Microalgae Biomineralization for Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Biological processes for carbon dioxide conversion using microalgae have a low carbon dioxide reduction rate per unit area, limiting their effectiveness in industrial applications, particularly for companies emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Innovation Solution
A method combining a biomass production process and a mineralization process using microalgae, where carbon dioxide is supplied to form bicarbonate ions, microalgal species are photo-cultured, and calcium ions are added to produce calcite-containing biomass through biomineralization, increasing the carbon dioxide reduction rate and biomass weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a biomass production process using microalgae is used for carbon dioxide conversion, then carbon dioxide reduction is achieved, but the carbon dioxide reduction rate per unit area is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines biomass production and mineralization processes into a single integrated system. Microalgae perform both photosynthesis (biomass production) and calcite precipitation (mineralization) simultaneously in the same culture medium, effectively merging two separate functions into one system to increase carbon dioxide reduction rate per unit area
2Productivity
If calcium ions are supplied to induce biomineralization, then calcite productivity increases, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes calcium ions naturally present in the culture medium or easily added to the system, allowing microalgae to autonomously perform biomineralization through their metabolic processes. The system leverages the microalgae's own physiological functions to produce calcite without requiring complex external mineralization equipment or multiple processing stages
3Productivity
If biomass production is focused, then lipid content is maintained, but carbon dioxide reduction rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges biomass production and mineralization processes so that microalgae simultaneously produce biomass (maintaining lipid content) and precipitate calcite (increasing carbon dioxide reduction). This dual-function approach allows the system to achieve high carbon dioxide reduction rates while maintaining biomass production and lipid accumulation
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
The method significantly enhances carbon dioxide reduction rates and biomass production, allowing for easy collection of biomass without additional energy consumption, while maintaining high lipid content and calcite productivity.
Implementation Method 1
Microalgae, called phytoplanktons, are underwater unicellular organisms that photosynthesize
Implementation Method 2
supplying carbon dioxide to a medium to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3-)
Implementation Method 3
the microalgal species are photo-cultured, to produce calcite (CaCO3)-containing biomass
Implementation Method 4
supplying calcium ions (Ca2+) to the medium, where the microalgal species are photo-cultured, to produce calcite (CaCO3)-containing biomass
Implementation Method 5
inoculating one or more microalgal species into the medium, followed by photo-culture
Data Source
AI summary
A method for carbon resource utilization is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method includes (a) supplying carbon dioxide to a medium to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3−) (S100), (b) inoculating one or more microalgal species into the medium, followed by photo-culture (S200), and (c) supplying calcium ions (Ca2+) to the medium, where the microalgal species are photo-cultured, to produce calcite (CaCO3)-containing biomass (S300).