Seaweed cultivation system

Abstract

Various embodiments relate to a cultivation system configured to capture, retain, and maintain viability of spores, and more particularly to a cultivation system having a growth medium that provides effective capture, attachment, and growth of seaweed while also having anti-biofouling properties. The cultivation system can include a growth medium having a roughened surface supported by a support structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 597,196, filed November 8, 2023, and the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 424,326, filed November 10, 2022, which applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] Field The present disclosure relates generally to cultivation systems, and more particularly to a seaweed cultivation system configured for improved capture and seeding. [Background technology]

[0003] background Current methods for cultivating seaweed from spores involve the use of textured nylon "culture strings" or "seeding strings," to which spores weakly attach during a laboratory-based seeding process prior to installation in a seaweed farm. The culture strings, containing weakly attached juvenile seaweed (gametophytes and sporophytes), are wound onto ropes at the seaweed farm, which are then unrolled and placed in water. This method is inherently unstable in terms of yield and processability due to low initial seeding rates on the culture strings, loss of weakly attached seaweed spores and juvenile plants, and biofouling (contamination of the seed strings by undesirable seaweed species and other organisms). The final density of mature, still-attached sporophytes is often one-tenth of the initial seeding density. This low density is observed even when commercially available binders or bioglues are used to improve spore capture and retention on the culture strings. Furthermore, traditional culture strings are made from tightly twisted three-ply yarns of natural or synthetic materials.

[0004] Biofouling can significantly reduce seaweed growth and yield. Even effective anti-biofouling materials (smooth, low-friction films) can reduce seaweed growth and yield due to poor adhesion between these substrates and mature seaweed. Anti-biofouling materials have also traditionally demonstrated low capture of spores and juvenile seaweed during initial seeding of culture strings. Other factors affecting yield and throughput include the susceptibility of seaweed to damage caused by water currents, temperature changes, and nutrient availability. Furthermore, improper packaging and handling can lead to damage and loss of juvenile seaweed, which is weakly attached to the culture string. There is a need for a substrate that allows for effective capture, attachment, and growth of seaweed while also possessing effective anti-biofouling properties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Abstract Various embodiments relate to a cultivation system configured to capture, retain, and maintain viability of spores, and more particularly to a cultivation system with a growth medium that provides effective capture, attachment, and growth of seaweed while also having anti-biofouling properties. The cultivation system can include a growth medium having a roughened surface supported by a support structure.

[0006] According to one example ("Example 1"), a seaweed cultivation system for use in an aquatic environment is disclosed, the system including a support structure and a microporous growth medium supported by the support structure, the microporous growth medium having a capture surface.

[0007] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally has a surface roughness with an average Ra value in the range of 1.0 μm to 50 μm, inclusive.

[0008] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally has a surface roughness with an average Ra value in the range of 2.5 μm to 20 μm, inclusive.

[0009] According to various examples, the capture surface of the microporous growth medium optionally has a bubble point in the range of 0.1 psi to 3.0 psi, inclusive.

[0010] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium optionally has a plurality of openings distributed across at least a portion of the capture surface, the plurality of openings optionally defining an average opening size between 5 microns and 200 microns, inclusive, the plurality of openings optionally defining an average opening size between 20 microns and 100 microns, inclusive.

[0011] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium optionally has a porosity of between 50% and 90%, inclusive.

[0012] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium is optionally a polymer. The polymer optionally forms a membrane. The polymer optionally is an expanded polymer that defines spaces between polymer elements. The polymer is optionally selected from the group consisting of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and expanded polyethylene (ePE). The polymer is optionally ePE.

[0013] According to various examples, the support structure and the growth medium optionally together form a composite, wherein the support structure of the composite is optionally a polymer, and the support structure optionally comprises a polymer different from the microporous growth medium polymer.

[0014] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally does not include an adhesive, bioglue, or binder.

[0015] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium is optionally formed as a yarn, rope, or braid.

[0016] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium is optionally braided, twisted, knitted or interwoven with the support structure.

[0017] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally has a surface energy of less than 35 dynes / cm.

[0018] According to various examples, the seaweed cultivation system optionally includes a plurality of immature seaweed plants engaged with a capture surface. The plurality of immature seaweed plants optionally include seaweed spores, gametophytes, sporophytes, propagules, or fragmented seaweed plants. The genus of the engaged immature seaweed plants is optionally selected from the group including Palmaria, Porphyra, Saccharina, Neopyropia, Grassillaria, Kelp, and Asparagopsis. The engaged immature seaweed plants are optionally of the genus Palmaria.

[0019] According to various examples, the plurality of immature seaweed plants optionally define a first portion of immature seaweed plants that engage the capture surface during an initial seeding process and are securely captured by the capture surface, and a second portion of immature seaweed plants that are temporarily captured by the capture surface until exposed to a water current. Optionally, more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are in the first portion that are retained after exposure to a water current. The water current is optionally generated by exposing the immature seaweed plants to a flume process immediately after completion of initial seeding. The percentage of retained immature seaweed plants is optionally identifiable immediately after the flume process.

[0020] According to various examples, the plurality of immature seaweed plants optionally define a first portion of immature seaweed plants that engage and are securely captured by the capture surface during the initial seeding process, and a second portion of immature seaweed plants that are temporarily attached to the capture surface until subjected to an incubation period. Optionally, more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are in the first portion that are retained after completion of the incubation period, which optionally occurs about two weeks after initial seeding. The percentage of retained immature seaweed plants can optionally be determined at the end of the incubation period.

[0021] According to various examples, the plurality of immature seaweed plants optionally engage the capture surface during an initial seeding process, followed by an incubation period to define a first portion of immature seaweed plants that are securely captured on the capture surface, and a second portion of immature seaweed plants that are temporarily captured on the capture surface until they are submerged in a mariculture environment. Optionally, more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are retained in the first portion after submersion in a mariculture environment. Submersion in a mariculture environment optionally occurs about four weeks after initial seeding. The proportion of retained immature seaweed plants is optionally identifiable during submersion in a mariculture environment. Submersion in a mariculture environment optionally occurs about four weeks after initial seeding. The proportion of remaining immature seaweed plants is optionally identifiable during harvest from the mariculture environment.

[0022] According to various examples, retained immature seaweed plants are optionally retained by selectively adhering onto intentionally differentiated surface textures.

[0023] According to various examples, there is provided a twisted rope for use in seaweed cultivation, the twisted rope having a rope axis and a rope axial length, the rope including a first yarn and a second yarn, the first yarn including a first growth fiber and a first strength fiber, the first growth fiber and the first strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted together to define a first left-handed twist fiber-to-fiber engagement, the second yarn including a second growth fiber and a second strength fiber, the second growth fiber and the second strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted together to define a second left-handed twist fiber-to-fiber engagement, the first yarn and the second yarn being axially aligned and twisted together to define a right-handed twist yarn-to-yarn engagement, the first left-handed twist fiber-to-fiber engagement. In this case, the first strength fibers and first growth fibers are arranged to define a first line of contact along the rope axial length, one fiber repeatedly contacting the other fiber, and the first line of contact further defines adjacent portions of the first strength fibers and the first growth fibers in an angular relationship to each other to define a first groove in the first yarn; and in the second left-handed fiber-to-fiber engagement, the second strength fibers and the second growth fibers are arranged to define a second line of contact along the rope axial length, one fiber repeatedly contacting the other fiber, and the second line of contact further defines adjacent portions of the second strength fibers and the second growth fibers in an angular relationship to each other to define a second groove in the second yarn.

[0024] According to various examples, the first growth fibers and the second growth fibers are expanded polyethylene.

[0025] According to various examples, the stranded rope having the first and second growth fibers is monofilament polypropylene.

[0026] According to various examples, a stranded rope having capture promoting fibers may be included in the first yarn, the second yarn, or both the first yarn and the second yarn.

[0027] According to various examples, the twisted rope comprises spun polyester acquisition promoting fibers.

[0028] According to various examples, a seaweed cultivation system includes a twisted rope formed from twisted yarns including growth fibers and strength fibers.

[0029] According to various examples, a seaweed cultivation system including the twisted rope, wherein a plurality of immature seaweed plants engage first and second grooves along the length of the twisted rope during an initial seeding process.

[0030] According to various examples, the stranded ropes are knotted together to form a net in a seaweed cultivation system.

[0031] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting or narrowing the scope of the inventive concepts otherwise provided by this disclosure. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative examples. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating embodiments and, together with the description, serving to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a color photographic image showing an embodiment of the present disclosure in which a growth medium membrane is wrapped around a support structure, with the support structure partially exposed.

[0034] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an SEM image showing an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the growth medium membrane is fully wrapped around the support structure, and the image is displayed at a magnification of 32x with the scale indicated in the image.

[0035] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an SEM image showing a close-up of the embodiment of FIG. 2, shown at 70x magnification with the scale indicated in the image.

[0036] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a color photographic image showing an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the growth medium is twisted together with the support structure to form a twisted strand.

[0037] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a color image showing the surface topography of a first sample of a growth medium of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image being displayed at 150x magnification with pseudocolor showing variations in the surface topography as indicated by the axes and scale displayed in the image.

[0038] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a color image showing the surface topography of a second sample of a growth medium of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image being displayed at 150x magnification with pseudocolor showing variations in surface topography as indicated by the axes and scale displayed in the image.

[0039] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a color image showing the surface topography of a third sample of a growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image being displayed at 150x magnification with pseudocolor showing variations in the surface topography as indicated by the axes and scale displayed in the image.

[0040] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a color graph representation of the overall profile and roughness profile of the surface topography of FIG. 5 taken horizontally relative to the image of FIG.

[0041] [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the overall profile and roughness profile of the surface topography of FIG. 6 taken horizontally relative to the image of FIG.

[0042] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of the overall profile and roughness profile of the surface topography of FIG. 7 taken horizontally relative to the image of FIG.

[0043] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a color microscope image of propagules of Palmaria palmata.

[0044] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an SEM image of a first sample of a growth medium of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image being shown to the scale indicated in the image.

[0045] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an SEM image of a second sample of a growth medium of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image being shown to the scale indicated in the image.

[0046] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an SEM image of a third sample of a growth medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the image being shown to the scale indicated in the image.

[0047] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a color photographic image of a false-colored growth medium surface showing the capture and distribution of immature seaweed plants on a first sample of a growth medium of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a color photographic image of a false-colored growth medium surface showing the capture and distribution of immature seaweed plants on a second sample of a growth medium of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a color photographic image of a false-colored growth medium surface showing the capture and distribution of immature seaweed plants on a third sample of a growth medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a color photographic image showing the capture and distribution of immature seaweed plants in a portion of a growth medium having selectively increased surface roughness compared to a portion of the growth medium having a relatively smooth surface roughness.

[0051] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a color photographic image of a stranded rope embodiment of the present invention formed by loosely twisting strength fibers (shown in black) and growth fibers (shown in white).

[0052] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a color photographic image of a net formed from a twisted rope embodiment of the present invention formed by loose twisting of strength fibers (shown in black) and growth fibers (shown in white). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Detailed Description Definitions and Terminology The present disclosure should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, the terms used in this application should be interpreted broadly in accordance with the meaning that a person skilled in the art would give to such terms.

[0054] With respect to terms related to imprecision, the terms "about" and "approximately" may be used interchangeably to refer to measurements including the stated measurement and any measurement reasonably close to the stated measurement. A measurement reasonably close to the stated measurement deviates from the stated measurement by a reasonably small amount, as understood and readily ascertainable by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Such deviations may result from, for example, measurement error, differences in the calibration of measuring and / or manufacturing equipment, human error in reading and / or setting measurements, fine-tuning made to optimize performance and / or structural parameters to account for variations in measurements associated with other components, specific mounting scenarios, imprecise adjustment and / or manipulation of objects by humans or machines, and / or the like. If it is determined that the value of such a reasonably small difference would not be readily ascertainable by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the terms "about" and "approximately" may be understood to mean ±10% of the stated value.

[0055] Description of Various Embodiments Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented by any number of methods and apparatus configured to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings referred to herein are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawings should not be construed as limiting.

[0056] The present disclosure relates to a cultivation system including a growth medium. The growth medium is used for holding, cultivating, and / or growing seaweed, and related methods and apparatus. In some embodiments, the cultivation system is operable to cultivate seaweed in an open water environment. In this disclosure, the growth medium is also referred to as a growth fiber when referring to the physical form of the growth medium. The terms growth medium and growth fiber are used interchangeably herein.

[0057] Cultivation systems according to the present disclosure can be used for spore culture and growth, as well as the transport and deposition of spores and / or gametophytes / sporophytes and / or fragmented seaweed material. In certain embodiments, the growth media described herein can be used as an improved growth substrate for the growth and cultivation of seaweed forms (e.g., spores, gametophytes, sporophytes, fragmented seaweed material), resulting in increased yields and throughput compared to current cultivation methods.

[0058] Entrapment is the initial containment of seaweed bodies within the growth medium after initial seeding. Entrapment is related to final biomass yield depending on initial seed density, seed uniformity, and seed spacing after transplantation. The primary function of entrapment is to provide protection, i.e., resistance, against loss of seaweed bodies due to detachment until sufficient stability is achieved for attachment, i.e., colonization, to initiate healthy plant growth.

[0059] Seaweed density and spacing are related to optimal growth and ultimate biomass yield; seaweed that is too dense or located in densely packed areas is less likely to attach and / or grow due to resource competition with surrounding plants.

[0060] Anchorages are root-like structures at the base of seaweed that anchor the seaweed to a substrate, such as a rock. The shape and structure of anchorages vary depending on the species. The type of substrate can also affect the shape and structure of the anchorage. Seaweed anchorages are different from the roots of terrestrial plants because they do not have a nutrient absorption function and only function as an anchor.

[0061] Effective biofouling protection is related to optimal growth and ultimate biomass yield by providing protection from predators and / or parasites to provide the target plants with the ability to thrive, along with resource conservation for the target plants. Effective biofouling protection also supports the harvest of the target plants rather than the unintended harvest of other species.

[0062] Surface energy describes the surface of a given substrate material in a way that corresponds to its level of biofouling resistance. For example, the adhesion between fouling (e.g., epiphytes) present throughout seaweed cultivation on a growth medium depends on the surface energy of the substrate. Contaminants on substrates with high surface energy, i.e., hydrophilic materials, wet the surface and form strong bonds, i.e., biofouling. In contrast, materials with low surface energy, i.e., hydrophobic materials, resist wetting by foulants, resulting in much weaker adhesion between the foulants and the growth medium. Therefore, these materials are considered biofouling-resistant. However, materials that are biofouling-resistant due to low surface energy also show low capture rates of seaweed spores and immature seaweed plants during the seeding process, limiting the potential improvement in seaweed cultivation yield despite reduced biofouling.

[0063] In some embodiments, a plurality of seaweed spores are seeded onto a growth medium, and the spores captured in the growth medium by entrapment are allowed to develop into young seedlings. In other embodiments, a plurality of young seedlings (e.g., sporophytes and / or gametophytes) are seeded onto the growth medium. In yet other embodiments, fragmented seaweed material is seeded onto the growth medium. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "immature seaweed plant" refers to various forms and developmental stages of the seaweed plant used to seed the growth medium, including seaweed spores, sporophytes, gametophytes, propagules, and fragmented seaweed material. The plurality of seaweed spores and / or young seaweed and / or fragmented seaweed material can all be of the same species, or two or more different species. In some embodiments, two different seaweed species exhibit a symbiotic relationship when cultured or grown together. In some embodiments, the genera and / or varieties of seeded seaweed may include, for example, one or more of Palmaria, Porphyra, Saccharina, Neopyropia, Gracilaria, Asparagopsis, kelp, and various red, green, and / or brown algae.

[0064] In addition to retaining seaweed through entrapment, the cultivation systems and substrates of the present disclosure can promote germination and growth of seeded seaweed spores, as well as the growth of juvenile and mature seaweed. The growth medium can, for example, create a microenvironment that promotes germination and growth from seeded seaweed spores and immature seaweed plants, as well as the growth of juvenile and mature seaweed.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the growth medium provides a selective nanostructure that promotes capture and / or settlement formation, and subsequent growth, of one or more target seaweed species, while inhibiting or preventing the attachment or growth of non-target species or other organisms. That is, the microstructure of the growth medium supports the capture, attachment, and growth of seaweed species while inhibiting biofouling. In some embodiments, when biofouling species (e.g., non-target species or other organisms) attach to the growth medium, the attachment is weaker than that of the target seaweed species, and the biofouling species can be removed, for example, by rinsing. In such embodiments, physical removal of the biofouling species does not result in significant removal of the target species.

[0066] In some embodiments, the growth medium promotes rapid and healthy growth of the target species, allowing the target species to produce and secrete natural antifouling compounds before biofouling species can establish on the growth medium. Thus, the target species contributes to biofouling prevention in addition to the growth medium itself.

[0067] Good capture and attachment are important for the successful cultivation of seaweed harvests, and immature and juvenile seaweed plants must be firmly captured and attached to avoid detachment from the growth medium during exposure to the harsh conditions of the open ocean. All juvenile seaweeds have a tendency to inhibit biofouling, which is most often caused by the overgrowth of other algal species, such as diatoms, filamentous brown algae, and green algae. Biofouling problems most commonly occur when the immature and juvenile seaweeds are first planted in the farm and are small enough to pose a suffocation risk, although biofouling can also occasionally occur in nurseries during seed production. An ideal substrate provides reliable capture and attachment of target species while inhibiting the growth of biofouling organisms.

[0068] In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium is configured to retain, by entrapment, spores, fragmented seaweed material, and / or sporophytes, gametophytes, or other organisms grown from the seaweed material. In some embodiments, the microstructure is configured to retain, by entrapment, algal sporophytes and / or gametophytes, plant spores, seedlings, bacterial spores, fungal spores, fragmented seaweed material, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the growth medium retains, by entrapment, a plurality of spores, fragmented seaweed material, and / or organisms grown therefrom (e.g., sporophytes and / or gametophytes). The plurality of spores and / or organisms may all be of the same species, or may be of two or more different species. In some embodiments, the growth medium retains seaweed spores and / or immature seaweed plants and / or seaweed of the same species seeded in the growth medium. In other embodiments, the growth medium retains seaweed spores and / or immature seaweed plants and / or seaweed of a different species than those seeded and attached to the growth medium. In some embodiments, the growth medium carries two different spore types that exhibit a symbiotic relationship when cultured or grown together. For simplicity, reference will be made throughout this disclosure to "spores" in reference to the growth medium, however, fragmented seaweed material, gametophytes, sporophytes, seedlings, or other organisms grown from spores are also included within the term and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the growth medium, in addition to retaining the spores and / or immature seaweed plants, promotes the attachment, germination, and growth of the retained spores and / or immature seaweed plants. That is, the growth medium maintains the retained spores and / or immature seaweed plants viable. In certain embodiments, the microstructures are configured to non-removably secure at least a portion of the spores and / or immature seaweed plants.

[0070] In some embodiments, the growth media described herein include a nutrient phase associated with at least a portion of the growth medium. The nutrient phase serves to maintain viability of spores, germinated spores, and growing organisms (e.g., juvenile seaweed) retained in the growth medium. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase promotes germination and growth of retained spores and / or immature seaweed plants within the microstructure of the growth medium. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase acts to maintain and / or promote attachment to the growth medium or to maintain and / or promote ingrowth or integration into the microstructure of the growth medium.

[0071] In some embodiments, the nutrient phase acts as a chemoattractant that can attract spores and / or immature seaweed plants and / or juvenile organisms (e.g., seaweed sporophytes and / or gametophytes) to a predetermined location in the growth medium to which the nutrient phase is applied or contained.

[0072] The nutrient phase can be contained within the growth medium, on the growth medium, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase is applied to the surface of the growth medium as a coating. By promoting seaweed growth, the nutrient phase can help prevent biofouling, as healthy, fast-growing seaweed is known to produce and release its own natural anti-fouling compounds.

[0073] In some embodiments, the nutrient phase comprises at least one nutrient beneficial to the target seaweed species and / or target spores, and the resulting germinated spores attached or retained by the growth medium. For example, the nutrient phase may comprise macronutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, etc.), micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, etc.), and vitamins (e.g., vitamin B) that support the growth and health of the germinated spores when the seaweed is attached or retained by the growth medium. 12Nutrients in the nutrient phase may include ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), potassium nitrate (KNO3), urea (CO(NH2)2), etc. One skilled in the art will understand which nutrients are beneficial to include in the nutrient phase to maintain the viability of the spores and resulting germinated spores and / or immature seaweed plants maintained in the growth medium.

[0074] The nutrients to be included in the nutrient phase depend on which spores and / or immature seaweed plants are maintained in the growth medium, as various spore types, germinated spores, and growing organisms (e.g., seaweed) have different nutrient needs. Nutrient selection may also depend on the intended use of the cultivation system. For example, if the growth medium holding the spores, germinated spores, and / or growing organisms is introduced into an environment lacking essential nutrients, all necessary nutrients can be included in the nutrient phase. If the growth medium holding the spores / germinated spores / growing organisms is introduced into an environment that has at least one essential nutrient, essential nutrients available in those environments can be omitted from the nutrient phase or included at a lower concentration. The growth medium can also act to concentrate nutrients from the environment by trapping them in the growth medium. This can be advantageous in environments where environmental nutrients are present in low concentrations.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cultivation system can be used to transport the retained spores / germinated spores from one location to another. When the cultivation system functions as a transport system, the nutrient phase can include a nutrient level sufficient to maintain the retained spores / germinated spores / growing organisms viable during transport. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase can include a nutrient level sufficient to maintain the retained spores / germinated spores / growing organisms viable after transport and introduction of the retained spores / germinated spores / growing organisms into a new environment (e.g., open water).

[0076] In some embodiments, the nutrient phase is formulated to control the rate of release of the nutrients.

[0077] In some embodiments, the growth medium further comprises a salt associated with the growth medium. In some embodiments, the salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). The salt associated with the growth medium can create and maintain a saline microenvironment for the retained spores / germinated spores / immature seaweed plants. This can be particularly advantageous when seaweed and marine plants are retained by the growth medium. In some embodiments, the ability to maintain a saline microenvironment within the growth medium when the growth medium is immersed in freshwater can maintain the viability of marine organisms and avoid the need to maintain a saline culture environment, which can be difficult and costly.

[0078] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a liquid-containing phase associated with at least a portion of the growth medium, which functions to provide and maintain moisture within the growth medium microenvironment, which may be beneficial to maintaining the survival of spores / germinated spores / growing organisms supported by the growth medium.

[0079] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a liquid-absorbent material that functions to maintain moisture within the growth medium microenvironment.

[0080] While spores and endospores can be maintained viably in dry environments, germinated spores and growing organisms (e.g., larval seaweed) generally require moisture to grow and / or reproduce. Maintaining a moist microenvironment (e.g., by including a liquid-containing substrate and / or liquid-absorbent material) may allow for the transport of cultivation systems having spores / germinated spores / growing organisms therein and / or on their surfaces without the need to maintain the cultivation system in an aqueous environment.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the growth medium is hydrophilic. Such hydrophilic portions of the growth medium may contribute to retention by and / or attachment to the growth medium.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the growth medium is hydrophobic. Such hydrophobic portions of the growth medium can reduce, prevent, or inhibit the retention and / or attachment of spores / germinating spores / growing organisms. This can help reduce or prevent biofouling and attachment of unwanted spores or other cells or organisms to the growth medium.

[0083] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the growth medium are hydrophobic and one or more portions of the growth medium are hydrophilic, thereby preferentially encouraging the spores / germinating spores / growing organisms to retain or adhere to the one or more hydrophilic portions of the growth medium.

[0084] In some embodiments, the growth medium can include one or more bioactive agents associated with the growth medium. A bioactive agent includes any agent that has a positive or negative effect on cells or organisms that contact the bioactive agent. Suitable bioactive agents can include, for example, biocides and serum. A biocide can be associated with a portion of the growth medium to prevent the attachment and growth of unwanted cells or organisms in that portion of the growth medium. Unwanted cells can include non-target cells (i.e., biofouling species), such as bacteria, yeast, and algae. Biocides can also deter the infestation of pests, such as insects. In some embodiments, a biocide prevents the attachment and growth of target spores in portions of the growth medium where attachment and growth are not desired. In some embodiments, a serum can be applied to a portion of the growth medium. The serum can aid in the attachment and retention of spores and / or promote germination or growth from spores. The serum can include, for example, a source of growth factors, hormones, and adhesins.

[0085] The growth medium comprises a microporous material. In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises an expanded thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the expanded thermoplastic polymer forms the microstructure of the growth medium. In some embodiments, the expanded thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of expanded polyestersulfone (ePES), expanded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), expanded polylactic acid (ePLA), and expanded polyethylene (ePE).

[0086] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises an expanded fluoropolymer selected from the group consisting of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and modified ePTFE. Examples of suitable expanded fluoropolymers include fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA), polyestersulfones (PES), poly(paraxylylene) (ePPX) as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0032069, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE) as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,926,416 to Sbriglia, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE) as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,932,429 to Sbriglia, polylactic acid (ePLLA) as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,932,184 to Sbriglia et al., vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene [VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)] polymers as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,441,088.

[0087] In some embodiments, the growth medium includes an expanding polymer. In some embodiments, the expanding polymer forms the microstructure of the growth medium. The expanding polymer can define spaces between polymer elements. In some embodiments, the expanding polymer is expanded polyurethane (ePU).

[0088] In some embodiments, the expanding polymer includes a nutrient phase, which can be achieved by co-mixing the nutrient phase with the fluoropolymer resin prior to expanding the polymer.

[0089] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a polymer formed by expansion chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In some embodiments, the polymer formed by expansion CVD forms the microstructure of the growth medium. In some embodiments, the polymer formed by expansion CVD is polyparaxylylene (ePPX).

[0090] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a non-expanding microporous material. In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a sintered non-expanding microporous material made from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises another non-expanding microporous material, such as open-cell microporous polyurethane foam or sintered microporous polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0091] In some embodiments, the polymer that establishes the growth medium may form a membrane.

[0092] The microstructure of the growth medium can be microporous, with an opening or pore size of about 0.2 μm to about 200 μm. In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium can have a pore size of about 20.0 μm to about 100 μm.

[0093] The growth medium microstructure can have a porosity of greater than about 50%. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a porosity of about 75% to about 97%. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a porosity of about 80% to about 97%. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a porosity of about 90% to about 97%.

[0094] The growth medium microstructure can have a bubble point of about 0.1 psi to about 32.0 psi. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a bubble point of about 0.1 psi to about 4.0 psi. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a bubble point of about 0.1 psi to about 3.0 psi. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a bubble point of about 0.1 psi to about 1.5 psi. The bubble point can be calculated, for example, as described further herein when the growth medium is in the form of a membrane having a width. In some embodiments, the membrane can be twisted to form a yarn, rope, or braid to form the growth medium. In such embodiments, the growth medium can be unwound and reformed into a membrane, from which the bubble point can be calculated, taking into account any damage.

[0095] The growth medium microstructure can have a surface roughness with an average Ra value of about 1.0 μm to about 100 μm. In some embodiments, the growth medium surface roughness can have an average Ra value of about 1.0 μm to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the growth medium surface roughness can have an average Ra value of about 2.5 μm to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the growth medium surface roughness can have an average Ra value of about 1.0 μm to about 3.0 μm. In some embodiments, the growth medium surface roughness can have an average Ra value of about 2.5 μm to about 3.0 μm. In some embodiments, the growth medium microstructure can have a surface energy of less than 35 dynes / cm.

[0096] In some embodiments, the surface of the growth medium can have areas of increased surface roughness and areas of reduced surface roughness. One skilled in the art will appreciate that varying the surface roughness can allow for control of the capture zone, and thereby control of plant density. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, areas of the growth medium with increased surface roughness exhibit a higher capture of immature seaweed plants, while areas of the growth medium with reduced surface roughness exhibit a lower capture of immature seaweed plants. While the pattern of increased and reduced surface roughness areas can be regular lines as shown in FIG. 18, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of patterns can be utilized, including checkerboards, weaves, or irregularly spaced lines.

[0097] In some embodiments, the growth medium can be supported by a support structure. The growth medium and support structure can form a composite. In some embodiments, the growth medium can be braided, twisted, knitted, or interwoven with the support structure. In some embodiments, the growth medium is wrapped around or covered by the support structure.

[0098] The support structure can comprise a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer forming the support structure can comprise at least one of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and modified ePTFE. Examples of suitable expanded fluoropolymers include fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), polyestersulfone (PES), poly(paraxylylene) (ePPX), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), polylactic acid (ePLLA), vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene [VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)] polymers, expanded polyestersulfone (ePES), expanded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), expanded polylactic acid (ePLA), expanded polyethylene (ePE), expanded polyurethane (ePU), and polyparaxylylene (ePPX).

[0099] In some embodiments, the support structure can comprise a polymer that is different from the polymer that forms the growth medium.

[0100] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, a growth medium can be wrapped around a support structure to form a culture substrate. For example, referring to Figure 1, a cultivation substrate can include a core support structure 101 and a growth medium membrane 103 wrapped around the core support structure 101, as shown from left to right in Figure 1. The resulting cultivation substrate is shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0101] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the growing medium and support structure can be twisted to form a cultivation substrate, for example, as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can include a twisted structure 102 including two plies (also called yarns), each ply including three polyethylene ends and three monofilament polypropylene ends. In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can include a twisted structure 104 including two plies, each ply including three polyethylene ends, three monofilament polypropylene ends, and three spun polyester ends.

[0102] In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can include a twisted structure 106 including three plies (also called yarns), each ply including two polyethylene ends, two monofilament polypropylene ends, and two spun polyester ends. In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can include a twisted structure 108 including three plies, each ply including two polyethylene ends and two monofilament polypropylene ends.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can include a twisted structure including four plies (also called yarns), each ply including two expanded polyethylene-ended growth fibers, two monofilament polypropylene-ended strength fibers, and two spun polyester-ended acquisition fibers. In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can include a twisted structure including four plies, each ply including two expanded polyethylene-ended and two monofilament polypropylene-ended fibers.

[0104] In some embodiments, the cultivation substrate can be in the form of a twisted rope, where a two-ply, three-ply, or four-ply yarn of one of the cultivation media, such as expanded polyethylene, is twisted with a support medium, such as monofilament polypropylene and / or spun polyester, to form a yarn, which is then twisted in the opposite direction with a second yarn of the two-ply, three-ply, or four-ply yarn of the cultivation medium and support medium to form the twisted rope. Spun polyester can also be included to enhance the trapping properties of the twisted rope. Preferably, the yarns are loosely twisted to form a twisted rope with more space between the two yarns, as shown in FIG. 19. As used herein with respect to twisted ropes and yarns forming twisted ropes, the terms "loose" and "loosely twisted" mean that two twisted fibers have the ability to reorient themselves from a first physical engagement to a second physical engagement similar to the first physical engagement. This definition further includes the rotational engagement between the twisted fibers, as well as the ability to disengage and reengage as the fibers move between taut and relaxed states.

[0105] In the yarns and twisted ropes described herein, the tightness or looseness of the twist can be characterized by the peak-to-valley distance of the grooves formed by the angular relationship of the twisted fibers relative to one another. For the loosely twisted yarns herein, this distance is preferably about 50% of the diameter of a single twist, typically in a two-ply construction, where the diameter of each ply is about 1.2 mm and the distance from top to bottom of the groove is 0.6 mm. Most preferably, the peak-to-valley distance is about 0.5-1 mm or greater.

[0106] This loose twist allows for the formation of more and deeper grooves along the length of the twisted rope between the contact points of two yarns, which provide additional areas for capturing and retaining spores, fragmented seaweed material and / or sporophytes, gametophytes or other organisms growing from the seaweed.

[0107] In some embodiments, one or more stranded ropes can be further combined to form other structures, such as netting or loosely woven materials. The loosely twisted fibers and yarns of the twisted rope allow for rotational engagement between the twisted fibers and yarns, and also provide the ability for the fibers or yarns in the portions of the strands located between the knots of the netting to disengage and reengage as they move between taut and loose states.

[0108] The preferred construction of the stranded rope used in the cultivation substrate will vary depending on the type of algae being cultivated. For example, it may be preferable to use a net form for cultivation of small algae such as Palmaria, while a single ("long line") stranded rope may be preferred for larger, faster-growing species such as Saccharina.

[0109] Adhesives, bioglues, or binders are used to improve capture and retention of seaweed spores and / or immature plants in traditional seaweed lines and strings. Such binders include hydrocolloid binders and clay-based hydrocolloid binders. As further described herein, the surface of the growing medium of the described embodiments may be free of adhesives, bioglues, or binders to facilitate capture.

[0110] In some embodiments, the cultivation systems described herein can be used for seaweed cultivation. During the seeding process, seaweed spores, fragmented seaweed material, immature seaweed plants, and / or other seaweed bodies are introduced into a growth medium. In some embodiments, the growth medium is introduced into a solution or culture medium containing a plurality of spores and / or immature seaweed plants. In some embodiments, the growth medium can be introduced into a fertile sally prepared by placing seaweed fragments in a tank and allowing the natural release of spores. In some embodiments, a spore culture can be prepared by releasing seeds or other immature seed plants into the culture medium, which allows for greater control of the number of spores per square millimeter. The growth medium described herein has desirable properties for capturing spores and / or immature seaweed plants in a capture zone and maintaining them in a viable state until at least some of the spores germinate and are retained (i.e., attached) by the growth medium. In some embodiments, the growth medium may be cultured in a medium that promotes germination of the spores and / or immature seaweed plants and growth of the germinated spores and / or immature seaweed plants. In other embodiments, the culture system itself provides a microenvironment that promotes germination of the spores and / or immature seaweed plants and growth of the germinated spores and / or immature seaweed plants, at least for a period of time (e.g., during temporary transport).

[0111] In some embodiments, the growth medium described herein can be used as a growth substrate for spores and / or immature seaweed plants to multicellular organisms. For example, the growth medium can be used to support the growth of seaweed from spores and / or immature seaweed plants to mature seaweed. In some embodiments, the spores and / or immature seaweed plants that will mature into multicellular organisms are contacted with the growth medium under defined conditions for a sufficient time until at least some of the spores have germinated and are retained in the growth medium.

[0112] In some embodiments, seaweed spores and / or fragmented seaweed material and / or immature seaweed plants are introduced into a growth medium, and gametophytes and sporophytes are allowed to mature in a manner similar to conventional culture strings. Here, the culture substrate (with or without spores) is placed on a rope, cable, or other support in the field, thereby eliminating the traditional step of winding the culture string around a rope line. This can be achieved when the culture substrate is provided by an aqueous mixture of sporophytes and / or gametophytes.

[0113] In another embodiment, seaweed sporophytes and / or gametophytes and / or immature seaweed plants are introduced directly into the culture substrate, which can reduce the experimental time required to produce culture strings compared to spore seeding.

[0114] Culture strings are traditionally maintained and cultivated in a laboratory environment using sterile seawater. Culture strings, such as those disclosed herein, are maintained in this environment for a period of 2 to 8 weeks (e.g., an incubation period) to allow immature seaweed plants an opportunity to firmly attach to the culture medium. By incorporating sufficient salts within the microstructures, the present culture system provides a saline microenvironment within the microstructures, thereby avoiding the need for expensive and cumbersome systems required for circulating sterile seawater. In some embodiments, the seeded growth medium is maintained in a standard seaweed cultivation tank, where nutrients are supplied via sterile seawater. By including sufficient nutrient phase to support seaweed growth, the need for external nutrient supply to the growing seaweed can be eliminated.

[0115] Typically, culture strings must be transported to a marine aquaculture environment in seawater. Traditionally, this transport must be performed carefully to prevent the culture string from shaking, in order to prevent gametophytes and sporophytes from detaching from the culture string. The culture string can be immersed in the marine aquaculture environment about 2 to about 6 weeks after initial seeding. In some embodiments, the culture string can be immersed in the marine aquaculture environment about 2 to about 4 weeks after initial seeding. The present invention improves the capture and attachment of immature seaweed, thereby reducing the risk of detachment from the culture medium.

[0116] Test Method Although particular methods and apparatus are described below, other methods or apparatus may be substituted as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art.

[0117] Test Method The Ra value is defined by the average height or roundness of a surface, calculated by the deviation from the average height. The Rz value is the difference between the highest peak and the deepest valley of a surface. In determining the average Ra and / or Rz values ​​of a material, samples were cut from a larger piece of material and prepared to minimize wrinkling and distortion of the material from its as-manufactured form by holding the sample taut and taping the ends while measurements were taken using a profilometer, such as a Keyence VK-X1000 Profilometer equipped with a 404 nm violet diode laser.

[0118] Raw data was acquired from each sample using the profilometer's "SuperFine" resolution setting at 150x magnification, specifically a 97.169 μm field of view. Tilt was removed by applying a reference plane, and wrinkles or other large unintended features were removed, if necessary, by surface figure correction and wave removal at intensity 2. (See Figures 5, 6, and 7 for Samples A, B, and C, respectively, and further described herein.) Ra and Rz were then calculated by calculating the average Ra values ​​of three horizontal and three vertical profile lines obtained by roughly dividing the image into four quarters in both directions. The values ​​shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10 for Samples A, B, and C, respectively, are the grand averages of the horizontal and vertical averages. Ra and Rz were determined using the formulas from ISO 21920-2:2021.

[0119] Pa is a primary surface measurement, including surface characteristics such as waviness. While ISO standards generally exclude Ra from Pa measurements, because the sampling length was the same as the evaluation length, no additional filtering was applied based on ISO 4288. Therefore, Ra is equal to Pa in these examples. Further information regarding the relationship between Ra and Pa can be found, for example, in "Correlating and Evaluating the Functionality-Related Properties with Surface Texture Parameters and Specific Characteristics of Machined Components" by Quanren Zeng et al., International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 149 (2018) 62-72, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Table 1]

[0120] Surface energy is calculated by contact angle measurements. Contact angles are measured by sessile drop measurements using an optical tensiometer. These measurements use pure liquids (e.g., water) with known surface tension values, and the surface energy is calculated using measurements of their advancing and receding contact angles with the test surface. In some embodiments, particularly those using powders, particles, fibers, or films, inverse gas chromatography and related techniques are used to measure surface energy. A series of solvent pulses are injected into a column containing the sample of interest, and the surface energy can be accurately determined from the resulting vapor sorption isotherm.

[0121] Porosity is a measure of the voids, pores, or open spaces in a material. Porosity is calculated as the percentage of void volume to total volume. Common techniques for measuring porosity are helium pycnometry and mercury porosimetry.

[0122] Bubble point was measured using a capillary flow porometer (Quantachrome Instrument Model 3G zh) according to the general teachings of ASTM F316-03. The sample holder included a 25.4 mm diameter porous metal plate (Part No. 196450, Anton Paar) and a plastic mask (Part No. ABF-300, Professional Plastics) with an inner diameter of 18 mm and an outer diameter of 24.5 mm. The sample was placed between the metal plate and the plastic mask and clamped and sealed using an O-ring (Part No. 193798, Anton Paar). The sample was then wetted with the test liquid, a 10 cSt silicone fluid with a surface tension of 19.75 dynes / cm.

[0123] The maximum pore size was calculated from the Young-Laplace equation using the bubble point according to the following formula:

number

[0124] Assuming that the fluid completely wets the membrane and the contact angle is zero, the equation becomes:

number

[0125] Example 1 Palmaria palmata propagules (i.e., germinating gametophytes and spores, as shown in Figure 11) were seeded onto three polyethylene samples: Sample A (Figure 12), Sample B (Figure 13), and Sample C (Figure 14). Sample A exhibited an Ra value of 2.5 μm, a thickness of 90 μm, a porosity of 94%, an average pore size of 23 μm, a bubble point of 0.5 psi, and a matrix tensile strength of 3351 / 7912 psi. Sample B exhibited an Ra value of 1.1 μm, a thickness of 104 μm, a porosity of 84%, an average pore size of 2 μm, a bubble point of 4.9 psi, and a matrix tensile strength of 8768 / 12998 psi. Sample C exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 0.9 μm, thickness of 17 μm, porosity of 78%, average pore size of 0.4 μm, bubble point of 24.3 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 13193 / 26115 psi.

[0126] Three replicates of each sample were mounted on glass slides and placed horizontally on the bottom of a square tank with three centrally aligned aeration points. To estimate the number of capture zones in each sample, image analysis of fixed-size photographic fields was used to measure the total number and area of ​​colonized propagules in square micrometers for all samples 13 days after initial seeding.

[0127] As shown in Figure 15, the average capture amount (i.e., the total number of seeds in the photographed field) of Sample A was 82.7 seeds. The average capture area in the photographed field was 1201200 μm 2 As shown in Figure 16, the average capture amount of sample B was 27.7 grains. The average capture area in the photographed field was 354240 μm 2 As shown in Figure 17, the average capture amount of sample C was 17.7 grains. The average capture area in the photographed field was 202752 μm 2As can be seen, Sample A showed significantly higher mean capture amount (i.e., total number of seeds) and mean capture area compared to Sample B and Sample C.

[0128] Example 2 Palmaria palmata propagules (i.e., germinating gametophytes and spores) were seeded onto a microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material with multiple adjacent lanes of different surface textures. The samples were secured around a glass slide and placed horizontally on the bottom of a square tank with three centrally aligned air holes. The samples were observed for three days after seeding. As shown in Figure 18, the propagule retention rate correlated with the rougher surface texture of the sample.

[0129] Example 3 A concentrated solution of 42,480,000 zoospores of Saccharina latissimi was diluted with autoclaved seawater to a final density of 10 zoospores per square millimeter. Microporous expanded polyethylene samples, Sample A, Sample B, and Sample C, were selected for testing and compared to a nonwoven fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene material ("Sample E") and a nonwoven melt-spun silk-based material ("Sample F").

[0130] Sample A exhibited the following characteristics: Ra of 2.5 μm, thickness of 90 μm, porosity of 94%, average pore size of 23 μm, bubble point of 0.9 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 3351 / 7912 psi. Sample B exhibited the following characteristics: Ra of 0.9 μm, thickness of 104 μm, porosity of 84%, average pore size of 2 μm, bubble point of 3.4 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 8768 / 12998 psi. Sample C exhibited the following characteristics: Ra of 0.5 μm, thickness of 17 μm, porosity of 78%, average pore size of 0.4 μm, bubble point of 30.6 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 13193 / 26115 psi.

[0131] Swatches of each material were attached to polycarbonate backing panels using cyanoacrylate adhesive and left for 24 hours. Each sample contained four replicate swatches. The panels were then immersed in a 100% ethanol solution for 15–20 seconds. The alcohol wash improved sample wetting while simultaneously removing contaminants from the swatches. The panels were then immediately rinsed twice with distilled water. The panels were then individually placed in containers containing 170 mL of autoclaved seawater. Each container contained a 4 mm hole in the sidewall approximately 5 mm above the bottom edge to minimize water movement within the container and allow for settling, promoting gas exchange with the water while minimizing sample disturbance.

[0132] The seeding solution (10 mL) was added to each container and gently mixed to allow for uniform settling over 24 hours. The containers containing the samples were left standing for 7 days, during which time the water temperature was kept between 9 and 13°C and each container was kept at a photosynthetically active radiation level of 20–30 μmol s−1. -1 m -2 The plants were exposed to light for 12 hours a day.

[0133] To assess retention, four replicate swatches of each sample were removed and fixed to supports so that the panels formed a continuous surface along the length of the support. The supports were inverted and fixed within a 3.5 m biofilter tank so that the continuous surface was oriented along the main flow axis. The tank was supplied with 50 μm filtered seawater at a rate of 2 L / min, resulting in a total volume of 690 L. This tank was used to simulate the water flow experienced by growth media in a marine aquaculture environment. Retention was considered successful when at least 30% of the seeds were retained on the material after 24 hours of exposure to water flow. Water flow velocity was measured using an acoustic Doppler current meter.

[0134] After 24 hours of exposure to the flume, the panels were removed from the flume, immersed in filtered seawater, and transferred to a microscope where the panels were mounted and photographed. While the images represent a two-dimensional representation of the sample, zoospores were also distributed along the Z axis, which was taken into account during photography. Photography was then repeated one week later. Using an image processing and analysis program, zoospore density on each panel was measured immediately after flume exposure and 7 days after exposure.

[0135] Immediately after exposure to the waterway, sample A had a spore density of 9.25 spores / mm 2 The spore density of sample B was 4.79 spores / mm 2 The spore density of sample C was 7.04 spores / mm 2 The spore retention rate was 70.4%. The spore density of sample E was 0.21 spores / mm 2 That is, the spore retention rate was 2.1%. The spore density of sample F was 0 spores / mm 2 That is, the spore retention rate was 0%.

[0136] On the seventh day, the spore density of sample A was 8.02 spores / mm 2 The spore density of sample B was 4.63 spores / mm 2 The spore density of sample C was 6.58 spores / mm 2 The spore density of sample E was 0.10 spores / mm 2 That is, the spore retention rate was 1.0%. The spore density of sample F was 0 spores / mm 2 That is, the spore retention rate was 0%.

[0137] All materials have a surface area of ​​1mm 2The spores were inoculated at a density of approximately 10 spores per 1000 spores. The spore density of Sample A was close to the density at inoculation immediately after flume exposure and on day 7 (92.5% and 80.2% retention, respectively). In contrast, the nonwoven materials tested had very low spore retention rates after flume exposure (1.0%-2.1% and 0%), indicating poor retention capacity.

[0138] Example 4 A 2-liter culture medium was prepared by premixing and filtering to remove large materials. This medium contained an average of 5,522 Saccharina latissima gametophytes per ml. A rough, textured microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material ("Sample G") was cut into swatches, attached to a polycarbonate backing plate using cyanoacrylate adhesive, and left for 24 hours. To improve material wetting and remove contaminants, the panels were immersed in a 100% ethanol solution for 15–20 seconds. Immediately after the alcohol wash, the panels were rinsed twice with distilled water.

[0139] A pneumatic spray nozzle device was positioned vertically 50 mm above a flat seeding surface. The panel was placed on the surface, and four separate passages were created under the pneumatic spray nozzle device for approximately 1 second each, which sprayed medium at a flow rate of approximately 2.3 mL / s. The panel was sprayed with approximately 9.2 mL of medium and approximately 50,000 gametophyte fragments contained in a fine aerosol high-pressure spray.

[0140] Three groups of panels were prepared: the first group was analyzed on day 0, the second group on day 7, and the third group on day 14. Each group of panels was replicated for each test condition, including a binder-free swatch, a swatch containing cellular hydrocolloid binder A, and a swatch containing clay-based hydrocolloid binder B. Each test condition received four additional replicate panels. The binder-receiving panels were received immediately after spray inoculation, and all Day 0 panels were photographed immediately. However, Day 7 and Day 14 panels were stored in a room maintained at 10°C and then removed and photographed after the corresponding 7 or 14 days. All Day 0, Day 7, and Day 14 samples (including replicates) were tested individually. For example, Day 7 samples were not used for Day 14 testing.

[0141] To quantify the amount of capture, each panel was transferred to a tray submerged in filtered seawater to prevent drying. Prior to imaging, the panels were transferred to a sterile square Petri dish and completely submerged in filtered seawater, with the meniscus of the liquid extending beyond the depth of the plate and mounted material. The Petri dish was placed under a dissecting microscope, and the panels were illuminated with two sets of cold light sources. Two images were taken for each replicate. The field of view for the images was randomly determined and ensured by allowing the plate to naturally submerge in the Petri dish of filtered seawater and adjusting its orientation before viewing the image capture window. The first image was taken at 20x magnification, and the second at 40x magnification. Adjustments were made to ensure representative coverage of the material. Using an image processing and analysis program, gametophyte seed density (surface area mm) was determined for samples at day 0, day 7, and day 14. 2 per mm 2 ) was measured.

[0142] In the binder-free panel, the average seed coverage on day 0 was 0.00836 mm 2 / mm 2 , 0.00436mm on the 7th day 2 / mm 2 (52% retention from day 0), 0.00702mm on day 14 2 / mm 2(84% retention from day 0). In the panel containing binder A, the average seed coverage on day 0 was 0.00442 mm 2 / mm 2 , 0.00017mm on the 7th day 2 / mm 2 (Retention rate from day 0: 3.8%), 0.00003mm on day 14 2 / mm 2 The average seed coverage of the panels containing binder B was 0.00688 mm on day 0 (0.6% retention from day 0). 2 / mm 2 , 0.00061mm on the 7th day 2 / mm 2 (Retention rate from day 0: 8.9%), 0.00099mm on day 14 2 / mm 2 (Retention rate from day 0 was 14.4%).

[0143] Panels without binder showed significantly higher capture retention after 7 and 14 days compared to panels with binders A or B.

[0144] The cultivation substrate may be in the form of a twisted rope, as shown in Figure 19. In one example, a twisted rope was formed from a two-ply yarn made from 2400 denier microporous fiber from Sample A (having the above properties: Ra 2.5 μm, thickness 90 μm, porosity 94%, average pore size 23 μm, bubble point 0.9 psi, matrix tensile strength 3351 / 7912 psi) twisted with six 595 denier monofilament polypropylene ends. This resulted in a twisted rope with an average diameter of 2.2 mm and an average breaking strength of 74 lbs.

[0145] In another example, a three-ply yarn made by twisting 2400 denier microporous fiber of Sample A (having the above properties: Ra 2.5 μm, thickness 90 μm, porosity 94%, average pore size 23 μm, bubble point 0.9 psi, matrix tensile strength 3351 / 7912 psi) with two 595 denier monofilament polypropylene ends and five 850 denier spun polyester ends is formed into a twisted rope, resulting in a yarn with an average diameter of 2.0 mm and an average breaking strength of 98 lbs.

[0146] As shown in Figure 20, twisted ropes are tied together to construct a 4m x 1m net consisting of diamond-shaped openings 35cm long and 15cm wide.

[0147] The present invention has been described above both generally and with reference to specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the present invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A seaweed cultivation system for use in an aquatic environment, the system comprising: a support structure; and a microporous growth medium supported by said support structure and having a capture surface; Including, A seaweed cultivation system in which the surface roughness of the capture surface has an average Ra value in the range of 1.0 μm to 50 μm, including extreme values.

2. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the average Ra value of the surface roughness is in the range of 2.5 μm to 20 μm, including extreme values.

3. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the capture surface of the microporous growth medium has a bubble point in the range of 0.1 psi to 3.0 psi, inclusive.

4. 4. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 1, wherein the microporous growth medium has a plurality of openings distributed across at least a portion of the capture surface, the plurality of openings defining an average opening size in the range of 5 microns to 200 microns, inclusive.

5. 5. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of openings define an average opening size in the range of 20 microns to 100 microns inclusive.

6. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the microporous growth medium has a porosity in the range of 50% to 90%, inclusive.

7. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the microporous growth medium is a polymer.

8. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 7, wherein the polymer forms a film.

9. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the polymer is an expanded polymer that defines spaces between polymer elements.

10. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 9, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and expanded polyethylene (ePE).

11. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 10, wherein the polymer is ePE.

12. 12. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support structure and the growth medium together form a composite.

13. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 12 , wherein the support structure of the composite material is a polymer.

14. 14. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 13, wherein the support structure comprises a polymer different from the microporous growth medium polymer.

15. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the capture surface does not contain adhesives, bioglues or binders.

16. 16. The seaweed cultivation system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the microporous growth medium is formed as a yarn, rope, or braid.

17. 17. The seaweed cultivation system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the microporous growth medium is braided, twisted, woven or interwoven with the support structure.

18. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the capture surface has a surface energy of less than 35 dynes / cm.

19. 19. The seaweed cultivation system of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a plurality of immature seaweed plants engaged with the capture surface.

20. 20. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of immature seaweed plants comprises seaweed spores, gametophytes, sporophytes, propagules, or fragmented seaweed plants.

21. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the genus of immature seaweed plants to be engaged is selected from the group including Palmaria, Porphyra, Saccharina, Neopyropia, Grassillaria, Kelp and Asparagopsis.

22. 22. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 21, wherein the engaged immature seaweed plants are of the genus Palmaria.

23. the plurality of immature seaweed plants engage the capture surface during an initial seeding process to define a first portion of immature seaweed plants that are securely captured on the capture surface and a second portion of immature seaweed plants that are temporarily captured on the capture surface until exposed to a water current; and 23. The seaweed cultivation system of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are the first portion that is retained after being exposed to the water current.

24. 24. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 23, wherein the water flow is generated by subjecting the seaweed to a flume process immediately after initial seeding is completed, and the percentage of retained immature seaweed plants is identifiable immediately after the flume process.

25. the plurality of immature seaweed plants engage the capture surface during an initial seeding process to define a first portion of immature seaweed plants that are securely captured on the capture surface and a second portion of immature seaweed plants that are temporarily attached to the capture surface until subjected to a culture period; and 23. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are the first portion that is retained after the end of the culture period.

26. 26. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 25, wherein the end of the cultivation period occurs about two weeks after initial seeding, and the percentage of remaining immature seaweed plants is identifiable at the end of the cultivation period.

27. the plurality of immature seaweed plants engage the capture surface during an initial seeding process, followed by a culture period to define a first portion of immature seaweed plants that are securely captured on the capture surface and a second portion of immature seaweed plants that are temporarily captured on the capture surface until they are subjected to immersion in a marine aquaculture environment; and 23. The seaweed cultivation system of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are the first portion that is retained after submersion in the mariculture environment.

28. 28. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 27, wherein the immersion into the mariculture environment occurs about four weeks after initial seeding, and the percentage of immature seaweed plants retained is identifiable during immersion into the mariculture environment.

29. 28. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 27, wherein the immersion into the mariculture environment occurs about four weeks after initial seeding, and the percentage of immature seaweed plants retained is identifiable during harvest from the mariculture environment.

30. The seaweed cultivation system of any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the retained immature seaweed plants are maintained by selectively adhering to the intentionally differentiated surface texture.

31. 1. A stranded rope for use in seaweed cultivation, the stranded rope having a rope axis and a rope axis length, the rope including a first yarn and a second yarn; the first yarn comprises a first growth fiber and a first strength fiber, the first growth fiber and the first strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted with respect to one another to define a first left-handed fiber-to-fiber engagement; the second yarn comprises second growth fibers and second strength fibers, the second growth fibers and the second strength fibers being axially aligned and twisted with respect to one another to define a second left-handed fiber-to-fiber engagement; the first yarn and the second yarn are axially aligned and twisted relative to one another to define a right-handed twist yarn-to-yarn engagement, the first left-handed twist fiber-to-fiber engagement positions the first strength fiber and first growth fiber to define a first line of contact along the rope axial length, one fiber repeatedly contacting the other fiber, the first line of contact further defining adjacent portions of the first strength fiber and the first growth fiber in an angular relationship relative to one another to define a first groove in the first yarn; the second left-handed fiber-to-fiber engagement positions the second strength fibers and the second growth fibers to define a second line of contact along the rope axial length, one fiber repeatedly contacting the other, the second line of contact further defining adjacent portions of the second strength fibers and second growth fibers in an angular relationship to one another to define a second groove in the second yarn.

32. 32. The stranded rope of claim 31, wherein the first growth fibers and the second growth fibers are expanded polyethylene.

33. 33. The stranded rope of claim 32, wherein the first growth fiber and the second growth fiber are monofilament polypropylene.

34. 34. The stranded rope of any one of claims 31 to 33, comprising capture promoting fibers in the first yarn, the second yarn, or both the first yarn and the second yarn.

35. 35. The stranded rope of claim 34, wherein said acquisition promoting fibers are spun polyester.

36. 32. The stranded rope of claim 31, having a loose twist that moves between a loose state and a tensioned state to define the second shape of the groove.

37. 32. The stranded rope of claim 31, wherein the groove peak to valley distance is 0.5 to 1 mm or more.

38. 32. A seaweed cultivation system comprising the stranded rope of claim 31.

39. 37. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 36, wherein the plurality of immature seaweed plants engage first and second grooves along the length of the stranded rope during an initial seeding process.

40. 40. The seaweed cultivation system of claim 39, wherein the twisted ropes are knotted to form a net.

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