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Microalgae: a Revolution in the Making
02.15.2018, by
Microalgae could become an alternative to oil, a source of edible protein, while also recycling carbon dioxide. They could provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution to our development needs. But how can we scale up their production and optimize the extraction process of their precious compounds? The AlgoSolis platform, launched in 2015 by the University of Nantes and the CNRS, is attempting to meet this challenge by continuing research that began 25 years ago at the Gepea (environment and food process engineering) laboratory.
The Gepea is a CNRS/Université de Nantes/Oniris/Institut Mines-Telecom research unit.
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The AlgoSolis platform, which today covers more than 2000 square meters, has three objectives: scale-up to pre-industrial levels, develop solar culture of microalgae as well as techniques to extract the compounds that industrials seek.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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There are thousands of species of microalgae. These rapidly-growing microorganisms rely on light as a source of energy to bind carbon and generate biomass. They are referred to as “green gold” because of their protein, lipid, sugar and pigment content, which can find precious applications in nutrition, cosmetics, energy and green chemistry.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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The platform on which the microalgae cultures are set is automatically agitated to prevent the strains from settling and to maintain a certain homogeneity in the medium. In a second phase, the cultures continue to grow in photobioreactors, where temperature and light levels can be readily controlled, along with available carbon and nutrients.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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Flat-plate photobioreactors provide optimal temperature management for microalgae cultivation. In particular, researchers are improving the cooling system to maintain optimal temperature for growth using the least energy possible.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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This cultivation basin is part of a project using algae to decontaminate effluent, primarily in water-treatment plants. The aim is to create a virtuous circle: the microalgae feed on nitrates and phosphates from the waste water before converting them into industrially viable biomass.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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The development of a biorefinery chain first enables concentration of the microalgae which makes it possible to collect the water from the culture medium and recycle it. The extraction process then separates the different compounds of interest present in the algae, in this case the red dye phycoerythrin, which is used in cancer therapy.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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Microalgae culture has many applications. On the left is biobitumen produced using microalgae residue. On the right are powdered polysaccharides extracted from microalgae and destined for use in cosmetics.
Jean-Claude MOSCHETTI/GEPEA/AlgoSolis/CNRS Photothèque
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The SymBIO₂ biofacade is a mix of algaculture and sustainable architecture. Made up of flat-plate photobioreactors, it maintains optimal temperature inside the apartments throughout the year, with energy savings of up to 50% in the thermal regulation of the building. In addition, the facade produces oxygen and recycles the C0₂ created by the homes. This project, which brings together architects, scientists, engineers and builders, underscores the huge potential of microalgae.
XTU Architects
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