Air purification cartridge, suspendable air purification system and use of cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or galdieria sulphuraria

Abstract

The subject of the invention is an air purification cartridge characterized in that it comprises at least a partially transparent container, with at least one air inlet, filled at least in part with microalgae suspended in at least partially transparent hydrogel stabilizing composition that comprises at least one microalgae culture medium, at least one gelling agent and at least one plasticizer. The subject of the invention is also a suspendable air purification system characterized in that it comprises a housing with at least one means of attachment to the surroundings and the cartridge according to the invention interchangeably placed in the housing, the housing having a shape and size adapted for substantially stationary placement of the cartridge and having an opening allowing access of external light to the cartridge. The subject of the invention is also the use of Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria, characterized in that it is used for indoor air purification. The invention will find application in indoor air purification on the Earth and in space.

Description

[0001] Air purification cartridge, suspendable air purification system and use of Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria

[0002] The invention relates to an air purification cartridge, an air purification system and the use of Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria. The invention will find application in particular in indoor air purification, both on the Earth and in space, and in the broadly understood fields of construction, purification, agriculture and biofuels.

[0003] Air purification devices based on algae known in the state of the art - despite their great potential - have a number of disadvantages that prevent their routine and industrial use indoor on Earth, and even more so, in space. First, these devices are large and heavy, which requires a large part of the room to be occupied. Despite their size, they are relatively inefficient and ineffective, which requires use of plurality of devices simultaneously. Additionally, the strains of algae currently used are characterized by low efficiency of carbon dioxide air purification and oxygen production. Therefore, for the desired efficiency, it would be necessary to first accumulate a large biomass in the room, and then replace it after it dies. In water, algae sediment under the influence of gravity, creating thick biofilms, and due to the lack light reaching the cells, they gradually die. This forces the use of continuous agitation mechanisms (e.g. a mixer, impeller). In summary, for effective indoor air purification on the Earth (e.g. a large reception area of a multi-storey building), it would be necessary to place a large number of large air purification devices on the floor with a large biomass of algae subjected to continuous mixing and periodic, tedious replacement. Meanwhile, for effective indoor air purification in the outer space (e.g. in small rooms of a space station), it would be necessary to completely fill the valuable space by attaching the aforementioned air purification devices to the critical installation and solving the problem of maintaining the biomass in a state of low / absent gravity. Finally, and equally importantly, external factors in space are different from those on the Earth. For example, cosmic radiation reaching the interior of a space station would affect the algae and simply "transferring" the air purification devices available in the state of the art based on algae would not bring the expected results.The aim of this invention was to provide a stable and efficient algae-based indoor air purification system ready for use both on the earth and in space, enabling economical and aesthetic spatial management of these rooms. These and other technical problems were solved by the present inventions.

[0004] The subject of the invention is an air purification cartridge characterized in that it comprises at least a partially transparent container, with at least one air inlet, filled at least in part with microalgae suspended in at least a partially transparent hydrogel stabilizing composition that comprises at least one microalgae culture medium, at least one gelling agent, and at least one plasticizer.

[0005] Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the container has a shape resembling an elongated flattened flacon tapering towards the air inlet.

[0006] Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the microalgae are selected from red, green microalgae strains and combinations thereof.

[0007] More preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the microalgae are selected from red microalgae strains of volcanic origin.

[0008] More preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises cyanobacteria and / or other auxiliary microorganisms.

[0009] More preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria.

[0010] More preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises Cyanidioschyzon merolae NIES-3377 and / or Galdieria sulphuraria ACUF-002.

[0011] Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the microalgae have a cell size from 1 to 6 pm.

[0012] Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the microalgae culture medium is selected from Allen-type medium, BG-11 -type medium, BBM-type medium and combinations thereof.

[0013] Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises by weight from 0.5% to 5.0% of a gelling agent and from 0.01% to 0.25% of a plasticizer.Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the stabilizing composition comprises agarose as a gelling agent and carrageenan as a plasticizer.

[0014] More preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the stabilizing composition comprises by weight 1 .5% agarose and 0.05% carrageenan.

[0015] Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that it has a perforated cover (4), optionally with an air filter, covering at least one air inlet (3).

[0016] The subject of the invention is also a suspendable air purification system characterized in that it comprises a housing with at least one means of attachment to the surroundings and a cartridge according to the invention interchangeably placed in the housing, the housing having a shape and size adapted for substantially stationary placement of the cartridge and having an opening allowing access of external light to the cartridge.

[0017] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the housing has at least one air inlet located in the vicinity of at least one air inlet of the cartridge.

[0018] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that it has means of forced air circulation to and from the air inlets.

[0019] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the housing has an artificial light source at least on part of its inner side and a power supply thereof. .

[0020] More preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the artificial light source produces light of a selected wavelength and / or light simulating lunar cycles.

[0021] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the housing has an air filter occluding at least one air inlet.

[0022] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a control module configured to externally and / or autonomously control the system.

[0023] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor of the system internal parameters and / or its environmental conditions.

[0024] Preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that it is part of a plurality of systems according to the invention forming a set of systems on the suspension surface.More preferably, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the set of the systems according to the invention is joint with at least one connector.

[0025] The subject of the invention is also the use of Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria, characterized in that it is used for indoor air purification.

[0026] Preferably, the use according to the invention is characterized in that it is used for indoor air purification on the Earth and / or in space.

[0027] Preferably, the use according to the invention is characterized in that it is used for carbon dioxide sequestration and oxygen production.

[0028] Preferably, the use according to the invention is characterized in that the Cyanidioschyzon merolae strain is Cyanidioschyzon merolae NIES-3377

[0029] Preferably, the use according to the invention is characterized in that the Galdieria sulphuraria strain is Galdieria sulphuraria ACUF-002.

[0030] Preferably, the use according to the invention is characterized in that the non-viable microalgae are used as fertilizer.

[0031] The invention can be used in residential, office or other closed spaces where there is a need to improve air quality and create a sustainable environment. It can also be used in extreme environments, such as space stations, spaceships, other stations, such as polar, etc., where the ability to self-sufficiently purify the air is crucial. The invention economically, aesthetically and effectively uses the space of the rooms in which it is located by enabling its suspension and modular multiplication of the number of air purification systems. At the same time, the invention saves electrical energy associated with the previously used mechanical agitation of the algae water carrier without losing stability and efficiency. The invention is also convenient to maintain the algae and allows for ecological biodegradation.

[0032] Microalgae in the present application is understood as the organisms commonly referred to in the state of the art as microalgae and / or as unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms of various shapes and sizes (2-50 pm).

[0033] Air purification in this application is understood as the process of purifying and / or conditioning air especially of physical contaminants (e.g. pollen, particles), chemical (e.g. gases, aerosols of undesirable substances), biological (e.g. pathogens, toxins), moisture content, purification of excess carbon dioxide (sequestration) and production of oxygen by natural photosynthesis processes. Purification, in the meaning of this application, includesboth the fixing of unfavorable and / or undesirable properties and parameters of air, as well as further improvement of quality (conditioning).

[0034] Radiation in this application is understood as radiation as commonly referred to in state of the art and / or streams of high-energy particles, regardless of the source of origin, including cosmic radiation originating from near and distant parts of space.

[0035] Stabilization (e.g. stabilization of microalgae) in this application is understood as stabilization of the physical position of individual microalgae relative to each other and the surroundings (preventing aggregation and sedimentation) and / or biological stabilization over time (ensuring appropriate conditions, nutrition and extension of viability).

[0036] Plurality in this application is understood as two or more elements.

[0037] Transparency in this application is understood as both total and partial light transmittance. Partial transmittance includes both uniform (partial) transmittance of all ranges of light waves as well as transmittance of selected light waves (non-uniform).

[0038] The invention will be described in more detail in the following preferable and nonlimiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a front view of the air purification system 5 according to the invention with the air purification cartridge 1 according to the invention placed therein.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the air purification system 5 with the air purification cartridge 1 according to the invention placed therein.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the air purification system 5 and the air purification cartridge 1 according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary connector 10 of the air purification system 5 according to the invention.

[0043] Drawing symbols:

[0044] 1 - air purification cartridge

[0045] 2 - container

[0046] 3 - air inlet

[0047] 4 - cover (perforated), optionally with an air filter5 - air purification system

[0048] 6 - housing

[0049] 7 - opening

[0050] 8 - air inlet

[0051] 9 - artificial light source

[0052] 10 - connector

[0053] Example 1

[0054] In one embodiment, particularly preferable microalgae were selected for use in indoor air purification, both on the Earth and in space, in particular as part of a cartridge and / or system according to the invention. It should be emphasized that various microalgae can be successfully used in the cartridge and the system according to the invention. However, it has surprisingly turned out that the microalgae Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria are particularly beneficial in indoor air purification. These microalgae are radiation-resistant red algae of volcanic origin, occurring naturally in, among other places, sulphate-rich hot springs, with a pH of 1.5 and temperatures ranging from 35 to 56°C, which contain high concentrations of heavy metals. Unexpectedly, research conducted by the Inventors has revealed that the red microalgae of volcanic origin retain high efficiency, particularly in terms of oxygen production and carbon dioxide sequestration, despite exposure to increased doses of radiation. In one embodiment, the red microalgae of volcanic origin Cyanidioschyzon merolae or Galdieria sulphuraria was exposed to the radioactive isotope cobalt-60 (60Co) at cumulative doses of 250, 500, 1000, 6000 and 10000 mGy. Radiation as much as 10000 mGy did not significantly (statistically) affect the level of oxygen production and carbon dioxide sequestration. Even the weight ratio of Cyanidioschyzon merolae to Galdieria sulphuraria did not significantly (statistically) affect the described performance. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of Cyanidioschyzon merolae to Galdieria sulphuraria was 90 to 10, in another 10 to 90. In yet another embodiment the weight ratio was 70 to 30, in another 30 to 70. In a further embodiment the weight ratio was 50 to 50. In a particularly preferred embodiment the strain Cyanidioschyzon merolae was NIES-3377 (axenic strain deposited in the NIES Microbial Culture Collection under number 3377, disclosed before the filing date). In another particularly preferable embodiment, the strain of Galdieria sulphuraria was the strain ACUF - 002 (an axenic strain deposited in the ACUF Algal Collection of University Federico under number 002, disclosed before the filing date). A similar verification was repeated for selected main representativesof red microalgae. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the invention and additional inventive step, other examples of red algae with greater than typical radiation resistance can be successfully used for air purification according to the invention, and in particular in the cartridge and the system according to the invention.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the aforementioned microalgae of the invention, which have lost their purifying properties over time due to aging and death, are used as a fertilizer. Such use not only solves the problem of limited access to biomass and fertilizers in space, but also facilitates the replacement and biodegradation of the microalgae of the invention.

[0056] Red microalgae of volcanic origin have proven to be particularly beneficial because they are characterized by higher oxygen production compared to other species. Additionally, as extremophilic organisms, they quickly adapt to environmental conditions, which makes them "flexible" and can be used in a wide range of environmental conditions such as temperature, light, metal concentrations, etc.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] In one embodiment, a microalgae stabilizing composition has been developed which has particularly preferable properties, especially when used in the cartridge and / or the system according to the invention. In one embodiment, the microalgae stabilizing composition comprises at least one microalgae culture medium, at least one gelling agent and at least one plasticizer. Such a hydrogel microalgae stabilizing composition, due to its semi-liquid state, substantially immobilizes the microalgae, significantly delays their sedimentation and provides a good environment for their development. Equally importantly, it does not require the use of continuous agitation mechanisms (e.g. a stirrer, impeller) in contrast to the water carriers known in the prior art, which are similar in shape and size to classical bioreactors. Accordingly, the cartridge 1 and the system 5 according to the invention do not require energy for this purpose, and their size can be significantly reduced. This enables the cartridge 1 according to the invention to be reduced in size and flattened longitudinally, saving space in the room and enabling the attachment of plurality of systems 5 to the surroundings (e.g., in the form of a panel).

[0059] In one embodiment, the composition comprised an Allen-type medium as the microalgae culture medium. In another embodiment, the composition comprised a BG-11-type medium. In yet another, a BBM-type medium (Bold Basal Medium). All indicated microalgae culture media are known, and their compositions and methods of preparation are disclosed in the state of the art. The medium may be supplemented with additional nutrients, micro and macro elements as needed. The choice of the microalgae culturemedium depends mainly on the microalgae used. During the tests, it unexpectedly turned out that the microalgae stabilizing composition is also suitable for other microorganisms. For example, in one embodiment, without loss of composition stability and / or microalgae viability, cyanobacteria were added to the microalgae stabilizing composition, and in another, bacteria (in this case nitrogen bacteria) were added. Such additional microorganisms may support the development and productivity of the microalgae, and / or increase the fertilizing potential of the microalgae stabilizing composition used. In a preferred embodiment, as described in Example 1 above, the microalgae were selected from green microalgae, red microalgae and combinations thereof. This versatility and wide range of possible microalgae to be used is an advantage of the microalgae stabilizing composition of the invention. Particularly beneficial from the point of view of stability and vitality were the radiation-resistant red algae of volcanic origin. Among them, the particularly resistant Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria . Moreover, it unexpectedly turned out that green microalgae with similar photosynthetic activity as red microalgae, e.g. the tested Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, suspended in the microalgae stabilizing composition, even increased oxygen production after prolonged culture. As for the remaining components, especially the gelling agent and the plasticizer, their selection and amount depends on the cellular size of the microalgae to be used. This is mainly related to the pore size of the gel in which the microorganism cells will proliferate. Thus, without departing from the scope of the invention, based on the cellular size of the microalgae, the person skilled in the art will without additional inventive step develop the final quantitative and qualitative composition of the hydrogel. In one embodiment, the microalgae stabilizing composition contained by weight 5% of the gelling agent and 0.25% of the plasticizer, and in a further embodiment 1.5% of the gelling agent and 0.07% of the plasticizer, and in yet another embodiment 0.5% of the gelling agent and 0.01% of the plasticizer. In a preferred embodiment, the microalgae stabilizing composition comprised agarose as the gelling agent. In another preferred embodiment, the microalgae stabilizing composition comprised carrageenan as a plasticizer. In one preferred embodiment, the microalgae stabilizing composition comprised 1.5% by weight of agarose. In another preferred embodiment, the microalgae stabilizing composition comprised 0.05% by weight of carrageenan. All of the components of the microalgae stabilizing composition used are biodegradable, which allows the entire contents of the container 2 of the cartridge 1 according to the invention to be used as a fertilizer and the used cartridge 2 to be quickly degraded.

[0060] Finally, it is worth noting that the microalgae stabilizing composition - within the described quantitative and qualitative range of ingredients - proved to be particularly good at stabilizing microalgae (and the aforementioned additional microorganisms) with a cell size of 1 to 6 pm. Microalgae stabilizing compositions with microalgae of this size proved toexhibit purifying properties the longest, sediment the slowest and died last compared to the larger strains.

[0061] A microalgae stabilizing composition according to one embodiment was prepared as follows. A weighed required amount of plasticizer (0.05 g of carrageenan) was mixed in a small amount taken from a measured microalgae culture medium (100 ml of Allen-type medium) and heated to a temperature of about 60-70 °C until complete dissolution (obtaining a visually homogeneous solution, in this case about 15 min). Then the rest of the measured microalgae culture medium (remaining from 100 ml) was added and brought to boil. A weighed required amount of gelling agent (1 .2 g of agarose) was added to the mixture and brought to boil several times (2-3 times) until the gelling agent was completely dissolved (obtaining a visually homogeneous solution, in this case about 20 min). The gelling agent used (e.g. agarose) solidifies at lower temperatures so that microalgae can be suspended without allowing their destruction as a result of thermal shock, the temperature of the microalgae in the microalgae stabilizing composition should be the same as the temperature at which the gel solidifies (e.g. 30 °C) or at least room temperature. The plasticizer lowers the solidification temperature of the microalgae stabilizing composition (i.e. plasticizes it at temperatures approaching the upper tolerance range of microalgae), thereby reducing the risk of thermal shock to the microalgae contained therein. It is worth mentioning that the particularly advantageous extremophilic red microalgae of volcanic origin described above demonstrate higher temperature tolerance, adding advantages to the invention.

[0062] The weighed required amount of the selected microalgae culture (Cyanidioschyzon merolae NIES - 3377) was introduced into a non-set (semi-liquid) microalgae stabilizing composition at a temperature acceptable for the selected microalgae and left at room temperature to set. Such solidified combination of selected microalgae and stabilizing composition produces a stabilized microalgae hydrogel.

[0063] Finally, it unexpectedly turned out that the stabilizing composition of microalgae reduced the formation of biofilm on the walls of the container 2. Such a biofilm, naturally produced by algae, blocks the access of external light and accelerates the death of algae. Therefore, it is an undesirable technical problem, which previous technologies have not been able to fix. The present invention, despite the lack of agitation and difficult cleaning, solves the problem of biofilm. It is also worth mentioning that such biofilm also negatively affects the visual values, which is also not without difference in public utility rooms.

[0064] Without departing from the scope of the invention and additional inventive step, a person skilled in the art may adjust within the range of the ingredients indicated in the invention and their amounts while maintaining the preferable properties of the hydrogel and the mixture of hydrogel with microalgae.Example 3

[0065] In one embodiment, an air purification cartridge 1 was produced in the form of a container 2, with an air inlet 3, filled with between 30 and 90% of its volume with microalgae suspended in the hydrogel stabilizing composition described above. In one embodiment, the container 2 and the stabilizing composition were substantially transparent. In another preferred embodiment, the container 2 and the stabilizing composition were partially transparent. As a result, the influence of unfavorable environmental conditions, e.g. radiation and / or light from certain wave ranges, can be reduced. A person skilled in the art will understand that without departing from the scope of the invention and depending on the need, the degree of transparency of the container 2 can be configured, taking into account the optimal parameters between the influence of unfavorable environmental conditions and ensuring suitable living conditions for the microalgae. A person skilled in the art will also understand that without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, containers 2 made of various materials, such as glass or plastic, can be used, for example, guided by the aesthetic aspects of glass or the low weight of some plastics. The container 2 may have a disk shape (with a space inside for the stabilized microalgae hydrogel) and an air inlet 3 in the wall. In a preferred embodiment, the container 2 had a shape resembling an elongated flattened flacon (with a space inside for the stabilized microalgae hydrogel) narrowing towards the air inlet 3. Unexpectedly, it turned out that the shape of the elongated flattened flacon narrowing towards the air inlet 3 significantly increased growth, stability and gas exchange (e.g. relative to a disk-shaped container). The person skilled in the art will also understand that without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, the dimensions of the container 2 and the proportions may be varied. In these specific embodiments, the container 2 had a diameter of about 150 mm and a width of about 40 mm.

[0066] The container 2 was filled with the stabilized microalgae hydrogels described in the above embodiments, including in particular stabilizing compositions containing microalgae selected from: red, green, preferably red microalgae of volcanic origin, preferably Cyanidioschyzon merolae, Galdieria sulphuraria and their combinations, more preferably Cyanidioschyzon merolae NIES-3377, Galdieria sulphuraria ACUF-002 and combinations thereof. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the embodiments of the stabilizing composition used to obtain stabilized microalgae hydrogels and the method for obtaining them have been described in detail above. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 1 according to the invention had a perforated cover 4, optionally with an air filter covering the air inlet 3. Such a filter, firstly, ensures preliminary cleaning of the air flowing into the interior of the cartridge 1, protecting the microalgae, from e.g. harmful solid particles, compoundsand / or pathogens, but also protects the contents of the cartridge 1 against uncontrolled outflow. In one embodiment, the air filter of the cover 4 was a HEPA-like filter. Preferably, the air filter of the cover 4 was hydrophobic, protecting against leakage, e.g. during replacement. The filter is removed for further use of the microalgae, e.g. for fertilizer purposes.

[0067] Example 4

[0068] In one embodiment, a suspendable air purification system 5 was manufactured comprising a housing 6 with at least one means of attachment to the surroundings and an cartridge 1 according to the invention (described above). The housing had a shape and size adapted to place the cartridge 1 substantially stationary. The cartridge 1 may rest at least in part against an interior of the housing 6. In another embodiment, the housing 6 may have an internal stand for the cartridge 1. The system 5 also has an opening 7 to allow external light to reach the cartridge 1. The housing 6 has a means of replacement of the cartridge 1 according to the invention, e.g. in the form of a movable element providing access to the interior of the housing 6 or an opening of a size allowing access to the interior of the housing 6 and replacement of the cartridge 1 of a shape and size allowing such operation.

[0069] A person skilled in the art will also understand that without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, the dimensions of the housing 6 and their proportions may be varied. In these specific embodiments, the housing 6 had a diameter of about 200 mm and a width of about 55 mm. The diameter of the opening was about 160 mm, and the dimensions and shape of the cartridge allowed its replacement through the opening and its fixation inside the housing 6 by appropriate shift and immobilization on a stand adapted therefor.

[0070] In one embodiment, the housing 6 had an air inlet 8 located in the vicinity of the air inlet 3 of the cartridge 1. In yet another embodiment, the system 5 had means of forced air circulation in a form of powered fans forcing air into and out of the air inlets 3, 8. A person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, will replace the powered fans with other air circulation mechanisms.

[0071] In one preferred embodiment, the housing 6 had on its inner side an artificial light source 9 (together with appropriate power supply means). The artificial light source 9 may be located at least part on the inner side of the housing 6, although it is preferably located all along the inner side of the housing 6 to provide maximum and uniform access to the artificial light. Such an artificial light source 9 may be - such as in this embodiment - an LED. In a preferred embodiment, the artificial light source 9 produced light predominantlysimulating lunar cycles. In another preferred embodiment, the artificial light source 9 produced light of a selected wavelength. Such lunar cycle simulating light and light of a selected wavelength had a beneficial effect on the stability, lifespan and efficiency of the air purification of the microalgae. It may also, by escaping from the device through the at least partially transparent container 2 and the stabilizing composition, support the biological rhythm and health of people in the vicinity of the system 5.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 6 has an air filter occluding at least one air inlet 8. Such a filter, firstly, ensures preliminary cleaning of the air flowing into the interior of the cartridge 1 , protecting microalgae, e.g. from harmful solid particles, compounds and / or pathogens, but also protects the contents of the cartridge 1 against uncontrolled outflow. In one embodiment, the air filter was a HEPA-like filter.

[0073] In one embodiment, the system 5 included a control module configured and enabling external control and / or autonomous control of the system 5. In another embodiment, the system included at least one sensor of internal parameters of the system 5 and / or its environmental conditions. Non-limiting examples of such sensors include a temperature sensor of the cartridge 1 , an ambient temperature sensor, a carbon dioxide meter, an oxygen meter, a light sensor and meter, or a moisture meter. In a preferred embodiment, the control module and / or sensor may be connected to an interface in the form of a panel configured and enabling reading of internal parameters of the system 5 and / or its environmental conditions and / or direct manual control of the system 5. In another embodiment, the control module may be connected to a wireless communication module configured and enabling communication with mobile devices to allow remote reading of internal parameters of the system 5 and / or its environmental conditions and / or remote control of the module of the system 5. Non-limiting examples of such mobile devices may include a remote control or a smartphone with a dedicated application.

[0074] The shape of the system 5 according to the invention additionally allows for modular connection in combinations and patterns on walls. In one embodiment, the system 5 was part of a plurality of systems 5 according to the invention, forming a set of systems on the suspension surface. In a preferred embodiment, the set of systems is joint with at least one connector 10. Such connectors may have shapes as required.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. An air purification cartridge (1) characterized in that it comprises at least partially transparent container (2), with at least one air inlet (3), filled at least in part with microalgae suspended in at least partially transparent hydrogel stabilizing composition that comprises at least one microalgae culture medium, at least one gelling agent, and at least one plasticizer.

2. The cartridge (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the container (2) has a shape resembling an elongated flattened flacon narrowing towards the air inlet (3).

3. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 2, characterized in that the microalgae are selected from red, green microalgae strains and combinations thereof.

4. The cartridge (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the microalgae are selected from red microalgae strains of volcanic origin.

5. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that it comprises cyanobacteria and / or other auxiliary microorganisms.

6. The cartridge (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria .

7. The cartridge (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises Cyanidioschyzon merolae NIES-3377 and / or Galdieria sulphuraria ACUF-002.

8. A cartridge (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the microalgae have a cell size from 1 to 6 pm.

9. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the microalgae culture medium is selected from Allen-type medium, BG-11-type medium , BBM-type medium and combinations thereof.

10. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 9, characterized in that it comprises by weight from 0.5% to 5.0% of a gelling agent and from 0.01% to 0.25% of a plasticizer.

11. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the stabilizing composition comprises agarose as a gelling agent and carrageenan as a plasticizer.

12. The cartridge (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the stabilizing composition comprises by weight 1.5% agarose and 0.05% carrageenan.

13. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that it has a perforated cover (4), optionally with an air filter, covering at least one air inlet (3).

14. A suspendable air purification system (5) characterized in that it comprises a housing (6) with at least one means of attachment to the surroundings and the cartridge (1) as described in any one of claims 1 - 13 interchangeably placed in the housing (6), the housing (6) having a shape and size adapted for substantially stationary placement of the cartridge (1) and having an opening (7) allowing access of external light to the cartridge (1).

15. The system (5) according to claim 14, characterized in that the housing (6) has at least one air inlet (8) located in the vicinity of at least one air inlet (3) of the cartridge (1).

16. The system (5) according to any one of claims 14 - 15, characterized in that it has means of forced air circulation to and from the air inlets (3, 8).

17. The System (5) according to any one of claims 14 - 16, characterized in that the housing (6) has an artificial light source (9) at least on part of its inner side and a power supply thereof.

18. The system (5) according to claim 17, characterized in that the artificial light source (9) produces light of a selected wavelength and / or light simulating lunar cycles.

19. The system (5) according to any one of claims 14 - 18, characterized in that the housing (6) has an air filter occluding at least one air inlet (8).

20. The system (5) according of any one of claims 14 - 19, characterized in that it comprises a control module configured to externally and / or autonomously control the system (5).

21. The system (5) according to any one of claims 14 - 20, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor of the system (5) internal parameters and / or its environmental conditions.

22. The system (5) according to any one of claims 14 - 21, characterized in that it is part of a plurality of systems (5) as described in any one of claims 14 - 21 forming a set of systems on the suspension surface.

23. The system (5) according to claim 22, characterized in that the set of the systems described in any one of claims 14 - 20 is joint with at least one connector (10).

24. Use of Cyanidioschyzon merolae and / or Galdieria sulphuraria, characterized in that it is used for indoor air purification.

25. The use according to claim 24, characterized in that it is used for indoor air purification on the Earth and / or in space.

26. The use according to any one of claims 24 - 25, characterized in that it is used for carbon dioxide sequestration and oxygen production.

27. The use according to any one of claims 24 - 26, characterized in that the Cyanidioschyzon merolae strain is Cyanidioschyzon merolae NIES-3377.

28. The use according to any one of claims 24 - 27, characterized in that the Galdieria sulphuraria strain is Galdieria sulphuraria ACUF-002.

29. The use according to any one of claims 24 - 28, characterized in that the non-viable microalgae are used as a fertilizer.

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