Chlorella harvest – 2 times faster
The bioreactor for algae was created by young scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University
Young scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University have created a bioreactor for growing single-celled algae, such as chlorella. Thanks to the correctly selected lighting mode and the maintenance of other conditions necessary for cultivation, the installation will allow up to 400 liters of a mixture of algae and water to be obtained in 12 hours. This mixture is a nutritious feed additive for farm animals. Now the participants are negotiating with farms that are ready to try a new supplement for their animals.
Unicellular algae are rich sources of protein and vitamins. So, chlorella contains about 50% protein, 40% carbohydrates and 7-10% fat, as well as vitamins A, B2, K, PP and many trace elements. Unicellular algae are grown in a mild warm climate – in Central Asia, in the Crimea – in outdoor pools with a special nutrient medium. In the Tomsk region, weather conditions do not allow growing algae in this way.
The plant, developed by the polytechnics, consists of a cultivation unit – these are two large tanks where the process of growing algae itself takes place, a nutrient control unit for chlorella, a heating unit and a lighting control unit.
"LEDs of three colors are installed in the lighting control unit: red, blue and white – we can form such a spectrum of radiation that helps algae grow faster.
This is very important, because proper lighting promotes accelerated growth of plants and algae. There are plant lighting systems on the market, but they are universal, and each plant needs its own regime. The installation allows you to choose a unique spectrum specifically for chlorella. Now chlorella is grown in Russia, but it takes from a day to two weeks. It takes us about 12 hours to get the right concentration in the laboratory, that is, at least two times less," says Alexander Malakhov, a project participant, a graduate student at the Institute of High–Tech Physics of TPU.
The installation is automated as much as possible, all the processes of additional lighting and temperature support proceed without human intervention.
"The final product is a liquid suspension of algae and water. It can be stored in a dark place for a month, preserving all the properties. So far we have settled on a liquid product, but then the algae can be dried or encapsulated," the graduate student notes.
According to the developers, the cost of the installation for farms will be several hundred thousand rubles. The developers are also considering the option of selling ready-made additives to farms.
"Chlorella cultivation technologies came from Soviet times, when it was grown in greenhouses using sunlight or electric lamps. According to Soviet researchers, the chlorella supplement makes it possible to accelerate the weight gain of animals, the class of eggs increases in chickens, the risk of livestock deaths decreases due to increased immunity in animals.
The installation, developed by graduate students, takes the technology to a new level.
Firstly, more energy-efficient LEDs are used. Secondly, the rate of algae growth increases. Thirdly, if earlier during cultivation the algae were mixed with blades that damaged them, then here the mixing takes place with the help of a stream of water. This helps the cells to receive light and heat evenly," says Alexey Yakovlev, scientific director of the project, director of the Institute of High–Tech Physics.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru
28.04.2017