Algae Cultivation Using Green Light Penetration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cultivating microalgae in closed systems face challenges such as reduced light intensity at deeper regions of the reactor vessel, leading to lower cell density and increased photo-oxidative stress, with limited research on the effects of light colors other than red and blue on photosynthesis.
Innovation Solution
Irradiating microalgal cells with artificial light having a photon flux density ratio of 65% or more in the wavelength range of 520-630 nm, specifically using LEDs or laser diodes to optimize biomass production by ensuring deeper light penetration and reducing photo-oxidative stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If red light and blue light are used to promote photosynthesis, then photosynthesis is enhanced, but light penetration depth is limited and photo-oxidative stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of illumination light from conventional red (660nm) and blue (450nm) to green light (530nm). This parameter change enables deeper light penetration into the culture medium while maintaining photosynthetic effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between photosynthesis enhancement and light penetration depth.
2Productivity
If intense light is used to provide high photoenergy, then photosynthesis is promoted, but photo-oxidative stress is induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to green light (530nm), which has lower energy per photon compared to blue light. This reduces photo-oxidative stress while maintaining effective photosynthesis, resolving the contradiction between biomass production and photo-oxidative stress induction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances biomass production and cell density by ensuring efficient light absorption and utilization, while minimizing photo-oxidative stress, thereby improving the efficiency of microalgal cultivation.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the algal cells with an artificial light having a ratio of (i) photon flux density in the wavelength range of 520-630 nm to (ii) photosynthetic photon flux density, that is 65% or more
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cultivating algal cells of an algae belonging to a class selected from Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Haptophyceae includes: irradiating the algal cells with an artificial light having a ratio of (i) photon flux density in a wavelength range of 520-630 nm to (ii) photosynthetic photon flux density, that is 65% or more; and measuring a cell size of the algal cells. Irradiation and non-irradiation of the algal cells with the artificial light are switched, or the photon flux density in the wavelength range of 520-630 nm is changed, according to the measured cell size.