MOMECCA: Moist Membranes for Cultivation and Collection of Algae
Mass cultivation of algae for biofuel production has focused on the use of open ponds or closed bioreactors. Both approaches depend upon routine liquid culturing of the algae and require the removal of large quantities of water at the time of cell harvesting and subsequent extraction of desired products. This invention proposes the use of porous inert membranes to support the growth and subsequent harvesting of the algae. Moisture and nutrients required for growth are provided by misting of the membrane from above, or percolation of an aqueous nutrient medium through a semisolid basement layer in contact with the membrane. Algal cells can be harvested from the membrane surface by scraping or lifting the cells using an industrial sized "squeegee".
Inventor: Liang, Hongjun
Priority Number: US20110201076A1
IPC Current: C12N001300 | C12N000100
US Class: 4351739 | 435243
Assignee Applicant: Colorado School of Mines,Golden
Title: HARVESTING MICRO ALGAE
Usefulness: HARVESTING MICRO ALGAE
Summary: As composite particle, used in lipid extraction methods, solvent extraction, mechanical press, and/or supercritical water extraction; used to rapidly precipitate microorganisms from various solutions.
Novelty: Composite particle used in e.g. lipid extraction methods, solvent extraction comprises core, protective shell encasing the core; and tendril layer, and further containing polymeric chains attached to the protective shell
化工/材料
有机化工
美国
