Microalgae for Biofilms

Microalgae are a group of microorganisms with a wide range of potential applications. The growth of microalgae and other microorganisms on the material's surface allows the formation of microalgal biofilms, promoting the process efficiency of bioremediation. Here, Lifeasible offers specialized solutions for applying microalgal biofilms in wastewater treatment.

Introduction

In many developing countries, intensive agricultural activities and rapid industrialization have led to increased wastewater production and scarce clean water supplies. In recent years, microalgae have been extensively investigated for environmental applications, especially as bioremediation agents, due to their strong adsorption capacity for inorganic nutrients and effective fixation of inorganic compounds, including carbon dioxide and heavy metals. However, the growth of microalgae by conventional suspension processes limits the process efficiency of bioremediation. The growth of microalgae attached to the material surface would be the best option for bioremediation or microalgae recovery for use as feedstock. Scientists are interested in studying a fundamentally different approach: the potential of using microalgae as biofilms for attachment culture.

Fig 1. Schematic diagram of the microalgal biofilm and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) structure. (Cheah YT, et al., 2021)

Customized Solutions

Microalgal biofilms are associations of microalgae, heterotrophic microorganisms, and other microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. Given the high energy costs and water consumption of microalgae culture, our scientists develop microalgae biofilm-based culture systems as a solution for a more sustainable and resource-friendly microalgae biomass production system. We offer customized processes for microalgal biofilm development and formation.

Fig 2. The customized processes for microalgal biofilm development and formation.

As an innovator in microalgae research, Lifeassible offers comprehensive solutions for the design of microalgal biofilms. Depending on the biofilm carrier, we have successfully designed a variety of microalgae biofilm photobioreactors (PBR).

• Flat-plate microalgae biofilm photobioreactors
• Rotating microalgae biofilm photobioreactor
• Microalgae biofilm membrane photobioreactors

In addition, we use various forms of microscopy and chemical imaging techniques to characterize microalgae biofilms and to analyze the factors that influence microalgae biofilm formation and adhesion.

• Characterization of microalgae biofilms, including chemical composition and surface structure.
• Analysis factors affecting microalgae biofilm formation and adhesion were analyzed, including surface physicochemical properties of microalgae, surface physicochemical properties of adherent materials, media composition, carbon dioxide, light availability/intensity, and presence of native microorganisms, etc.

Advantages of our Microalgae Biofilms

• Higher biomass concentration
• Simple method to separate attached cells from their surrounding growth medium
• No need to use additional electrical or chemical methods
• Simpler biofilm harvesting/dehydration process without expensive separation techniques.
• Reduced culture medium requirements.
• Suitable for different species of microalgae, including freshwater and marine microalgae.

Applications of Our Microalgae Biofilms

Our microalgae biofilm systems are widely used in wastewater treatment because they offer a simple, energy-efficient technology.

• Removal of coliform bacteria.
• Reduction of chemical and biochemical oxygen demand.
• Removal of phosphorus and/or nitrogen.
• Removal of heavy metals.
• Water toxicity measurement.

At Lifeasible, we can quickly design microalgal biofilms to absorb critical nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorus and then easily and reliably separate algal biomass from most wastewater. We are your trusted partner in all aspects of microalgae research. If you are interested in our solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us.