gap size is chosen to allow gas to circulate efficiently between the photobioreactors. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the gap is represented by dimension C.

[0351] In some embodiments, the volume of the liquid-containing compartments in the photobioreactor system is not intended to be particularly limited during normal operation, except by the capacity limitations of the bioreactor unit and other parts of the system. In embodiments of the invention, the volume of the liquid-containing compartments included in the photobioreactor system may not exceed about 200 x 10⁻⁶. 6 L, 20x10 6 L, approximately 1x10 6 L, about 500,000 L, about 100,000 L, suitably not exceeding about 50,000 L, about 20,000 L, about 10,000 L, about 5,000 L, typically not exceeding 1,000 L. As a whole, the volume of liquid culture medium included in the liquid-containing compartment of the photobioreactor system can be at least about 50 L, about 100 L, about 200 L, about 500 L, about 1,000 L, about 5,000 L, about 10,000 L, suitably at least about 20,000 L, about 50,000 L, about 100,000 L, optionally at least about 500,000 L, about 1,000,000 L.

[0352] In some embodiments of the invention, the total volumetric capacity of the liquid culture medium loop, including the liquid-containing compartment of the photobioreactor unit and potentially including auxiliary subsystems, pumps, opaque pipes, tanks, valves, and any other additional equipment / components, may not exceed approximately 400 x 10⁻⁶ during normal operation. 6 L, 200x10 6 L, 200x10 6 L, 20x10 6 L, approximately 1x10 6L, about 500,000 L, about 100,000 L, suitably not exceeding about 50,000 L, about 20,000 L, about 10,000 L, about 5,000 L, usually not exceeding 1,000 L. During normal operation, the total volumetric capacity of the liquid culture medium loop can be at least about 50 L, about 100 L, about 200 L, about 500 L, about 1,000 L, about 5,000 L, about 10,000 L, suitably at least about 20,000 L, about 50,000 L, about 100,000 L, optionally at least about 500,000 L, about 1,000,000 L.

[0353] As discussed, in some embodiments, multiple bioreactor units can be connected in series and arranged such that the flow direction of one liquid-containing compartment is substantially opposite to the flow direction of the preceding compartment. The number of bioreactor units that can be connected together before this change of direction occurs can not exceed about 20,000, about 10,000, about 5,000, about 2,000, about 1,000, or about 500, suitably not exceed about 100 or about 50, and optionally not exceed about 25. The number of connected bioreactor units can be at least about 2, about 5, about 10, about 50, or about 100, suitably at least about 500, about 1,000, about 2,000, or about 5,000, and optionally at least 10,000.

[0354] As discussed, in some embodiments, multiple bioreactor units may be positioned such that the first wall of each liquid-containing compartment is exposed to the same chamber. In some embodiments, the number of bioreactor units that may share the same chamber may not exceed about 5,000,000, about 1,000,000, about 100,000, about 50,000, suitably not exceed about 20,000, about 10,000, about 5,000, optionally not exceed 2,500. The number of bioreactor units may be at least about 2, about 10, about 100, about 500, about 1,000, about 2,500, suitably at least about 5,000, about 10,000, about 20,000, optionally at least about 50,000, about 100,000.

[0355] chamber

[0356] In some embodiments, the chamber is typically defined by a shell that may include one or more walls that provide structural definition and support for the bioreactor unit. The chamber may be further defined by the juxtaposition of liquid-containing compartments with the shell, such that they cooperate to enclose a volume of space adjacent to and in gas communication with the gas exchange composite membrane layer (first wall). Suitably, the shell houses a portion of the liquid-containing compartments, wherein at least one liquid-containing compartment is oriented such that the first wall is exposed to the atmosphere within the chamber and the second wall is positioned outwards. In a particular embodiment, the second wall is oriented towards an illumination source.

[0357] In some embodiments of the invention, the liquid-containing compartment is partially enclosed within the chamber. The interior or inward-facing surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment is considered to refer to the area of ​​the inner side of the liquid-containing compartment that is in direct contact with the liquid culture medium. Appropriately, this does not include any area left open to form an inlet and / or outlet of the liquid-containing compartment. The exterior or outward-facing surface of the liquid-containing compartment is considered to refer to the opposite surface.

[0358] In some embodiments, the percentage of the inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment located within the chamber may not exceed about 100%, about 95%, about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, or about 20%, and typically not exceed 10%. The percentage of the inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment located within the chamber may be at least about 1%, about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, or about 70%, suitably at least about 80%, and optionally at least about 90%. Inside the chamber, the shell is considered to refer to any material inside the liquid-containing compartment at points that are in direct contact with the atmosphere within the chamber, and which are closest to the external environment. Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in cross-section, labeling the percentage of the inner surface area within the chamber. Since the cross-sections of these embodiments are substantially uniform, this percentage is expressed as the percentage of length A to the total perimeter of the inner surface of the liquid-containing compartment (length A + length B).

[0359] In some embodiments of the invention, the inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment including the first wall may not exceed about 99%, about 95%, about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, or about 20% of the total inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment, and typically not exceed about 10% or about 5%. The inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment including the first wall may be at least about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, or about 70% of the total inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment, suitably at least about 80%, and optionally at least about 90%.

[0360] In some embodiments of the invention, the inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment including the second wall may not exceed about 99%, about 95%, about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, or about 20% of the total inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment, and typically not exceed about 10% or about 5%. The inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment including the second wall may be at least about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, or about 70% of the total inner surface area of ​​the liquid-containing compartment, suitably at least about 80%, and optionally at least about 90%.

[0361] In some embodiments, the percentage of the outer surface of the first wall that is in direct contact with the atmosphere contained within the chamber may not exceed about 99%, about 95%, about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, or about 20%, and typically does not exceed about 10% or about 5%. The percentage of the outer surface of the first wall that is in direct contact with the atmosphere contained within the chamber may be at least about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, or about 70%, suitably at least about 80%, and optionally at least about 90%.

[0362] In some embodiments of the invention, regardless of the number of liquid-containing compartments in gas communication with the chamber, or how the chamber may be connected to other chambers in the system, the width of the chamber may not exceed about 200 m, about 150 m, about 100 m, about 75 m, about 50 m, about 25 m, about 10 m, about 5 m, about 2 m, or about 1 m, and typically not exceed about 0.5 m. The width of the chamber may be at least about 0.001 m, about 0.005 m, about 0.01 m, about 0.05 m, or about 0.1 m, suitably at least about 1 m, about 2 m, or about 5 m, and optionally at least about 10 m.

[0363] In some embodiments, the height of the chamber may not exceed about 200m, about 150m, about 100m, about 75m, about 50m, about 25m, about 10m, about 5m, about 2m, or about 1m, and typically does not exceed about 0.5m. The height of the chamber may be at least about 0.001m, about 0.005m, about 0.01m, about 0.02m, about 0.05m, or about 0.1m, and typically at least about 1m, about 2m, or about 5m, and optionally at least about 10m.

[0364] In some embodiments, the length of the chamber may not exceed about 4000m, about 2000m, about 1500m, about 1000m, about 750m, about 500m, about 400m, about 300m, about 200m, about 100m, about 80m, about 60m, about 40m, about 20m, or about 10m, and typically does not exceed about 5m. The length of the chamber may be at least about 0.5m, about 1m, about 2m, about 5m, or about 10m, suitably at least about 20m, about 40m, about 60m, about 80m, or about 100m, and optionally at least about 200m, about 300m, about 400m, or about 500m.

[0365] In some embodiments, the volume of the chamber may not exceed approximately 200 x 10. 6 m 3 Approximately 100x10 6 m 3 Approximately 50x10 6 m 3 Approximately 10x10 6 m 3 Approximately 5000x10 3 m 3 Approximately 600x10 3 m 3 Approximately 50x10 3 m 3 Approximately 7.5 x 10 3 m 3 Appropriately, not exceeding approximately 800m 3 Approximately 80m 3 Typically no more than about 10m 3 The volume of the chamber can be at least approximately 1 x 10⁻⁶. -7 m 3 Approximately 5x10 -7 m 3 Approximately 1x10 -6 m 3 Approximately 5x10 -6 m 3 Approximately 1x10 -5 m 3 Approximately 5x10 -5 m 3 Approximately 0.1 x 10 -3 m 3 Approximately 12.5 x 10 -3 m 3 Appropriately, it should be at least about 0.1m. 3 Approximately 10m 3 Approximately 80m 3 Approximately 7.5 x 10 3 m 3 The optional location is at least about 800m 3 .

[0366] According to a specific embodiment, the chamber is filled with a gas mixture containing CO2 at a concentration higher than that of the liquid culture medium in the fluid-containing compartment, thereby increasing the concentration difference between the liquid culture medium and the surrounding atmosphere. In this way, the gas transport rate of CO2 through the composite membrane into the liquid culture medium is increased. The supply and control of the gaseous atmosphere within the chamber are maintained through gas connections to one or more auxiliary subsystems and / or atmosphere control modules within the system.

[0367] As CO2 in the liquid culture medium (in all possible forms that can be absorbed by photosynthetic microorganisms) is consumed by the photosynthetic microorganisms contained therein, and as more CO2 passes from the atmosphere within the chamber through the composite membrane of the first wall to the liquid culture medium, the CO2 gas transport rate will decrease over time as the concentration gradient stabilizes and approaches equilibrium. To overcome this tendency towards equilibrium, a gas mixture containing CO2 can be continuously or intermittently supplied through the gas chamber inlet, and a similar volume of gas can be removed through the outlet, typically using valves or controlled valves such as solenoid valves and / or butterfly valves and / or pressure-sensitive valves. Optionally, the outlet valve can be closed when the gas mixture is supplied to pressurize the gas chamber to above ambient atmospheric pressure, and thus further increase the gas transport rate through the gas-permeable membrane. If the CO2 concentration in the chamber is too high and exceeds the CO2 concentration of normal atmospheric air, normal atmospheric air can be introduced into the chamber in the same manner as described above to reduce the CO2 concentration in the chamber.

[0368] In another embodiment, as described above, the CO2 concentration in the chamber can be maintained at the level of normal atmospheric air by continuously adding normal atmospheric air into the chamber.

[0369] In some embodiments, the CO2 concentration of the gas in the chamber can be controlled to not exceed about 100%, about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, suitably not exceed about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, about 5%, optionally not exceed about 4.8%, about 4.6%, about 4.4%, about 4.2%, about 4%, about 3.8%, about 3.6%, about 3.4%, about 3.2%, about 3%, about 2.8%, about 2.6%, about 2.4%, about 2.2%, and typically about 2%, about 1.9%, about 1.8%, about 1.7%, about 1.6%, about 1.5%, about 1.4%, about 1.3%, about 1.2%, about 1.1%. CO2 concentrations can be controlled to be at least about 0%, about 0.01%, about 0.04%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, suitably at least about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, typically at least about 2%, about 2.2%, about 2.4%, about 2.6%, about 2.8%, about 3%, about 3.2%, about 3.4%, about 3.6%, about 3.8%, about 4%, about 4.2%, about 4.4%, about 4.6%, about 4.8%, about 5%, typically at least about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, and optionally at least about 10%.

[0370] In some embodiments of the invention, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the chamber is controlled to control the pH of the culture in the bioreactor unit. A CO2 source is introduced into or removed from the bioreactor unit via a control subsystem. If the pH of the culture is too high, controlled chamber inlet and outlet valves add a controlled amount of CO2 to the chamber, which is then absorbed by the microalgae culture through a composite membrane in a liquid-containing compartment. Typically, when CO2 dissolves in the culture medium, it forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). The carbonic acid then dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO3). - ) and hydrogen ions (H + As shown in the following reaction:

[0371]

[0372] Hydrogen ions (H) +The release of CO2 lowers the pH of the culture medium. A pH probe and controller continuously measure and monitor the pH of the medium. The controller is programmed to maintain the pH within a predefined optimal range. The pH control system operates as an automatic feedback loop, where continuous pH measurements ensure real-time adjustments to the CO2 introduced into the chamber, thus providing a consistent and optimal pH environment for the culture. This is advantageous compared to traditional pH control methods, which may involve chemical additives because the materials used in these methods can be expensive, and the process of adding chemicals to the culture can introduce impurities.

[0373] In some embodiments, in addition to providing CO2 for consumption by photosynthetic microorganisms, any CO2 source can be added to the chamber to control the pH of the fluid. A CO2 source can be added to the chamber to maintain the pH of the liquid at no more than about 14, about 13, about 12, about 11, about 10.5, about 10, suitably no more than about 9.5, about 9, about 8, about 7, and typically no more than about 6. The pH can be maintained at at least about 3, suitably at least about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, and typically at least about 10.

[0374] The gas mixture introduced into the gas chamber may also contain O2 at concentrations lower than those found in the liquid culture medium and / or lower than atmospheric O2 levels, in order to increase the rate of O2 consumption in the liquid culture medium. This can be achieved in an auxiliary subsystem using an oxygen-consuming system. Alternatively, the rate of O2 transport from the liquid culture medium to the chamber via the composite membrane can be increased by introducing an inert gas (such as nitrogen, helium, argon, or methane) and / or CO2 into the gas chamber, thereby increasing the O2 concentration gradient between the atmosphere and the liquid culture medium within the chamber.

[0375] In some embodiments, the O2 concentration of the gas in the chamber may not exceed about 50%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, or about 10%, typically not exceeding about 5%, about 4%, about 3%, about 2%, or about 1%, suitably not exceeding about 0.5%, about 0.4%, about 0.3%, about 0.2%, or about 0.1%. The O2 concentration may be at least about 0%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.4%, about 0.6%, about 0.8%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5%, suitably at least about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10%, and optionally at least about 15%.

[0376] The gas can be moved passively within the chamber by gas expansion or by using low-energy methods that reduce the cost of CO2 feed delivery, such as fans, blowers, turbines, or other impellers included in the system, for example, in the feed line, supply / exhaust manifold, or in an auxiliary subsystem that includes atmosphere control. Alternatively, the gas can be compressed before being introduced into the gas chamber.

[0377] In some embodiments, the internal environment of the chamber can be controlled internally or by separately controlling the supply and / or exhaust of gases entering and leaving the chamber. For example, the humidity of the atmosphere within the chamber can be controlled by the presence of a desiccant installed in the feed line, supply / exhaust manifold, or in an auxiliary subsystem including atmosphere control, or by a desiccant or material or coating placed within the chamber itself or in an attached system. For example, the chamber atmosphere can be circulated to a desiccant for drying and then returned to the chamber; typically, the desiccant can be in the form of a honeycomb wheel. The humidity of the gases in the chamber can also be controlled by passing them through a cooling coil, forcing water vapor to condense and collect before being removed. The supply / exhaust manifold can be used to control the humidity in the chamber by removing higher humidity air and replacing it with a lower humidity gas mixture.

[0378] In some embodiments, the temperature of the chamber atmosphere can be controlled by one or more auxiliary subsystems by introducing a gas mixture with a lower or higher temperature compared to the ambient chamber atmosphere, or by the presence of cooling or heating components installed in and / or at and / or before the gas inlet. Controlling the temperature of the chamber atmosphere can also control the temperature of the liquid culture medium inside a liquid-containing compartment. For example, the chamber atmosphere can be circulated to an air conditioning unit and / or an air heating unit and then returned to the chamber. Alternatively, the heating and / or cooling units can be included in or contained within the chamber itself, which allows for more direct control of the temperature of the atmosphere already present within the chamber. In some cases, the gas mixture in the chamber can be recirculated within the same chamber or transferred to a chamber in an adjacent bioreactor unit. Before returning the gas mixture to the chamber, the gas can be dried, cooled, heated, filtered, cleaned, and / or replenished with appropriate amounts of the desired gas to adjust its composition and / or further cooled, heated, and / or dried.

[0379] In some embodiments, the supporting structure defining the chamber shell is typically made of a rigid material capable of withstanding loads and providing structural integrity to the bioreactor unit. In some embodiments, a suitable material is also relatively impermeable to gas diffusion to allow for maintaining the atmosphere within the chamber volume. Suitablely, the chamber walls are substantially gas-impermeable, and the chamber as a whole is substantially airtight to prevent loss or contamination of the controlled atmosphere contained therein. A suitable material may also be relatively impermeable to gas diffusion to allow for maintaining the atmosphere within the chamber volume. The chamber need not be completely airtight and / or the material need not be relatively impermeable, as long as it satisfies the purpose of allowing for some degree of control over the atmosphere therein in terms of gas composition, temperature, humidity, pressure, or other aspects. The chamber may also be made of flexible materials only, or a combination of flexible materials and / or semi-rigid support members and / or inflatable structures (which can be inflated to provide additional structural support).

[0380] The materials for the supporting components and chamber walls may include:

[0381] 1. Metals and metal alloys, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and copper;

[0382] 2. Glass, including laminated glass or glass polymer composites;

[0383] 3. Polymers, including acrylics, polyethylene (e.g., LDPE, HDPE), PVC, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, nylon, epoxy resins, PVDF, PET, PETG, ETFE, and UF resins;

[0384] 4. Fiber-reinforced composite materials, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP);

[0385] 5. Concrete, geological foundation materials such as rock;

[0386] 6. Wood and natural fiber-based materials, including marine linings and wood fiber reinforced materials (e.g., MDF).

[0387] Support members and / or chamber walls can be formed by rotational molding, injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, casting, cutting, bending, welding, printing, or modular assembly, and typically present a tubular or box-like configuration in cross-section. In embodiments of the invention, the support member can be formed as a conduit, groove, or pipe, and has channels in its upper surface to accommodate a liquid-containing compartment placed thereon. The chamber walls can also be composed of or defined by structural or main components of a vehicle, industrial machine, ship, spacecraft or spacecraft, submersible, cavity, container, greenhouse, underground or partial basement, semi-basement, building structure, building room, and / or house.

[0388] In some embodiments, UV additives and / or UV coatings or UV-based compounds may be used in the manufacture of the chamber and / or its components. These UV additives are compounds that can be incorporated into materials to enhance their resistance to UV radiation. These additives work by absorbing or reflecting harmful UV rays, thereby preventing material degradation and discoloration, and thus extending the material's lifespan.

[0389] In some embodiments of the invention, the bioreactor system may include an array of liquid-containing compartments and chambers that are substantially suspended above and / or rest on and / or anchored to the ground and / or mounting surface.

[0390] Figure 9a An embodiment of the invention is illustrated, comprising metal sheets cut and bent to construct the walls of chamber 911. Ribs in the middle of the chamber serve to rigidify the structure and can be secured by bolts, welding, adhesives, or other suitable joining methods. This structure forms a channel for a liquid-containing compartment 902 to be seated therein, with the composite membrane layer extending downwards into chamber 903.

[0391] Figure 9b An embodiment of the invention is illustrated, comprising a chamber constructed of a combination of rigid and flexible materials. A pair of U-shaped beams extend downward along either side of the chamber, with the beams intermittently spanning a gap between them. I-shaped beams are supported on a crossbeam, and a liquid-containing compartment 902 is mounted thereon. A seamless, flexible, substantially gas-impermeable membrane material 911 is fixed along the bottom of the U-shaped beams, such that it is suspended between the two U-shaped beams, thereby forming a chamber between itself and the bottom of the liquid-containing compartment 903.

[0392] Figure 9c An embodiment of the invention is illustrated, wherein the body of the chamber is constructed from a rotationally molded polymer, such as LDPE with UV-stabilizing additives. The top surface of the component is then finished and machined to include the final mounting position for the liquid-containing compartment 902. A portion of the top of the component is also removed to allow the composite membrane layer of the liquid-containing compartment to contact the atmosphere within the chamber 903. The internal geometry of the rotationally molded chamber will also include features that ensure it has sufficient rigidity to support the assembly while maintaining a single connected chamber 903.

[0393] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the material used to define the walls of the chamber may be transparent or translucent to allow effective light transmission. The translucent / transparent portion allowing light to penetrate into the chamber can be composed of any suitable translucent / transparent material. The chamber may be entirely composed of the translucent / transparent material or may be supported on a support structure such as a bracket or frame, as discussed below. Suitablely, the material is substantially gas-impermeable, robust, lightweight, and has good thermal insulation properties. Optionally, the material is provided in the form of sheets and / or films. In some embodiments, the material is non-flexible, inelastic, transparent, and robust, including, for example, glass, high-performance glass, low-iron glass (Pilkington Sunplus™) with very high solar transmittance, glass composites, reinforced glass composites with increased strength, impact-resistant glass composites, low-reflectivity glass, high-transmittance glass, double-glazed glass and / or triple-glazed glass with or without vacuum / argon / air in between, or glass composites made of multiple layers of different materials to increase strength and / or transmittance, or electrically controllable switchable smart glass.

[0394] Photobioreactor Operation

[0395] In embodiments of the invention, the photobioreactor unit can be connected to an auxiliary subsystem that controls the supply and conditions of the liquid culture medium used. Depending on the application of the device, the auxiliary subsystem can be of any level of complexity and comprise any type of auxiliary components. In suitable embodiments of the invention, the photobioreactor unit is connected to an auxiliary subsystem that primarily comprises, but is not limited to, the following: conduits, reservoirs, liquid and gas tanks, pressure vessels, low-pressure gas containers / tanks, tanks, liquid culture medium pumps, biomass separators, sieves, vibrating sieves, centrifuges, any type of gas impeller, gas and / or liquid filters, dehumidifiers, liquid and / or gas heat exchangers, artificial lighting systems (especially in the absence of natural sunlight), liquid and / or gas temperature control systems, sensors, probes, sensor housings, and a computer processor. The conduits and reservoirs (liquid and / or gas tanks) can be of any type and made of any suitable material. The different features of the auxiliary subsystem need not all be included together, but can be distributed as a whole in different parts of the system. For example, biomass separators, gas outlets, and / or nutrient inlets may be included in connectors between the various bioreactors.

[0396] The pump can be of any type; typically, liquid pumps are positive displacement pumps, such as peristaltic pumps, which reduce the risk of contamination of the liquid culture medium and cell breakage because the peristaltic tube is the only part in contact with the liquid culture medium. In some embodiments, diaphragm pumps (also known as membrane pumps) can be used. Diaphragm pumps generate relatively little friction with the liquid culture medium and can therefore be advantageous in reducing the risk of cell breakage and contamination. In some other embodiments, disc pumps, hollow rotary disc pumps, screw pumps, gear pumps, and other similar pumps can be used. Screw pumps generate relatively little friction with the liquid culture medium and can therefore be advantageous in reducing cell breakage while being able to pump liquid at high flow rates. In some other embodiments, centrifugal pumps can be used. Centrifugal pumps are known to impose high shear stress on organisms grown in a bioreactor unit; however, they can be oversized and / or modified to reduce shear stress to acceptable levels.

[0397] Some embodiments of the invention may include an auxiliary subsystem that, during normal operation, can constantly and / or intermittently circulate liquid culture medium and / or fluid through a liquid-containing compartment for any advantageous purpose, such purpose may include mixing and / or reducing biofilm formation and / or preventing organism precipitation in the liquid culture medium and / or promoting greater gas permeability through the first wall. During normal operation, the average fluid velocity of the liquid culture medium and / or fluid in the liquid-containing compartment may not exceed about 10 m / s. -1 Approximately 5 m·s -1 Approximately 4 m·s -1 Approximately 3 m·s -1 Approximately 2.5 m·s -1 Approximately 2 m·s -1 Approximately 1.5 m·s -1 Typically, it does not exceed approximately 1 m·s -1 The average flow velocity can be at least about 0.01 m·s. -1 Approximately 0.05 m·s -1 Approximately 0.1 m·s -1 Approximately 0.2 m·s -1 Approximately 0.3 m·s -1 Approximately 0.4 m·s -1 Approximately 0.5 m·s -1 Approximately 0.6 m·s -1 Approximately 0.7 m·s -1 Approximately 0.8 m·s -1 Approximately 0.9 m·s -1 Approximately 1 m·s -1 Approximately 1.5 m·s -1 Appropriately, at least about 2 m·s -1Approximately 2.5 m·s -1 Optionally, at least about 3 m·s -1 .

[0398] The maximum hydraulic pressure that the liquid-containing compartment can withstand is a key performance characteristic contributing to the maximum possible average flow rate of the liquid culture medium. It also contributes to the maximum possible loop length of a liquid culture medium system including a liquid-containing compartment. The higher the hydraulic pressure that the liquid-containing compartment can withstand, the more photobioreactor units can be connected in series and operated. Embodiments with longer loop lengths and / or more series-connected liquid-containing compartments allow for more efficient pumping as a system of the same volume, but systems with more parallel units will require higher liquid culture medium volumetric flow rates to maintain the same flow rate within the liquid-containing compartment. Furthermore, embodiments with longer liquid loops and / or more series-connected units will allow a larger proportion of the total volume of the liquid culture medium loop to be contained within the liquid-containing compartment. This will result in a higher proportion of the loop volume being exposed to light at any given time, thereby improving system efficiency. The hydraulic pressure withstand capability of embodiments of the invention is crucial for taking advantage of the above-mentioned benefits and for making the system large enough to be feasiblely operated on an industrial scale.

[0399] In some embodiments, the maximum operating hydraulic pressure in the circuit of the liquid-containing compartment can be as high as about 10 bar, about 9 bar, about 8 bar, about 7 bar, about 6 bar, about 5 bar, about 4 bar, about 3 bar, about 2.5 bar, about 2 bar, or about 1.5 bar, and typically does not exceed about 1 bar. The maximum operating hydraulic pressure can be at least about 0.01 bar, about 0.05 bar, about 0.1 bar, about 0.2 bar, about 0.5 bar, about 1 bar, or about 1.5 bar, suitably at least about 2 bar. Suitably, the hydraulic pressure can be at least 0.01 bar and up to 10 bar. Typically, the hydraulic pressure can be at least 0.05 bar and up to 7 bar. Optionally, the hydraulic pressure can be at least 0.1 bar and up to 5 bar.

[0400] In some embodiments, the maximum hydraulic pressure that the liquid-containing compartment can withstand can be as high as about 10 bar, about 9 bar, about 8 bar, about 7 bar, about 6 bar, about 5 bar, about 4 bar, about 3 bar, about 2.5 bar, about 2 bar, or about 1.5 bar, and typically does not exceed about 1 bar. The maximum hydraulic pressure that the liquid-containing compartment can withstand can be at least about 0.01 bar, about 0.05 bar, about 0.1 bar, about 0.2 bar, about 0.5 bar, about 1 bar, or about 1.5 bar, suitably at least about 2 bar. Suitably, the hydraulic pressure can be at least 0.01 bar and up to 10 bar. Typically, the hydraulic pressure can be at least 0.05 bar and up to 7 bar. Optionally, the hydraulic pressure can be at least 0.1 bar and up to 5 bar.

[0401] Some embodiments of the invention may include an auxiliary subsystem that can continuously and / or intermittently circulate gas through the chambers of the bioreactor unit during normal operation for any advantageous purpose, which may include mixing and / or promoting greater gas permeability through the first wall. During normal operation, the average gas velocity in the chambers of the bioreactor unit may not exceed about 10 m / s. -1 Approximately 5 m·s -1 Approximately 4 m·s -1 Approximately 3 m·s -1 Approximately 2.5 m·s -1 Approximately 2 m·s -1 Approximately 1.5 m·s -1 Typically, it does not exceed approximately 1 m·s -1 The average flow velocity can be at least about 0.01 m / s. -1 Approximately 0.05 m·s -1 Approximately 0.1 m·s -1 Approximately 0.2 m·s -1 Approximately 0.3 m·s -1 Approximately 0.4 m·s -1 Approximately 0.5 m·s -1 Approximately 0.6 m·s -1 Approximately 0.7 m·s -1 Approximately 0.8 m·s -1 Approximately 0.9 m·s -1 Approximately 1 m·s -1 Approximately 1.5 m·s -1 Appropriately, at least about 2 m·s -1 Approximately 2.5 m·s -1 Optionally, at least about 3 m·s -1 .

[0402] In some embodiments, the pressure within the chamber included in the bioreactor system can be controlled to not exceed about 10 bar, about 8 bar, about 6 bar, about 4 bar, about 2 bar, about 1 bar, about 0.5 bar, about 0.2 bar, about 0.1 bar, about 0 bar, or about -0.1 bar, and typically not exceed about -0.2 bar. The pressure within the chamber can be at least about -1 bar, about -0.5 bar, about -0.2 bar, about -0.1 bar, about 0 bar, about 0.1 bar, or about 0.2 bar, suitably at least about 0.5 bar, about 1 bar, about 2 bar, or about 5 bar.

[0403] In some embodiments, the maximum pressure the chamber can withstand may not exceed about 10 bar, about 8 bar, about 6 bar, about 4 bar, about 2 bar, about 1 bar, about 0.5 bar, about 0.2 bar, about 0.1 bar, about 0 bar, or about -0.1 bar, and typically not exceed about -0.2 bar. The maximum pressure the chamber can withstand may be at least about -1 bar, about -0.5 bar, about -0.2 bar, about -0.1 bar, about 0 bar, about 0.1 bar, or about 0.2 bar, suitably at least about 0.5 bar, about 1 bar, about 2 bar, or about 5 bar.

[0404] The organisms contained within the liquid-containing compartment of the photobioreactor system described in the specific embodiments are generally capable of photosynthesis or other reactions dependent on the presence of electromagnetic energy. Any microorganism capable of photosynthesis is referred to herein as a photosynthetic microorganism. In suitable embodiments, photosynthetic microorganisms are selected from microalgae (such as green algae, cyanobacteria, golden algae, and red algae), phytoplankton, dinoflagellates, diatoms, bacteria, and cyanobacteria, such as Spirulinasp. The microorganisms can be wild-type or genetically modified and / or genetically engineered strains. A single device according to embodiments of the invention may contain one or more different types of organisms.

[0405] Typically, at least one microorganism is from the genera *Haematococcus* sp., *Haematococcus pluvialis*, *Chlorella* sp., *Chlorella autotraphica*, *Chlorella vulgaris*, *Scenedesmus* sp., *Synechococcus* sp., *Synechococcus elongatus*, *Synechocystis* sp., *Arthrospira* sp., *Arthrospira platensis*, *Arthrospira maxima*, *Spirulina* sp., *Chlamydomonas* sp., *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, *Dysmorphococcus* sp., or *Geitlerinema*. sp.), *Lyngbya* sp., *Chroococcidiopsis* sp., *Calothrix* sp., *Cyanothece* sp., *Oscillatoria* sp., *Gloeothece* sp., *Microcoleus* sp., *Microcystis* sp., *Nostoc* sp., *Nannochloropsis* sp., *Anabaena* sp., *Phaeodactylum* sp.*Phaeodactylumtricornutum*, *Dunaliella salina*, some *Arthropoda* species, some *Microchondria* species, and *Synechococcus marinus* are typical microorganisms in embodiments where the liquid culture medium, passing through channels in the apparatus, contains seawater, brine, or brines. Other possible photosynthetic microorganisms of this kind include members of genera such as *Bracteococcus*, *Chlorella*, *Parachlorella*, *Prototheca*, *Pseudochlorella*, and *Scenedesmus*. Other possibilities include *Achnanthes orientalis*, *Agmenellum*, *Amphiprora hyalina*, *Amphora coffeiformis*, *Amphoracoffeiformis linea*, *Amphora coffeiformis punctata*, *Amphora coffeiformis taylori*, *Amphora coffeiformistenuis*, *Amphora delicatissima*, *Amphoradelicatissima capitata*, *Amphora sp.*, *Anabaena*, *Ankistrodesmus*, *Ankistrodesmus falcatus*, *Boekeloviahooglandii*, *Borodinella*, and *Botryococcus*. braunii), Botryococcus sudeticus, Bracteococcus minor, Bracteococcus medionucleatus, Carteria, Chaetoceros gracilis, Chaetoceros muelleri, Chaetoceros muelleri subsalsum, Chaetoceros sp.Chlorella anitraceta, Chlorella antarctica, Chlorella aureoviridis, Chlorella candida, Chlorella capsulate, Chlorella desiccate, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Chlorella emersonii, Chlorella fusca, Chlorella fusca var. vacuolata, Chlorella glucotropha, Chlorella infusionum, Chlorella infusionum var. actophila, Chlorella infusionum var. auxenophila, Chlorella... Chlorella kessleri, Chlorella lobophora (strain SAG 37.88), Chlorella luteoviridis, Chlorella luteoviridis var. aureoviridis, Chlorella luteoviridis var. lutescens, Chlorella miniata, Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella mutabilis, Chlorella nocturna, Chlorella ovalis, Chlorella parva, Chlorella photophila, Chlorella pringsheimii, Chlorella purpurea protothecoides (including any of the UTEX strains 1806, 411, 264, 256, 255, 250, 249, 31, 29, 25) and Chlorella protothecoides var. acidophilus.Chlorella acidicola, Chlorella regularis, Chlorella regularis var. minima, Chlorella regularis var. umbricata, Chlorella reisiglii, Chlorella saccharophila, Chlorella saccharophila var. ellipsoidea, Chlorella salina, Chlorella simplex, Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella sp., Chlorella sphaerica, Chlorella stigmatophora, Chlorella vanniellii, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella vulgaris strain 3. Chlorella vulgaris var. autotrophica, Chlorella vulgaris var. viridis, Chlorella vulgaris var. vulgaris, Chlorella vulgaris var. vulgaris, Chlorella vulgaris var. vulgaris, Chlorella vulgaris var. vulgaris f. tertia, Chlorella vulgaris var. vulgaris f. viridis, Chlorella xanthella, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorella trebouxioides, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum infusionum, Chlorococcum sp., Chlorogonium, Chroomonas The genera *Chrysosphaera* sp. and *Cricosphaera* sp. are mentioned.Cryptocodinium cohnii, Cryptomonas sp., Cyclotella cryptica, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Cyclotella sp., Dunaliella sp., Dunaliella bardawil, Dunaliella bioculata, Dunaliella granulate, Dunaliella maritime, Dunaliella minuta, Dunaliella parva, Dunaliella peircei, Dunaliella primolecta, Dunaliella salina, Dunaliella terricola, Dunaliella triterpenoidis tertiolecta), Dunaliella viridis, Eremosphaera viridis, Eremosphaera sp., Ellipsoidon sp., Euglena, Franceia sp., Fragilaria crotonensis, Fragilaria sp., Gleocapsa sp., Gloeothamnion sp., Hymenomonas sp., Haematococcus pluvialis, Haematococcus sp., Isochrysis aff galbana, Isochrysis galbana, Lepocinclis, Micractinium, UTEX LB 2614), Monoraphidium minutum, Monoraphidium sp., Nannochloris sp., Nannochloropsis salina, Nannochloropsis sp.The following are listed: *Navicula acceptata*, *Navicula biskanterae*, *Navicula pseudotenelloides*, *Naviculapelliculosa*, *Navicula saprophila*, *Navicula* sp., *Nephrochloris* sp., *Nephroselmis* sp., *Nitschia communis*, *Nitzschia alexandrina*, *Nitzschia communis*, *Nitzschia dissipata*, *Nitzschiafrustulum*, *Nitzschia hantzschiana*, *Nitzschia inconspicua*, *Nitzschia intermedia*, and *Nitzschia scabra*. microcephala, Nitzschiapusilla, Nitzschia pusilla elliptica, Nitzschiapusilla monoensis, Nitzschia quadrangular, Nitzschiasp., Ochromonas sp., Oocystis parva, Oocystispusilla, Oocystis sp., Oscillatoria limnetica, Oscillatoria sp., Oscillatoria subbrevis, Parachlorella kessleri, Pascheria acidophila, Pavlovasp., Phagus, Phormidium sp., Platymonas Pleurochrysis sp.), Pleurochrysis carterae, Pleurochrysis dentate, Pleurochrysis sp.), Prototheca wickerhamii, Protothecastagnora, Prototheca portoricensis, Protothecamoriformis, Prototheca zopfii, Pseudochlorella aquatica, Pyramimonas sp., Pyrobotrys, Rhodococcus opacus, Sarcinoid chrysophyte, Scenedesmus armatus, Schizochytrium, Spirogyra, Spirulina platensis, Stichococcus sp., Synechococcus sp.), Tetraedron, Tetraselmis sp., Tetraselmis suecica, Thalassiosira weissflogii, and Viridiella fridericiana, Euglenophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae, Pinguiophyceae, Dinophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Diphalloidea Class Bicosoecophyceae, Katablephariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Haptophyceae, Raphidophyceae, Chysophyceae, Coscinodiscophyceae, Alveolata, Bangiophyceae, Rhodophyceae, Schizotrium sp., Crypthecodinium sp., Phaeodactylum sp.And the genera *Odontella* sp., *Odontella aurita*, *Botryococcus genus*, *Botryococcus sudeticus*, *Botryococcus braunii*, *Chlamydomonas* sp., *Chlamydomonas caudata*, *Chlamydomonas ehrenbergii*, *Chlamydomonas elegans*, *Chlamydomonas moewusii*, *Chlamydomonas nivalis*, *Chlamydomonas ovoidae*, *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, *Chlamydomonas mundane*, *Chlamydomonas dehoryana*, and *Chlamydomonas wedge-shaped*. Chlamydomonas cuiieus, Chlamydomonas noctigama, Chlamydomonas auiato, Chlamydomonas marvanii, and Chlamydomonas proboscigera. In some embodiments, such organisms may be one or more of the genera *Hypercoccus*, *Haematococcus*, *Chlorella*, *Chlorella*, *Chlorella*, *Chlorella*, *Scenedesmus*, *Synechococcus*, *Synechococcus*, *Synechococcus*, *Synechococcus*, *Arthrospira*, *Arthrospira*, *Arthrospira*, *Spirulina*, *Synechococcus ... Specifically, the genera envisioned are *Prototheca*, *Chlorella*, *Parachlorella*, *Pseudochlorella*, *Scenedesmus*, *Amphora sp.*, *Anabaena*, *Chlorella aureoviridis*, *Chlorella vulgaris*, and *Dunaliella sp.*.Dunaliella bardawil, Dunaliella salina, Euglena, Haematococcus sp., Nannochloropsis salina, Nannochloropsis sp., Nitschia communis, Oscillatoriasp., Scenedesmus armatus, Schizochytrium, Spirogyra, Spirulina platensis, Stichococcus sp., Synechococcus sp., Tetraedron, Tetraselmis sp., Euglenophyceae, Odontella aurita, Botryococcus The genera *Chlamydomonas* and *Chlamydomonas* sp. include *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, *Porphyridium cruentum*, and *Porphyridium* sp.

[0406] Diatom species can include *N. frigida*, *Nitzschiakerguelensis*, *N. lacuum*, and especially *Phaeodactylum*, *Phaeodactylum triangularis*, *Nitzschia* sp., *Cyclotella* sp., and *Cyclotellameneghiniana*, as well as diatom classes such as Bacillariophyceae, Coscinodiscophyceae, and Naviculaales.

[0407] Plant species, particularly aquatic plant species including some green algae, can be cultivated in the apparatus and method according to the invention. Whole plant organisms can be used where appropriate. Suitable species may include members of the genera *Lemna*, *Araceae*, *Lemna thalli*, *Lemna trisulca*, *Spirodela* sp., *Landoltia* sp., *Lemna gibba*, *Lemna minor*, *Lemna aequinoctialis*, *Lemna valdiviana*, *Lemna obscura*, *Spirodela polyrhiza*, *Wolffia arrhiza*, *Wolffia* sp., and *Spirodela* sp. Specifically, the proposed species are Lemnaeceae, Lemnaeidae, and Lemnae.

[0408] Plankton is a general term for marine microorganisms and microplants. Examples used in this invention include coccolithophores, dinoflagellates, metazoan plankton, and protozoan plankton, and particularly the genus *Emiliana* sp., such as *Emiliana huxleyi*.

[0409] Some photosynthetic organisms, whether native strains or genetically modified or engineered strains, can possess the ability to absorb air pollutants such as NO2 (and other NOxes, such as NO, N2O2, N2O3, N2O5), SO2 (and other SOxes, such as S2O2, SO, SO3), VOCs, NH3, or “greenhouse” gases other than CO2, such as N2O. If so, these gases can be transported into the chamber and then transferred to the liquid culture medium by permeation through the first-wall composite membrane. These gases can also originate from exhaust gases and / or be contained in the effluent gases.

[0410] Liquid culture medium and / or gas temperature control can be of any type known to those skilled in the art; typically, it includes cooling and / or heating components suitably mounted around portions of conduits and / or on tanks and / or around sections of bioreactor units and / or before gas inlets of chambers and / or inside chambers and / or around or within reservoirs. The cooling and / or heating components can be of any type and suitably may include heat exchange mechanisms performed by heat exchangers in fluid communication with liquid-containing compartments and / or chambers and / or systems of the bioreactor unit. Heat exchangers can be of any suitable type, such as heat exchangers between liquids and gases, between two liquids, between two gases, such as shell-and-tube, flat-plate, two-tube, tube-in-tube heat exchangers, and air conditioning units (AC). In particular, it is envisioned that heat exchange can be used to maintain optimal liquid culture medium temperatures for photosynthetic microorganisms. Excess heat from the liquid culture medium, generated by physiological processes or high ambient temperatures or radiation, can be used to heat water for domestic or industrial purposes, or water from sources such as drainage, rainwater, sewage, and / or greywater can be used to remove excess heat. Alternatively, the cooling fluid can be recirculated, and the temperature can be maintained below that of the liquid culture medium using cooling towers, coolers, or other equipment to lower the liquid temperature. Similarly, the liquid culture medium and / or gas can be heated, if necessary, using heat generated from domestic or industrial sources or other suitable equipment such as gas boilers, electric boilers, heat pumps, or immersion heaters. Heat exchange appropriately occurs at the location of the auxiliary subsystem, before the liquid culture medium and / or gas reach the bioreactor unit.

[0411] In some embodiments, water or other coolant liquids may be sprayed or applied as a mist, spray, droplets, or fog to the outer surface of the bioreactor unit to provide thermal control of the system by evaporation and / or by any other suitable means. This is particularly advantageous in warmer climates where midday temperatures may affect the appropriate operating range for organisms cultured within the bioreactor system. The coolant spray / mist system may be controlled by an auxiliary subsystem that monitors the temperature of the liquid culture medium inside the compartment containing the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the coolant spray / mist system may be controlled by an auxiliary subsystem that monitors the temperature within the chamber. Combinations of both setups are also feasible. Outflowing coolant liquid may be collected and recycled. Water vapor contained in the chamber atmosphere may be collected as condensate and / or collected via a dehumidifier included in the auxiliary subsystem and directed for use within the coolant spray / mist system.

[0412] In some other embodiments, the temperature of the liquid culture medium is controlled by conduction and / or convection and / or by any other suitable means to control the temperature of the gaseous atmosphere within the chamber. The temperature of the gaseous atmosphere within the chamber is controlled by an auxiliary subsystem and can be heated and / or cooled by any suitable means. Typically, the atmosphere is cooled by an air conditioning unit included within the auxiliary subsystem, which is connected to the chamber via an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, heat can be generated by an electric heater that converts electrical current into heat. Infrared light transmission onto transparent or translucent conduits can also be used to heat the liquid culture medium.

[0413] Artificial lighting systems, including any type of artificial light source known to those skilled in the art, can be used. Suitably, the lighting system includes LEDs. Typically, the artificial light source is designed and / or controlled to emit electromagnetic radiation (light) of a specific wavelength corresponding to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) requirements of any phototrophic microorganisms contained within the apparatus and / or to promote specific biological activities, thereby increasing the yield of specific products in biomass, for example, by using LEDs that emit specific wavelengths. For example, an LED-based light source can emit wavelengths (red light) between approximately 620 nm and 750 nm to promote the production of pigments (such as phycocyanin) that primarily absorb red light in some organisms. The artificial lighting system can be included within a bioreactor unit and / or bioreactor system comprising an array or strip of LEDs or optical fibers. The intensity and quality of the light emitted by the lighting system can be automatically controlled (based on input from any type of sensor, such as PAR sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, chemical sensors, pH sensors, etc.) to promote specific microbial physiological activities and / or respond to environmental changes and / or increase or alter biomass yield. Similarly, for similar reasons, the amount of light transmission (natural or artificial light) through the “switchable” or “smart glass” material described above can be automatically controlled.

[0414] In some embodiments, the artificial lighting system can provide light wavelengths that can be used to sterilize or disinfect part or all of the bioreactor units and / or chambers of the present invention. This can be as part of or added to the cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization processes discussed below. In particular, such lighting systems can generate ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can kill or damage bacteria and other unwanted contaminant organisms.

[0415] According to one specific embodiment of the invention, when the biomass concentration in the liquid culture medium contained in a liquid-containing compartment reaches a desired level, a three-way valve and / or multiple valves direct the flow to a biomass separator, which separates at least a portion of the biomass from the liquid culture medium. The separated biomass enters a container for further processing, while the liquid culture medium is guided back to the bioreactor unit. The biomass separator is used to separate biomass from the liquid culture medium in the bioreactor unit. It can be used additionally or alternatively to separate metabolites from the liquid culture medium. Suitable separators can be divided into two categories: mechanical and non-mechanical. Mechanical biomass separators use physical forces (such as centrifugation, filtration, and sedimentation) to separate biomass from the liquid culture medium (liquid phase). Mechanical biomass separators have the advantages of being fast, efficient, and scalable. They can process large quantities of biomass and separate it into different fractions with high purity and quality. However, mechanical biomass separators also have some disadvantages when used with fragile biological or cellular materials, as mechanical separation can damage cells or reduce biomass values ​​by causing mechanical stress or abrasion. In such cases, a non-mechanical biomass separator that relies on the gravity, electrical, or optical properties of cells to separate biomass from the liquid culture medium (liquid phase) is preferred. Exemplary non-mechanical biomass separators may include one or more of the following: gravity separators, membrane filters, adsorption columns, and cell sorting devices (e.g., FACS). Those skilled in the art will understand that an appropriate biomass separation device should be selected based on the type of organism intended to be cultured within the bioreactor of this invention.

[0416] It may be necessary to regenerate the liquid culture medium filtered by the biomass separator before returning it to the bioreactor unit. In some cases, the liquid culture medium will contain metabolites produced by the cultured organisms; these metabolites may need to be destroyed to maintain optimal growth rates, as excessive presence of such metabolites often leads to reduced growth. Such metabolites can be removed using filtration systems, UV treatment and / or chemical treatment, and any other suitable method. Alternatively, the liquid culture medium filtered from the biomass separation process can be discarded. This action of directing the flow into the biomass separator can be performed continuously and / or periodically, and for a predetermined period of time before the valve changes the flow path into the bioreactor unit again. This timing can be optimized for each application, the microorganisms used, the surrounding environment, and the physical location of the apparatus. In another embodiment, instead of a binary switch, the valve can change the orifice of the channel, thereby controlling the flow rate and quantity of liquid culture medium delivered to the biomass separation process.

[0417] Nutrients can be continuously and / or periodically introduced directly into the reservoirs and / or any other suitable part of the bioreactor system. Water and / or organisms or clean fluids in liquid culture media can be introduced similarly.

[0418] All kinds of other system components can be utilized; for example, controllable pressure valves or pressure regulators can be placed in the bioreactor system. In this example, the pressure valve can control the volume change of the bioreactor unit by the effect of changes in liquid or gas pressure. Some valves can control the flow rate entering the bioreactor unit.

[0419] One or more sensors may be fully or partially embedded in the bioreactor unit, in the tank or conduit auxiliary subsystem, and / or in the control or support structure and / or attached to the inner or outer side of the outer layer or on the surface of internal attachments. Sensors allow monitoring of the environment within the system, particularly in liquid-containing compartments, to enable control of parameters including, but not limited to, liquid culture medium flow rate, liquid culture medium mass, nutrient levels, temperature, biomass extraction rate, gas mixture, and illumination intensity and / or optical shielding to reduce the risk of photobleaching. The purpose of this control is to optimize the photosynthetic efficiency of the photosynthetic microorganisms contained within the device, and / or stimulate specific metabolic / microbial activities, thereby optimizing biomass production efficiency and / or altering its composition.

[0420] Embodiments and / or auxiliary subsystems of the present invention may include embedded sensors that can be used, for example, to monitor chemical concentrations in liquid culture media and / or chamber atmospheres, such as CO2 concentration and / or O2 concentration; and / or to monitor temperature and other environmental and biological parameters, such as toxicity levels; and / or to monitor biomass concentration and / or total cell density and / or live cell density and / or organism activity in liquid culture media.

[0421] Similarly, sensors can allow monitoring of the gaseous atmosphere within the chambers of the bioreactor unit to control parameters including, but not limited to, gas flow rate, mass, atmosphere composition, temperature, optical transparency, and humidity. These sensors can communicate with auxiliary subsystems. Optionally, supplemental air and / or CO2-rich and / or other gas-rich air can be introduced into the inlet leading to the chambers, if desired.

[0422] Vents can be installed in the supply or discharge conduits to remove gases that, for example, accidentally enter the hydraulic system during system installation (i.e., unwanted gases trapped in the liquid-containing compartments), and are typically located at the highest point in the system to facilitate the venting of undesirable gases. Such gases can be vented to the outside (i.e., outside the bioreactor system) or into the chambers.

[0423] Sensors, including those made of transparent / semi-transparent conductive materials and / or any other conductive materials, can be placed on any surface of the chamber (inside or outside) to monitor conditions such as irradiance levels, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions. If located inside the chamber, these or similar sensors can be used to detect gas concentration levels, humidity, and / or temperature within the chamber.

[0424] Cleaning procedures can be used to clean and / or sterilize bioreactor units and / or any associated liquid-containing compartments and / or tanks and / or all auxiliary subsystems and / or chambers. The cleaning procedure aims to break down and remove any and all debris, sediment, biofilm, and other undesirable substances within the bioreactor system. Cleaning can be performed when the bioreactor system needs to be flushed to collect all biomass or for temporary shutdown. The “cleaning fluid” can be made from any compound known to those skilled in the art. It can contain hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, water, brine, detergents, bleach, surfactants, alkalis, and can be derived from Steris. TM The CIP100 or CIP150 can be from Ecolab. TM The cleaning fluid can be a Mip SMA or any other suitable cleaning composition. The cleaning fluid can enter the bioreactor system through a specific conduit (inlet) at any point in the system and exit at any point in the system (outlet), allowing cleaning to be performed only at specific locations, rather than cleaning the entire bioreactor system, if needed. Typically, the cleaning liquid, such as CIP100, is heated to a desired temperature, usually above 30°C, and turbulence is maintained for a defined period of time. For this purpose, the flow rate can be increased by changing the flow configuration shown in the embodiments included in Figure 7.

[0425] In some embodiments, the cleaning temperature of the fluid cleaning agent may not exceed about 100°C, about 90°C, about 80°C, about 70°C, about 60°C, about 50°C, or about 40°C, and typically does not exceed about 30°C. The cleaning temperature of the fluid cleaning agent may be at least about 1°C, about 10°C, about 20°C, about 30°C, or about 40°C, suitably at least about 50°C or about 60°C, and optionally at least about 70°C. Typically, this temperature is between about 40°C and about 60°C, suitably between about 30°C and about 70°C, optionally between about 20°C and about 70°C, and alternatively between about 20°C and about 80°C.

[0426] The cleaning fluid can also be gaseous in nature and can contain steam, heated air, any suitable type of steam and / or water vapor, supplied appropriately at temperatures above 100°C and / or above 120°C.

[0427] For liquid cleaning agents, turbulence helps remove debris, deposits, biofilms, and other undesirable substances. In some embodiments, during cleaning, the Reynolds number of the cleaning fluid inside the compartments and / or chambers containing the liquid may not exceed about 2,000,000, about 1,000,000, about 500,000, about 250,000, about 100,000, about 75,000, about 50,000, about 20,000, about 10,000, or not exceed about 5,000. The Reynolds number may be at least about 1,000, about 2,000, about 4,000, about 5,000, about 10,000, about 20,000, suitably at least about 50,000, about 75,000, about 100,000, and optionally at least about 250,000.

[0428] Turbulence in cleaning fluids is related to flow velocity. In some embodiments, for liquid cleaning agents, the flow velocity of the c...

Claims

1. A bioreactor system for producing biomass, the system comprising: At least one bioreactor unit includes at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the liquid-containing compartment... include, (i) A first wall, wherein the first wall comprises a composite membrane that allows gas to be transported therethrough, wherein the composite membrane comprises at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; as well as (ii) A second wall comprising a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has a gas permeability substantially lower than that of the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid-containing compartment includes an inlet and an outlet to allow the liquid to circulate through the liquid-containing compartment.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the liquid-containing compartment is configured to withstand hydraulic pressure greater than 50 mbar, typically greater than 100 mbar, suitably greater than 500 mbar, or optionally greater than 1 bar.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier layer is composed of a gas-permeable polymer material.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the barrier layer is substantially non-porous.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the gas-permeable polymer barrier layer is composed of materials selected from: Silicones, polysiloxanes, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluorosilicones, organosilicones, VMQ (vinylmethylsiloxane), PVMQ (phenylvinylmethylsiloxane), silica polymers, sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK), amino organosilicones such as γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ-APS), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(butylene terephthalate) block copolymer (PEO-PBT), cellulose (including plant cellulose and bacterial cellulose), cellulose acetate (celluloid), nitrocellulose or cellulose esters.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composite membrane further comprises at least one intermediate layer.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define the inward-facing surface of the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit, and wherein the inward-facing surface of the first wall and / or the second wall is substantially hydrophobic.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the inward-facing surface has a contact angle with water greater than 90 degrees.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the inward-facing surface of the first wall has a contact angle with water greater than 90 degrees.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define the inward-facing surface of the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit, and wherein the inward-facing surface of the first wall and / or the second wall is substantially hydrophilic.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first wall and / or the second wall is composed of a material with a yield strength of not less than 0.5 MPa, 1 MPa, 1.5 MPa, 2 MPa, 5 MPa, 10 MPa or 20 MPa.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second wall is composed of a structurally rigid material.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second wall is composed of a material selected from: High-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylic acid, PVC, ETFE, PTFE, silicone rubber, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, or glass (including laminated glass).

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the liquid-containing compartment has an elongated configuration.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one bioreactor unit further comprises a housing containing a portion of the at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the housing cooperates with the portion of the at least one liquid-containing compartment to define a chamber having an atmosphere therein, and wherein the at least one liquid-containing compartment is oriented such that the first wall is exposed to the atmosphere within the chamber.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one bioreactor unit comprises a plurality of compartments containing liquid.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of liquid-containing compartments are in fluid communication with each other and connected in series with each other.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of liquid-containing compartments are arranged in parallel.

20. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the system further comprises an auxiliary subsystem, wherein the auxiliary subsystem is in fluid communication with a liquid compartment within the at least one bioreactor unit.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the auxiliary subsystem includes a pump for maintaining the circulation of liquid through the liquid-containing compartment.

22. The system of claims 20 and 21, wherein the auxiliary subsystem comprises a biomass collector.

23. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the atmosphere in the chamber may be at a pressure greater than or less than atmospheric pressure.

24. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the composition of the atmosphere within the chamber can be controlled by an atmosphere control subsystem, and wherein the atmosphere control subsystem is configured to change the atmosphere composition of the chamber in such a way as: (i) increasing or decreasing O2 concentration; and / or (ii) increasing or decreasing CO2 concentration; and / or (iii) Adding or removing water vapor, including steam.

25. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the barrier layer comprises: (i) oxygen permeability of at least 100 barel, at least 200 barel, at least 300 barel, at least 400 barel, at least 500 barel, at least 600 barel, at least 700 barel, at least 800 barel, at least 900 barel, at least 1000 barel, at least 1250 barel, at least 1500 barel, and at least 2000 barel; and / or (ii) Carbon dioxide permeability of at least 200 barel, at least 400 barel, at least 600 barel, at least 800 barel, at least 1000 barel, at least 1500 barel, at least 2000 barel, at least 2500 barel, at least 3000 barel, at least 3500 barel, at least 4000 barel, at least 4500 barel, at least 5000 barel and at least 7500 barel.

26. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the barrier layer comprises: (i) At least: 10 -15 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Appropriately at least 10 -14 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The oxygen permeability; and / or (ii) At least: 10 -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of carbon dioxide.

27. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the barrier layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 μm, at least 1 μm, optionally at least 5 μm, suitably at least 10 μm.

28. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the liquid-containing compartment comprises a liquid growth medium.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the system comprises microorganisms or algae selected from the group consisting of photoautotrophic organisms, chemotrophic organisms, and pleiotrophic organisms.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the microorganism or algae is selected from one or more of the following: cyanobacteria, protobacteria, spirochetes, Gram-positive bacteria, green filamentous bacteria such as Chlorella, Planctomyces, Bacteroides, Thermotrophic Bacteria, Aquagenic Bacteria, Halophilic bacteria, Methanococcus, Methanobacterium, Methanococcus, Thermococcus, Thermoplastic Bacteria, Thermoplastic Bacteria, Entamoeba, slime molds such as Myxomycetes, Ciliates, Trichomonas, Microsporidia, Ditritons, Archaea, Amoeba, Chondrion, Foraminifera, Foraminifera, Radiolarians, Diatoms, Anisoflagellates, Brown algae, Red algae, Green algae, Snow algae, Cyprinophyta, Cryptophyta, Vestizophyta, Gynostemia, Phytoplankton, Plankton, Chlorophyta, Rotifera, and cells or whole organisms from animals, fungi or plants.

31. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the liquid-containing compartment comprises a volume of at least 100 L, typically at least 1000 L, suitably at least 5000 L, and optionally at least 10,000 L.

32. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the bioreactor is a photobioreactor.

33. A bioreactor unit suitable for integration into a bioreactor system, wherein the bioreactor unit includes at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the liquid-containing compartment includes, (i) a first wall, wherein the first wall includes a composite membrane layer that allows gas to pass through it, wherein the composite membrane includes at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; and (ii) a second wall, wherein the second wall comprises a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has a gas permeability substantially lower than that of the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit. Furthermore, the liquid-containing compartment includes an inlet and an outlet to allow the liquid to circulate through the liquid-containing compartment.

34. The bioreactor unit of claim 33, wherein the barrier layer is composed of a gas-permeable polymer material.

35. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein the barrier layer is substantially non-porous.

36. The bioreactor unit according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the gas-permeable polymer barrier layer is composed of materials selected from: Silicones, polysiloxanes, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluorosilicones, organosilicones, VMQ (vinylmethylsiloxane), PVMQ (phenylvinylmethylsiloxane), silica polymers, sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK), amino organosilicones such as γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ-APS), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(butylene terephthalate) block copolymer (PEO-PBT), cellulose (including plant cellulose and bacterial cellulose), cellulose acetate (celluloid), nitrocellulose or cellulose esters.

37. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define an inward-facing surface of the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit, and wherein the inward-facing surface is substantially hydrophobic.

38. The bioreactor unit of claim 37, wherein the inward-facing surface has a contact angle with water greater than 90 degrees.

39. The bioreactor unit of claim 37, wherein the inward-facing surface of the first wall has a contact angle with water greater than 90 degrees.

40. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define an inward-facing surface of the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit, and wherein the inward-facing surface is substantially hydrophilic.

41. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the first wall and / or the second wall is composed of a material with a yield strength of not less than 0.5 MPa, 1 MPa, 1.5 MPa, 2 MPa, 5 MPa, 10 MPa or 20 MPa.

42. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein the second wall is composed of a structurally rigid material.

43. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 42, wherein the second wall is composed of a material selected from: High-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylic acid, PVC, ETFE, PTFE, silicone rubber, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, or glass (including laminated glass).

44. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 43, wherein the liquid-containing compartment has an elongated configuration.

45. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 44, wherein the at least one bioreactor unit further comprises a shell housing a portion of the at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the shell cooperates with the portion of the at least one liquid-containing compartment to define a chamber having an atmosphere therein, and wherein the at least one liquid-containing compartment is oriented such that the first wall is exposed to the atmosphere within the chamber.

46. ​​The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 45, wherein the at least one bioreactor unit comprises a plurality of compartments containing liquid.

47. The bioreactor unit of claim 46, wherein the plurality of liquid-containing compartments are in fluid communication with each other and connected in series with each other.

48. The bioreactor unit of claim 46, wherein the plurality of liquid-containing compartments are arranged in parallel.

49. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 48, wherein the barrier layer comprises: (i) oxygen permeability of at least 100 barel, at least 200 barel, at least 300 barel, at least 400 barel, at least 500 barel, at least 600 barel, at least 700 barel, at least 800 barel, at least 900 barel, at least 1000 barel, at least 1250 barel, at least 1500 barel, and at least 2000 barel; and / or (ii) Carbon dioxide permeability of at least 200 barel, at least 400 barel, at least 600 barel, at least 800 barel, at least 1000 barel, at least 1500 barel, at least 2000 barel, at least 2500 barel, at least 3000 barel, at least 3500 barel, at least 4000 barel, at least 4500 barel, at least 5000 barel and at least 7500 barel.

50. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 48, wherein the barrier layer comprises: (i) At least: 10 -15 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 Appropriately at least 10 -14 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The oxygen permeability; and / or (ii) At least: 10 -13 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -12 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -11 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -10 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -9 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -8 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -7 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -6 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -5 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -4 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 At least 10 -3 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 And usually at least 10 -2 m 3 ‧m -2 ‧s -1 The permeability of carbon dioxide.

51. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 50, wherein the barrier layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 μm, suitably at least 1 μm, optionally at least 5 μm, and optionally at least 10 μm.

52. The bioreactor unit according to any one of claims 33 to 51, wherein the bioreactor unit is a photobioreactor unit.

53. A method for producing microbial biomass, the method comprising culturing a microbial culture within a system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 32.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the system comprises a liquid culture medium contained in a liquid-containing compartment, and wherein the liquid culture medium generates a positive pressure greater than 50 mbar, typically greater than 100 mbar, suitably greater than 500 mbar, or optionally greater than 1 bar.

55. The method according to any one of claims 53 or 54, wherein the microbial biomass is obtained from microorganisms or algae selected from photoautotrophic organisms, chemotrophic organisms, and mixed-trophic organisms.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the microorganism or algae is selected from one or more of the following: cyanobacteria, protobacteria, spirochetes, Gram-positive bacteria, green filamentous bacteria such as Chlorella, Planctomyces, Bacteroides, Thermotrophic Bacteria, Aquagenic Bacteria, Halophilic bacteria, Methanococcus, Methanobacterium, Methanococcus, Thermococcus, Thermoplastic Bacteria, Thermoplastic Bacteria, Entamoeba, slime molds such as Myxomycetes, Ciliates, Trichomonas, Microsporidia, Ditritons, Archaea, Amoeba, Chondrion, Foraminifera, Foraminifera, Radiolarians, Diatoms, Anisoflagellates, Brown algae, Red algae, Green algae, Snow algae, Chrysophyta, Cryptophyta, Vespidae, Gracilaria, Phytoplankton, Plankton, Transchromatids, Rotifers, and cells obtained from whole organisms of animals, fungi, or plants.

57. A photobioreactor system for producing microbial biomass, the system comprising: A plurality of bioreactor units defining a circuit, wherein each bioreactor unit includes at least one liquid-containing compartment, wherein the liquid-containing compartment includes, (i) A first wall, wherein the first wall comprises a composite membrane that allows gas to be transported therethrough, wherein the composite membrane comprises at least one barrier layer and at least one reinforcing layer; as well as (ii) A second wall, wherein the second wall comprises a material that is optically transmissive to visible light and has gas permeability substantially lower than that of the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define the liquid-containing compartment within the bioreactor unit; as well as (iii) Inlet and outlet to allow liquid culture medium to circulate within; The liquid-containing compartments comprise a volume of at least 100 L; and each liquid-containing compartment is configured to withstand a hydraulic pressure greater than 100 mbar.

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