Bacillus sp. RP1137 and Magnetite for Algae Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harvesting algae for biofuel production are inefficient and energy-intensive, particularly at commercial scales, as small algae are difficult to separate from water using centrifugation or filtration, and chemical flocculation requires post-treatment of water for safe reuse or discharge.
Innovation Solution
The use of an isolated Bacillus sp. strain RP1137, which rapidly aggregates algae by forming aggregates that settle out of solution, and a Bacillus/magnetite conjugate that binds to algae, allowing for magnetic separation and reuse, enabling efficient collection and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugation or filtration is used to harvest algae, then algae can be separated from water, but energy consumption increases and the methods are too capital intensive for commercial scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic particle carrier as an intermediary substance that binds to algae cells, enabling their separation from water through magnetic field application rather than energy-intensive centrifugation or filtration. The magnetic particles serve as a mediator that transfers the magnetic force to the algae, facilitating efficient harvest at commercial scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation systems (centrifugation, filtration) with a magnetic field-based separation system. By using magnetic particles that bind to algae and can be removed through magnetic fields, the invention eliminates the need for capital-intensive mechanical equipment while maintaining high harvest efficiency.
2Productivity
If chemical flocculation is used to harvest algae at large scales, then algae can be aggregated and separated, but water requires post-treatment for safe reuse or discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic particles as a physical intermediary that binds to algae through surface interactions, eliminating the need for chemical flocculants. This approach allows algae to be aggregated and separated using magnetic fields alone, avoiding chemical contamination of the water and enabling safe reuse or discharge without post-treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particles can be easily separated from the water after use through magnetic field application, leaving no harmful residues. The system allows for reusable magnetic particles that can be recovered and deployed again, eliminating the need for disposable chemicals and their associated environmental treatment requirements.
3Productivity
If small algae are harvested using conventional methods, then separation is achieved, but the process becomes more difficult and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic particles serve as an intermediary that binds to small algae cells, amplifying their separability. By attaching the magnetic carrier to the small algae, the system transforms the difficult task of separating minute organisms into an easier process of removing magnetically-responsive aggregates through magnetic field application.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particles provide a counterbalancing force that overcomes the natural difficulty of separating small algae from water. The magnetic attraction force acts as a counterweight to the weak gravitational or centrifugal forces that would otherwise be insufficient for effective separation of small algal cells.
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 method allows for rapid and efficient algae collection with high aggregation efficiency, reducing energy costs and environmental impact, and can be reused multiple times, making it suitable for large-scale biofuel production.
Implementation Method 1
an isolated Bacillus sp. strain RP1137, which rapidly aggregates algae by forming aggregates that settle out of solution
Implementation Method 2
a Bacillus/magnetite conjugate that binds to algae, allowing for magnetic separation and reuse
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to compositions containing Bacillus sp., optionally with magnetite, useful in methods for collecting algae. The invention also relates to methods for collecting algae by contacting algae and bare maghemite and compositions thereof.