Abstract
Microalgae are versatile microorganisms with applications in food, energy and fine chemicals, among others. Modelling the dynamics of microalgae inside a photobioreactor is a convenient and inexpensive way to determine the concentration of cells over time. Numerous models have been developed in the literature, but only a few are able to give relevant biological information. Such information can then be used to further improve the production process. The objective of this work was to develop a model for the determination of microalgal dynamics inside a photobioreactor as a function of the environmental conditions, to retrieve the size-specific growth and division rates as well as the number of daughter cells. The results demonstrate how to evaluate the time needed for microalgae to complete a full life-cycle. Inexpensive laboratory-based procedures and mathematical modelling are combined for the determination of relevant biological parameters.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | New Biotechnology |
| Volume | 62 |
| Pages (from-to) | 40-48 |
| ISSN | 1871-6784 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Keywords
- Microalgae
- Size-specific growth rate
- Size-specific division rate
- Number of daughter cells
- Life-cycle time
- Population balance