Modularly scalable photobioreactor

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular photobioreactor, in particular an artificially illuminated photobioreactor, which is suitable for use in an industrial production environment with a high degree of automation and to a method for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Modular scalable photobioreactor

[0003] The present invention relates to a modular photobioreactor, in particular to an artificially illuminated, modular, and scalable photobioreactor suitable for the cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms in an industrial production environment with a high degree of automation. The photobioreactors according to the invention enable maximum biomass and product productivity over a long period of time with optimal biomass quality and low investment, maintenance, and operating costs.

[0004] A major disadvantage of industrial flat-plate systems remains that the reactor chambers of flat-plate reactors cannot physically be constructed to any desired width and height, as this would significantly increase manufacturing costs. Scaling the reactor volume to an industrial scale therefore requires, for economic reasons, an arrangement of many individual flat plates in a system network. Several reactors can be interconnected in series to form a modular system, for example, to scale from a pre-culture to the desired production volume as quickly as possible or to optimally coordinate multi-stage processes. The individual chambers of such reactors are usually interconnected via external lines to form a total volume.However, due to their design, the chambers are often not optimally mixed to compensate for the concentration gradients that develop during cultivation. Therefore, it may be necessary to monitor each individual volume independently to provide the organism with the best possible growth conditions. The reason for the formation of concentration gradients and inhomogeneous distributions of the cultured microorganisms within the reactor lies not only insufficient mixing but also in the dynamics and natural variance of biological systems, where even the smallest fluctuations in light or nutrient supply can lead to differences in growth and / or product formation.

[0005] A particular risk in scaling flat plate systems is that choosing too large a production volume can lead to total loss of the entire batch in the event of contamination. Precise monitoring represents a significant effort for the plant operator and requires significant investment in online and offline measurement technology.

[0006] Another problem is the enormous space requirements of photobioreactors, which utilize natural sunlight to cultivate phototrophic microorganisms. To reduce the required footprint, light energy from artificial sources can be utilized. Short setup times during maintenance cycles of such systems are also a crucial factor for the scalability of large systems. The design of the reactor system according to GMP regulations, such as avoiding dead space, residual emptying, and sterilizability, must also be addressed in order to certify the system and meet the requirements of an industrial production environment.

[0007] When cultivating phototrophic microorganisms, providing the organisms with sufficient light of appropriate quality is particularly important for the performance of a photobioreactor system. Light is introduced into a cultivation volume via the reactor surface. Depending on the biomass concentration and intensity at the surface, a characteristic absorption profile of the incident photons develops across the depth of the volume. At very high intensities, the profile is divided into three zones. At the surface, the cells are exposed to high photon flux densities and are light-inhibited. In the middle zone, the intensity corresponds to moderate conditions, and the organisms exhibit the highest photosynthetic rate. Light limitation occurs with increasing mutual shading of the cells in the depth of the reactor.If the light, the biomass concentration, or the geometry of the reactor volume are varied, these zones shift accordingly. At very high cell concentrations, the light is completely absorbed within the first few millimeters; at low cell concentrations, transmission through the cultivation volume can also occur. This relationship characterizes the achievable photosynthesis rate and consequently the performance of the entire reactor. Since the reactor is not a static system, the cells move between the described zones. Depending on the mixing strategy used, the cells move statistically along specific trajectories through the reactor volume and are supplied with a light pulse at a specific frequency at the surface before returning to the shaded areas of the reactor. The faster this process, the more cells are statistically supplied with light.Each cell experiences a frequency-based light history characteristic of the system, and kinetic light integration occurs across all cells. A change in fluid mechanics statistically leads to characteristic light / dark cycles in the volume, which represent a measure of the reactor's performance. This results in two borderline cases that, depending on the organism used, can lead to good growth in either configuration of the reactor system. On the one hand, a reactor with a thicker layer and a strongly structured geometry can be mixed either by pumping or gassing to guide the cells through the reactor along specific light / dark trajectories due to turbulence. In this way, a high biomass concentration can be achieved. On the other hand, the layer thickness of the reactor can be greatly reduced with an extreme surface-to-volume (S / V) ratio.Such a system aims to carry out the process in low-light conditions with as little cell shadowing as possible during the light supply. Here, the light energy must be diluted accordingly across the entire surface.

[0008] This places high demands on photobioreactors that can be used for the efficient cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms on an industrial scale.

[0009] The present invention is based on the technical problem of overcoming the disadvantages of the photobioreactors described in the prior art and meeting the high demands placed on photobioreactors for the efficient cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms on an industrial scale. The present invention solves the underlying technical problem through the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] The invention particularly relates to a modularly constructed photobioreactor, comprising a first end piece, a second end piece and at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece, which is characterized in that the photobioreactor comprises at least two cultivation chambers, wherein the at least two cultivation chambers are formed by positively joining the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment, wherein the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor are in fluid communication with one another and wherein the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment each comprise at least one light source.

[0011] The invention particularly relates to a modularly constructed photobioreactor, comprising a first end piece, a second end piece and at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece, wherein the photobioreactor comprises at least two cultivation chambers, wherein the at least two cultivation chambers are formed by positively joining the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment, wherein the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor are in fluid communication with one another and wherein the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment each comprise at least one light source, characterized in that the at least one reactor compartment has two shell elements which are connected to one another in a back-to-back arrangement.

[0012] The modular and expandable design of the photobioreactor according to the invention allows the number of reactor compartments arranged between the end pieces and the associated cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor to be increased or decreased as required. The presence of at least one light source, in particular at least one artificial light source, at the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment allows a uniform supply of light energy to the phototrophic microorganisms located in the cultivation chambers, independent of daylight, a compact and space-saving design of the reactor, and the modular scalability of the photobioreactor without any loss of reactor performance due to shading of the cultured cells and the associated reduction in their photosynthetic performance with an increasing number of adjacent reactor compartments.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the first end piece to the at least one reactor compartment and a second cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the second end piece to the at least one reactor compartment.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modularly constructed photobioreactor comprises a first end piece, a second end piece and at least two reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece, wherein the photobioreactor comprises at least three cultivation chambers, wherein the at least three cultivation chambers are formed by positively joining the two end pieces and the at least two reactor compartments, wherein the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor are in fluid communication with one another and wherein the two end pieces and the at least two reactor compartments each comprise at least one light source.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the first end piece to a first reactor compartment, a second cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the first reactor compartment to the second reactor compartment, and a third cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the second reactor compartment to the second end piece.

[0015] The photobioreactor according to the invention preferably has at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 15, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 25 reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece.

[0016] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the photobioreactor has at most 50, preferably at most 45, preferably at most 40, preferably at most 35, preferably at most 30, preferably at most 25, preferably at most 20, preferably at most 15, preferably at most 10, preferably at most 9, preferably at most 8, preferably at most 7, preferably at most 6, preferably at most 5, preferably at most 4, preferably at most 3, preferably at most 2, reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photobioreactor has at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 15, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 25, cultivation chambers.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photobioreactor has at most 50, preferably at most 45, preferably at most 40, preferably at most 35, preferably at most 30, preferably at most 25, preferably at most 20, preferably at most 15, preferably at most 10, preferably at most 9, preferably at most 8, preferably at most 7, preferably at most 6, preferably at most 5, preferably at most 4, preferably at most 3, cultivation chambers.

[0019] The photobioreactor according to the invention preferably has a first end piece, a second end piece, n reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece, and n+1 cultivation chambers, where n > 1, preferably n > 2, preferably n > 3, preferably n > 4, preferably n > 5, preferably n > 6, preferably n > 7, preferably n > 8, preferably n > 9, preferably n > 10, preferably n > 15, preferably n > 20, preferably n > 25.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photobioreactor according to the invention has a first end piece, a second end piece, n reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece and n+1 cultivation chambers, where n < 50, preferably n < 45, preferably n < 40, preferably n < 35, preferably n < 30, preferably n < 25, preferably n < 20, preferably n < 15, preferably n < 14, preferably n < 13, preferably n < 12, preferably n < 11, preferably n < 10, preferably n < 9, preferably n < 8, preferably n < 7, preferably n < 6, preferably n < 5.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modularly constructed photobioreactor comprises a first end piece, a second end piece and n reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece, wherein the photobioreactor comprises n+1 cultivation chambers, wherein the n+1 cultivation chambers are formed by positively joining the two end pieces and the n reactor compartments, wherein the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor are in fluid communication with one another, wherein the two end pieces and the n reactor compartments each comprise at least one light source, and wherein n > 1, preferably n > 2, preferably > 3, preferably > 4, preferably n > 5, preferably > 6, preferably > 7, preferably n > 8, preferably > 9, preferably > 10, preferably n > 15, preferably n > 20, preferably n > 25.

[0022] Accordingly, the present invention relates in particular to a modularly constructed photobioreactor, comprising a first end piece, a second end piece and at least n reactor compartments arranged between the first end piece and the second end piece, wherein the photobioreactor comprises at least n+1 cultivation chambers, wherein the at least n+1 cultivation chambers are formed by positively joining the two end pieces and the n reactor compartments, wherein the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor are in fluid communication with one another, wherein the two end pieces and the n reactor compartments each comprise at least one light source, and wherein: n > 1, preferably > 2, preferably > 3, preferably > 4, preferably n > 5, preferably > 6, preferably > 7, preferably n > 8, preferably > 9, preferably > 10, preferably n > 15, preferably n > 20,preferably n According to a preferred embodiment, each of the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor has at least one upflow region, preferably at least two upflow regions, preferably at least three upflow regions, preferably at least four upflow regions.,

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, each of the cultivation chambers has at least one downstream area, preferably at least two downstream areas, preferably at least three downstream areas, preferably at least four downstream areas.

[0024] Preferably, each of the cultivation chambers has at least two upstream regions and at least two downstream regions.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one flow area of ​​the cultivation chambers is gassed.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the gassing of at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers takes place via a slotted or perforated membrane, in particular via a slotted or perforated silicone membrane. According to the invention, the gassing of at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers can also be provided via a porous plastic or ceramic element. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gassing of the upstream regions of the cultivation chambers takes place via a common gassing channel that runs in the footwell of the individual reactor compartments.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers is gassed with a gas mixture, in particular a CO2 / air mixture.

[0028] Preferably, the CCh content of the gas mixture, in particular of the CCh / air mixture, is at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, preferably at least 3%, preferably at least 4%, preferably at least 5%, preferably at least 6%, preferably at least 7%, preferably at least 8%, preferably at least 9%.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CCh content of the gas mixture, in particular of the CO2 / air mixture, is at most 10%, preferably at most 9%, preferably at most 8%, preferably at most 7%, preferably at most 6%, preferably at most 5%, preferably at most 4%, preferably at most 5%, preferably at most 4%, preferably at most 3%, preferably at most 2%, preferably at most 1%.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the CCh content of the gas mixture, in particular of the CCl / air mixture, is 0.5 to 10%, preferably 1 to 9%, preferably 2 to 8%, preferably 3 to 7%, preferably 4 to 6%.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the gassing rate is at least 0.01 vvm (vol. of gas per vol. of culture medium per min), preferably at least 0.025 vvm, preferably at least 0.05 vvm, preferably at least 0.1 vvm, preferably at least 0.2 vvm, preferably at least 0.3 wm, preferably at least 0.4 vvm, preferably at least 0.5 vvm, preferably at least 0.6 wm, preferably at least 0.7 vvm, preferably at least 0.8 vvm, preferably at least 0.9 wm, preferably at least 1 vvm.

[0032] The gassing rate is preferably at most 1 vvm (vol. gas per vol. culture medium per min), preferably at most 0.9 vvm, preferably at most 0.8 vvm, preferably at most 0.7 vvm, preferably at most 0.6 vvm, preferably at most 0.5 vvm, preferably at most 0.4 vvm, preferably at most 0.3 vvm, preferably at most 0.2 vvm, preferably at most 0.1 vvm, preferably at most 0.05 vvm.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gassing rate is 0.01 to 1 vvm (vol. of gas per vol. of culture medium per min), preferably 0.025 to 0.8 vvm, preferably 0.05 to 0.6 vvm, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 vvm, preferably 0.15 to 0.3 vvm.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas mixture, in particular the CO2 / air mixture, is recycled from the head region of the photobioreactor for renewed gassing of the at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers. Particularly preferably, the recycled gas mixture, in particular the CO2 / air mixture, is re-enriched with CO2 before renewed gassing.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one downstream region of a cultivation chamber opens into at least one upstream region of at least one adjacent cultivation chamber. Particularly preferably, the downstream region of a cultivation chamber opens via at least one channel into at least one upstream region of at least one adjacent cultivation chamber. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one channel connecting the downstream region of a cultivation chamber with the at least one upstream region of at least one adjacent cultivation chamber runs beneath the at least one light source of the reactor compartments.

[0036] By linking the at least one downstream area of ​​a cultivation chamber with the at least one upstream area of ​​at least one adjacent cultivation chamber, the cultivation volume is exchanged between the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular photobioreactor does not have a pump, in particular no pump for mixing the culture volume. Mixing of the culture volume preferably occurs without active pumping.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the mixing of the cultivation volume is carried out pneumatically, in particular by moving the cultivation volume through the upstream and downstream areas of the photobioreactor, in particular according to the airlift principle. By eliminating the need for actively pumping the cultivation volume, the photobioreactor according to the invention advantageously also allows the cultivation of shear-sensitive organisms, in particular shear-sensitive phototrophic microorganisms. Furthermore, the pneumatic mixing reduces the operating, maintenance, and repair costs of the photobioreactor, thus increasing its economic efficiency.

[0039] The fluid connection between the individual cultivation chambers advantageously enables mixing of the cultivation volume across all cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor. Particularly preferably, the mixing of the cultivation volume in the fluidically connected cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor is pneumatically driven, in particular according to the airlift principle, i.e., driven by the introduction of gas into the lower region of at least one upstream region of a cultivation chamber, which then rises in the form of gas bubbles and leads to a hydrostatic pressure difference, which in turn results in an upward flow of the cultivation volume.Since the at least one downstream region of a cultivation chamber is now fluidically connected to the at least one upstream region of at least one adjacent cultivation chamber, the cultivation volume flows from the at least one downstream region of the cultivation chamber into the upstream region of the at least one adjacent cultivation chamber, thus resulting in a mixing of the cultivation volume between the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor. This advantageously ensures a uniform supply of light and nutrients to cultivated phototrophic microorganisms and prevents the formation of local concentration gradients in certain areas of the photobioreactor.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one light source is an LED light, preferably a high-power LED lamp.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one light source comprises warm white LEDs and / or cool white LEDs, in particular equal proportions of warm white LEDs and cool white LEDs. The warm white LEDs preferably have a color temperature of 1500 to 4500 K, preferably 1750 to 3500 K, preferably 2000 to 3000 K. The cool white LEDs preferably have a color temperature of 4750 to 8000 K, preferably 5000 to 7000 K, preferably 5250 to 6000 K.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one light source comprises warm white LEDs and / or cool white LEDs and additionally blue LEDs and / or red LEDs. For example, the invention can provide for the at least one light source to comprise warm white LEDs, cool white LEDs, and red LEDs. Alternatively, the invention can also provide for the at least one light source to comprise warm white LEDs, cool white LEDs, and blue LEDs. Particularly preferably, the at least one light source comprises warm white LEDs, cool white LEDs, red LEDs, and blue LEDs.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the warm white LEDs, cold white LEDs, red LEDs and / or blue LEDs are installed on a common carrier, in particular on a common circuit board.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one light source comprises warm white LEDs, cool white LEDs, blue LEDs, and red LEDs arranged on a common carrier, in particular on a common circuit board, which can preferably be switched separately and together. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one light source comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 55%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 65%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 75%, white LEDs, in particular warm white and cool white LEDs. According to the invention, it can be provided that the ratio of warm white LEDs to cool white LEDs of the at least one light source is 50:50, preferably 55:45, preferably 60:40, preferably 65:35, preferably 70:30, preferably 75:25.Particularly preferably, the at least one light source comprises white LEDs, of which 50 to 80%, preferably 55 to 75%, preferably 60 to 70%, are warm white LEDs and 20 to 50%, preferably 25 to 45%, preferably 30 to 40%, are cold white LEDs.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one light source comprises 0 to 25% blue LEDs and 75 to 100% red LEDs. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of red LEDs to blue LEDs of the at least one light source is at least 1:3, preferably at least 1:4, preferably at least 1:5, preferably at least 1:6.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the luminous efficacy of the at least one light source is at least 150 lm / W (lumens per watt), preferably at least 175 lm / W, preferably at least 200 lm / W, preferably at least 210 lm / W, preferably at least 220 lm / W, preferably at least 230 lm / W, preferably at least 240 lm / W, preferably at least 250 lm / W.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the irradiance of the at least one light source is at least 50 W / m 2 (Watts per square meter), preferably at least 75 W / m 2 , preferably at least 100 W / m 2 , preferably at least 125 W / m 2 , preferably at least 150 W / m 2 , preferably at least 175 W / m 2 , preferably at least 200 W / m 2 , preferably at least 225 W / m 2 , preferably at least 250 W / m 2 , preferably at least 275 W / m 2 , preferably at least 300 W / m 2 , preferably at least 325 W / m 2, preferably at least 350 W / m 2 .

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the irradiance of the at least one light source is at most 400 W / m 2 (Watts per square meter), preferably not more than 375 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 350 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 325 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 300 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 275 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 250 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 225 W / m 2 , preferably not more than 200 W / m 2 . Particularly preferably, the irradiance of the at least one light source is 50 to 400 W / m 2 , preferably 100 to 350 W / m 2 , preferably 150 to 300 W / m 2 , preferably 175 to 275 W / m 2 , preferably 200 to 250 W / m 2 .

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one light source is part of an illumination plane arranged between two shell elements of a reactor compartment.

[0050] Preferably, the illumination plane comprising at least one light source and arranged between two shell elements of a reactor compartment radiates in two opposite directions. Particularly preferably, the illumination plane arranged between two shell elements of a reactor compartment comprises at least two light sources arranged back-to-back to each other and radiating in opposite directions. According to the invention, a cooling device can be arranged between the at least two light sources of an illumination plane.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the illumination plane has an area of ​​at least 0.5 m 2 , preferably at least 0.6 m 2, preferably at least 0.7 m 2 , preferably at least 0.8 m 2 , preferably at least 0.9 m 2 , preferably at least 1 m 2 , on.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one light source, in particular the at least one light source of the illumination plane arranged between two shell elements of a reactor compartment, has a distance of at most 5 cm, preferably at most 4.5 cm, preferably at most 4 cm, preferably at most 3.5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm, preferably at most 2.5 cm, preferably at most 2 cm, preferably at most 1.5 cm, preferably at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm, from the surface of the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor.

[0053] Preferably, the at least one light source, in particular the at least one light source of the illumination plane arranged between two shell elements of a reactor compartment, has a distance of at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 0.75 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, preferably at least 1.25 cm, preferably at least 1.5 cm, preferably at least 1.75 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, preferably at least 2.25 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, preferably at least 2.75 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, from the surface of the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor. Particularly preferably, the at least one light source, in particular the at least one light source of the illumination plane arranged between two shell elements of a reactor compartment, has a distance of 0.5 to 5 cm, 0.75 to 4 cm, preferably 1 to 3.5 cm, preferably 1.25 to 3 cm, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 cm, from the surface of the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one reactor compartment comprises two shell elements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one reactor compartment consists of two shell elements. The two shell elements of the at least one reactor compartment are preferably connected to one another in a back-to-back arrangement. Particularly preferably, an illumination plane comprising the at least one light source of the reactor compartment is arranged between the two shell elements.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, a reactor compartment of the photobioreactor according to the invention has two shell elements which are connected to one another in a back-to-back arrangement, wherein an illumination plane comprising the at least one light source of the reactor compartment is located between the two shell elements.

[0056] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two shell elements of the at least one reactor compartment are half-shells.

[0057] Particularly preferably, the two shell elements, in particular the two half-shells, of a reactor compartment are mirror-symmetrical to each other. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the mirror plane of the reactor compartment lies in the illumination plane arranged between the two shell elements.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the two shell elements, in particular the two half-shells, of a reactor compartment are not mirror-symmetrical to one another.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first end piece comprises a shell element, in particular a half-shell. Particularly preferably, the first end piece comprises a shell element, in particular a half-shell, and at least one light source. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second end piece comprises a shell element, in particular a half-shell. Particularly preferably, the second end piece comprises a shell element, in particular a half-shell, and at least one light source.

[0060] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second end pieces each comprise a shell element, in particular a half-shell. Particularly preferably, the first and second end pieces each comprise a shell element, in particular a half-shell, and at least one light source.

[0061] According to the invention, it can preferably be provided that in the assembled state of the modularly constructed photobioreactor, each of the two shell elements, preferably each of the two half-shells, of a reactor compartment forms a cultivation chamber with a shell element, preferably a half-shell, of a further reactor compartment or a shell element, preferably a half-shell, of an end piece.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cultivation chambers formed by the shell elements, preferably half-shells, are sealed by means of a circumferential seal.

[0063] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment arranged between the two end pieces, preferably the two end pieces and the n reactor compartments arranged between the two end pieces, are arranged horizontally next to one another. Particularly preferably, the at least two cultivation chambers, in particular the n+1 cultivation chambers, are arranged horizontally next to one another.

[0064] Preferably, the photobioreactor according to the invention comprises, in addition to the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment, in particular in addition to the two end pieces and the at least n reactor compartments, two end-mounted cover plates. Particularly preferably, the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment, in particular the two end pieces and the at least n reactor compartments, are arranged horizontally next to one another and are pressed together via the end-mounted cover plates. In a preferred embodiment, the pressing together of the end pieces and the reactor compartments arranged next to one another between the first and second end pieces takes place hydraulically or by screwing, preferably via end-mounted cover plates.

[0065] By pressing together the end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first and second end pieces, a closed reactor chamber is formed that is separated from the environment. The force exerted on the end pieces, preferably the force exerted on the end pieces by the cover plates, corresponds at least to the spring return force of all reactor compartments and both end pieces.

[0066] Preferably, the at least one reactor compartment of the photobioreactor according to the invention has a height of at least 0.25 m, preferably at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.75 m, preferably at least 1 m, preferably at least 1.25 m, preferably at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 1.75 m, preferably at least 2 m.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one reactor compartment of the photobioreactor according to the invention has a height of at most 5 m, preferably at most 4.5 m, preferably at most 4 m, preferably at most 3.5 m, preferably at most 3 m, preferably at most 2.5 m, preferably at most 2 m, preferably at most 1.5 m.

[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one reactor compartment has a height of 0.25 to 5 m, preferably 0.5 to 4.5 m, preferably 0.75 to 4 m, preferably 1 to 3.5 m, preferably 1.25 to 3 m, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 m.

[0069] Preferably, the first and second end pieces of the photobioreactor according to the invention have a height of at least 0.25 m, preferably at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.75 m, preferably at least 1 m, preferably at least 1.25 m, preferably at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 1.75 m, preferably at least 2 m.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second end pieces of the photobioreactor according to the invention have a height of at most 5 m, preferably at most 4.5 m, preferably at most 4 m, preferably at most 3.5 m, preferably at most 3 m, preferably at most 2.5 m, preferably at most 2 m, preferably at most 1.5 m. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second end pieces of the photobioreactor according to the invention have a height of 0.25 to 5 m, preferably 0.5 to 4.5 m, preferably 0.75 to 4 m, preferably 1 to 3.5 m, preferably 1.25 to 3 m, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 m.

[0071] Preferably, the at least one reactor compartment of the photobioreactor according to the invention has a width of at least 0.25 m, preferably at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.75 m, preferably at least 1 m, preferably at least 1.25 m, preferably at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 1.75 m, preferably at least 2 m.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one reactor compartment of the photobioreactor according to the invention has a width of at most 5 m, preferably at most 4.5 m, preferably at most 4 m, preferably at most 3.5 m, preferably at most 3 m, preferably at most 2.5 m, preferably at most 2 m, preferably at most 1.5 m.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one reactor compartment has a width of 0.25 to 5 m, preferably 0.5 to 4.5 m, preferably 0.75 to 4 m, preferably 1 to 3.5 m, preferably 1.25 to 3 m, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 m.

[0074] Preferably, the first and second end pieces of the photobioreactor according to the invention have a width of at least 0.25 m, preferably at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.75 m, preferably at least 1 m, preferably at least 1.25 m, preferably at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 1.75 m, preferably at least 2 m.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second end pieces of the photobioreactor according to the invention have a width of at most 5 m, preferably at most 4.5 m, preferably at most 4 m, preferably at most 3.5 m, preferably at most 3 m, preferably at most 2.5 m, preferably at most 2 m, preferably at most 1.5 m.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second end pieces of the photobioreactor according to the invention have a width of 0.25 to 5 m, preferably 0.5 to 4.5 m, preferably 0.75 to 4 m, preferably 1 to 3.5 m, preferably 1.25 to 3 m, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 m. Particularly preferably, the cultivation chambers, in particular the cultivation chambers formed by the two end pieces and the reactor compartments arranged between the first and second end pieces, have a maximum chamber depth, in particular maximum layer thickness, of at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, preferably at least 1.5 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, preferably at least 4.5 cm, preferably at least 5 cm.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cultivation chambers, in particular the cultivation chambers formed by the two end pieces and the reactor compartments arranged between the first and second end pieces, have a maximum chamber depth, in particular maximum layer thickness, of at most 10 cm, preferably at most 9 cm, preferably at most 8 cm, preferably at most 7 cm, preferably at most 6 cm, preferably at most 5 cm, preferably at most 4.5 cm, preferably at most 4 cm, preferably at most 3.5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm, preferably at most 2.5 cm, preferably at most 2 cm, preferably at most 1.5 cm.

[0078] Particularly preferably, the cultivation chambers, in particular the cultivation chambers formed by the two end pieces and the reactor compartments arranged between the first and second end pieces, have a non-uniform chamber depth, in particular a non-uniform layer thickness, in the range of 0.5 to 10 cm, preferably 0.5 to 7.5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 5 cm, preferably 1 to 4.5 cm, preferably 1 to 4 cm, preferably 1.5 to 3.5 cm, preferably 1.5 to 3 cm.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cultivation chambers, in particular the cultivation chambers formed by the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first and second end pieces, each have a volume of at least 5 liters, preferably at least 10 liters, preferably at least 20 liters, preferably at least 30 liters, preferably at least 40 liters, preferably at least 50 liters, preferably at least 75 liters, preferably at least 100 liters, preferably at least 150 liters, preferably at least 200 liters, preferably at least 250 liters, preferably at least 500 liters, preferably at least 750 liters, preferably at least 1000 liters, preferably at least 1500 liters, preferably at least 2000 liters, preferably at least 2500 liters, preferably at least 3000 liters, preferably at least 3500 liters, preferably at least 4000 liters, preferably at least 5000 liters.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the cultivation chambers, in particular the cultivation chambers formed by the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first and second end pieces, each have a volume of at most 20,000 liters, preferably at most 15,000 liters, preferably at most 10,000 liters, preferably at most 7,500 liters, preferably at most 5,000 liters, preferably at most 4,000 liters, preferably at most 3,000 liters, preferably at most 2,500 liters, preferably at most 2,000 liters, preferably at most 1,500 liters, preferably at most 1,000 liters, preferably at most 750 liters, preferably at most 500 liters, preferably at most 400 liters, preferably at most 300 liters, preferably at most 200 liters, preferably at most 150 liters, preferably at most 100 liters, preferably at most 50 liters.

[0081] Particularly preferably, the cultivation chambers, in particular the cultivation chambers formed by the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first and second end pieces, each have a volume of 5 to 20,000 liters, preferably 5 to 10,000 liters, preferably 10 to 7,500 liters, preferably 10 to 5,000 liters, preferably 20 to 2,500 liters, preferably 20 to 1,000 liters, preferably 30 to 500 liters, preferably 30 to 250 liters.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment, the photobioreactor according to the invention has a total volume of at least 100 liters, preferably at least 150 liters, preferably at least 200 liters, preferably at least 250 liters, preferably at least 300 liters, preferably at least 350 liters, preferably at least 400 liters, preferably at least 450 liters, preferably at least 500 liters, preferably at least 750 liters, preferably at least 1000 liters, preferably at least 2500 liters, preferably at least 5000 liters, preferably at least 7500 liters, preferably at least 10000 liters.

[0083] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cultivation chambers formed by shell elements, in particular by the half-shells, of the reactor compartments are segmented. Particularly preferably, the at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers formed by the shell elements, in particular by the half-shells, of the reactor compartments is segmented.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reactor compartments, in particular the shell elements, preferably the half-shells, of the reactor compartments, have a horizontal segmentation in the at least one upstream region, in particular a horizontal segmentation in the form of reactor half-shells arranged horizontally one above the other.

[0085] Particularly preferably, static mixers are formed in the at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers by the horizontal segmentation of the shell elements, preferably the half-shells, of the reactor compartments, in particular the horizontal segmentation in the form of reactor half-shells arranged horizontally one above the other, in the assembled state of the photobioreactor.

[0086] Preferably, the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor, in particular the at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers, have at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least

[0087] 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 15, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 25, preferably at least 30, preferably at least 35, preferably at least 40, preferably at least 45, preferably at least 50, preferably at least 55, preferably at least 60, static mixers, in particular static mixers arranged one above the other.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor, in particular the at least one upstream region of the cultivation chambers, have at most 100, preferably at most 90, preferably at most 80, preferably at most 70, preferably at most 60, preferably at most 50, preferably at most 40, preferably at most 35, preferably at most 30, preferably at most 25, preferably at most 20, preferably at most 15, preferably at most 10, preferably at most 9, preferably at most

[0089] 8, preferably at most 7, preferably at most 6, preferably at most 5, static mixers, in particular static mixers arranged one above the other.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a method for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms, comprising the steps: a) providing a culture medium comprising at least one phototrophic microorganism, b) providing a modular photobioreactor according to the invention, c) cultivating the at least one phototrophic microorganism in the modular photobioreactor according to the invention.

[0091] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a modular photobioreactor according to the invention for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms.

[0092] The embodiments described in connection with the modular photobioreactor according to the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to the method according to the invention for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms and the use according to the invention of the modular photobioreactor for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms.

[0093] According to the invention, the term "modular photobioreactor" refers to a bioreactor suitable for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms, which is characterized by the fact that the bioreactor is constructed from several components, in particular two end pieces and at least one reactor compartment arranged between the two end pieces, and can be scaled according to the requirements by removing or adding individual components, in particular individual reactor compartments. The "modular design" of the photobioreactor according to the invention not only allows for scalability of the reactor volume but also allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the photobioreactor for maintenance and repair purposes.In particular, the "modularly constructed photobioreactor" according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a first and a second end piece, between which individual reactor compartments can be arranged. By positively joining the two end pieces with the individual reactor compartments arranged therebetween, cultivation chambers are formed which are in fluid communication with one another, so that the total volume of the photobioreactor can be scaled by the number of reactor compartments arranged between the two end pieces. In the context of the present invention, the term "cultivation chamber" is used for a demarcated space defined by walls within the modularly constructed photobioreactor according to the invention, which has a volume suitable for receiving culture medium and for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms present in the culture medium.The individual "cultivation chambers" of the photobioreactor according to the invention are preferably characterized in that they are formed by the positive joining of the two end pieces and the at least one reactor compartment. Particularly preferably, the "cultivation chambers" have at least one upstream region and at least one downstream region.

[0094] A "reactor compartment" refers to a component of the modular photobioreactor according to the invention, which, together with another "reactor compartment" and / or an end piece of the photobioreactor, forms at least one cultivation chamber by positively joining it together. A reactor compartment particularly preferably comprises two shell elements, in particular two half-shells, arranged back-to-back and connected to one another.

[0095] According to the invention, the term “riser” refers to a definable area of ​​a cultivation chamber within which introduced gas and culture medium in the cultivation chamber are transported vertically upwards.

[0096] According to the invention, the term “downcomer” refers to a definable area of ​​a cultivation chamber within which culture medium located in the cultivation chamber is transported vertically downwards.

[0097] According to the invention, the term “warm white LED” refers to a light-emitting diode which emits visible light with a colour temperature in the range of 1500 to 4500 K, preferably 1750 to 3500 K, preferably 2000 to 3000 K, when electrical current flows in the forward direction.

[0098] The term "cold white LED" is used according to the invention for a light-emitting diode that emits visible light with a color temperature in the range of 4750 to 8000 K, preferably 5000 to 7000 K, preferably 5250 to 6000 K, when electric current flows in the forward direction. TI

[0099] In the context of the present invention, the term “blue LED” is understood to mean a light-emitting diode which emits visible light having a wavelength in the range of 400 to 500 nm, preferably 410 to 490 nm, preferably 420 to 480 nm, preferably 430 to 470 nm, when electrical current flows in the forward direction.

[0100] According to the invention, a “red LED” is understood to mean a light-emitting diode which emits visible light having a wavelength in the range from 600 to 700 nm, preferably 610 to 690 nm, preferably 620 to 680 nm, preferably 630 to 670 nm, when electrical current flows in the forward direction.

[0101] In the context of the present invention, the terms "comprising" and "having" are understood to mean that, in addition to the elements explicitly encompassed by these terms, further, not explicitly mentioned elements may be present. In the context of the present invention, these terms are also understood to mean that only the explicitly mentioned elements are encompassed and no further elements are present. In this particular embodiment, the meaning of the terms "comprising" and "having" is synonymous with the term "consisting of."

[0102] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" also encompass compositions that, in addition to the explicitly mentioned elements, also contain other unmentioned elements that are, however, of a functionally and qualitatively subordinate nature. In this embodiment, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are synonymous with the term "consisting essentially of."

[0103] In the context of the present invention, the term "and / or" means that all members of a group linked by the term "and / or" are disclosed both alternatively to one another and cumulatively among themselves in any combination. For the expression "A, B and / or C," this means that the following disclosure content is to be understood: a) A or B or C or b) (A and B) or c) (A and C) or d) (B and C) or e) (A and B and C).

[0104] If the first and second decimal places or the second decimal place are not specified in connection with the present invention, they are to be set as 0. Further preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0105] The invention is illustrated below with reference to figures without limiting the general inventive concept.

[0106] This shows

[0107] Figure 1A shows a plan view of a modular photobioreactor (1) according to the invention, comprising two end pieces (2), (5) and two reactor compartments (3), (4) in the unassembled state. Each of the reactor compartments (3), (4) has two shell elements (3a, 3b), (4a, 4b) that are connected to one another in a back-to-back arrangement and can be positively connected to the shell elements (2a), (5a) of the end pieces (2), (5).

[0108] Figure 1B shows a top view of a modular photobioreactor according to the invention in the assembled state. Each of the reactor compartments (3), (4) has two shell elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) arranged back-to-back. The positive connection of the shell element (2a) of the first end piece (2) with the one shell element (3a) of the reactor compartment (3) creates the cultivation chamber (10), which has two upstream regions (7a, 7b) and three downstream regions (6a, 6b, 6c). In the assembled state of the photobioreactor (1), the cultivation chamber (20) is formed between the second shell element (3b) of the reactor compartment (3) and a shell element (4a) of the reactor compartment (4), which comprises three upstream areas (7c, 7d, 7e) and two downstream areas (6d, 6e).A further cultivation chamber (30) with two upstream regions (7f, 7g) and three downstream regions (6f, 6g, 6h) is formed by positively connecting the second shell element (4b) of the reactor compartment (4) to the shell element (5a) of the second end piece (5). The arrows indicate the flow direction of the culture volume from the downstream regions (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h) of the cultivation chambers (10, 20, 30) of the photobioreactor (1) to the upstream regions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g) of the adjacent cultivation chamber(s). The reactor compartments (3, 4) each have an illumination plane (8) comprising at least one light source arranged between the shell elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b).

[0109] Figure 2 shows the front view of a modular photobioreactor (1) according to the invention. In the foreground, a first cultivation chamber with three downstream flow zones (6a, 6b, 6c) and two upstream flow zones (7a, 7b) is shown. In the background, two downstream flow zones (6d, 6e) of the next cultivation chamber are illustrated in dashed lines. The arrows indicate the flow direction of the culture volume. From the downstream flow zones (6d, 6e), the culture volume flows to the upstream flow zones (7a, 7b) of the cultivation chamber shown in the foreground.

[0110] Figure 3 shows sections of a reactor compartment along the section planes AA and BB of Figure 2. The section along the section plane AA (left) shows that the upstream region (7) of the reactor compartment shown has stacked static mixers (12) in the form of horizontally extending reactor half-shells. An illumination plane (8) comprising at least one light source is arranged between the two shell elements of the reactor compartment. To seal the cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor, each of the shell elements of a reactor compartment can comprise a circumferential seal (11).

[0111] The section along section plane BB (right) shows the downstream flow region (6) of a reactor compartment. The culture volume is transported vertically downstream through the downstream flow region (6) of the cultivation chamber, passes beneath the illumination plane (8), which is located between the two shell elements of the reactor compartment shown, and finally flows into the upstream flow region of the adjacent cultivation chamber.

[0112] Figure 4 shows a section through the upflow regions (7) of three cultivation chambers (10, 20, 30) arranged side by side, which are formed by the positive joining of a first end piece (2), two reactor compartments (3, 4), and a second end piece (5). The two end pieces (2, 5) and the two reactor compartments (3, 4) each have an illumination plane (8) comprising at least one light source arranged between the shell elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of the reactor compartments (3, 4) or on the shell elements (2a, 5a) of the two end pieces (2, 5). The two end pieces (2, 5) and the two reactor compartments (3, 4) arranged therebetween of the photobioreactor (1) shown are pressed together by the force F exerted on the two end pieces (2, 5).Disassembly of the modular photobioreactor or the installation or removal of individual reactor compartments is possible in a simple manner by releasing the force F exerted on the two end pieces (2, 5). List of reference symbols.

[0113] 1 photobioreactor

[0114] 2 first end piece

[0115] 2a Half shell of the first end piece

[0116] 3 first reactor compartment

[0117] 3a first half shell of the first reactor compartment

[0118] 3b second half shell of the first reactor compartment

[0119] 4 second reactor compartment

[0120] 4a first half shell of the second reactor compartment

[0121] 4b second half shell of the second reactor compartment

[0122] 5 second end piece

[0123] 5a Half shell of the second end piece

[0124] 6 From current range

[0125] 6a-6h From current ranges

[0126] 7 Upstream area

[0127] 7a-7g upflow areas

[0128] 8 lighting levels

[0129] 10 first cultivation chamber

[0130] 11 Seal

[0131] 12 static mixers

[0132] 20 second cultivation chamber

[0133] 30 third cultivation chamber

[0134] AA Sectional plane through the upstream area of ​​a reactor compartment

[0135] BB Section plane through the Ab flow area of ​​a reactor compartment

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Modular photobioreactor (1) comprising a first end piece (2), a second end piece (5) and at least one reactor compartment arranged between the first end piece (2) and the second end piece (5), wherein the photobioreactor comprises at least two cultivation chambers, wherein the at least two cultivation chambers are formed by positively interlocking the two end pieces (2, 5) and the at least one reactor compartment, wherein the individual cultivation chambers of the photobioreactor (1) are in fluid communication with each other and wherein the two end pieces (2, 5) and the at least one reactor compartment each comprise at least one light source, characterized in that the at least one reactor compartment has two shell elements which are connected to each other in a back-to-back arrangement.

2. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the first end piece (2) with the at least one reactor compartment and a second cultivation chamber is formed by positively joining the second end piece (5) with the at least one reactor compartment.

3. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each of the cultivation chambers has at least one off current range (6) and at least one up current range (7).

4. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one downstream area (6) of a cultivation chamber opens into at least one upstream area (7) of at least one adjacent cultivation chamber.

5. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light source is an LED light.

6. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an illumination plane (8) comprising at least one light source of the reactor compartment is located between the two shell elements.

7. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two end pieces (2, 5) and the at least one reactor compartment are arranged horizontally next to each other and are pressed together by end cover plates.

8. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one reactor compartment has a height of 0.5 to 4 m, preferably 1 to 3 m.

9. Modular photobioreactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one reactor compartment has a width of 0.5 to 4 m, preferably 1 to 3 m.

10. Method for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms, comprising the steps of: a) providing a culture medium comprising at least one phototrophic microorganism, b) providing a modular photobioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, c) cultivating the at least one phototrophic microorganism in the modular photobioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Use of a modular photobioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms.

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