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Immobilising Microalgae and Cyanobacteria as Biocomposites: New Opportunities to Intensify Algae Biotechnology and Bioprocessing

Author

Listed:
  • Gary S. Caldwell

    (School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Pichaya In-na

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Rachel Hart

    (School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Elliot Sharp

    (Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK)

  • Assia Stefanova

    (School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Matthew Pickersgill

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
    Northumbrian Water Ltd., Bran Sands, Tees Dock Road, Middlesbrough TS6 6UE, UK)

  • Matthew Walker

    (School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Matthew Unthank

    (Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK)

  • Justin Perry

    (Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK)

  • Jonathan G. M. Lee

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

Abstract

There is a groundswell of interest in applying phototrophic microorganisms, specifically microalgae and cyanobacteria, for biotechnology and ecosystem service applications. However, there are inherent challenges associated with conventional routes to their deployment (using ponds, raceways and photobioreactors) which are synonymous with suspension cultivation techniques. Cultivation as biofilms partly ameliorates these issues; however, based on the principles of process intensification, by taking a step beyond biofilms and exploiting nature inspired artificial cell immobilisation, new opportunities become available, particularly for applications requiring extensive deployment periods (e.g., carbon capture and wastewater bioremediation). We explore the rationale for, and approaches to immobilised cultivation, in particular the application of latex-based polymer immobilisation as living biocomposites. We discuss how biocomposites can be optimised at the design stage based on mass transfer limitations. Finally, we predict that biocomposites will have a defining role in realising the deployment of metabolically engineered organisms for real world applications that may tip the balance of risk towards their environmental deployment.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary S. Caldwell & Pichaya In-na & Rachel Hart & Elliot Sharp & Assia Stefanova & Matthew Pickersgill & Matthew Walker & Matthew Unthank & Justin Perry & Jonathan G. M. Lee, 2021. "Immobilising Microalgae and Cyanobacteria as Biocomposites: New Opportunities to Intensify Algae Biotechnology and Bioprocessing," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:9:p:2566-:d:546496
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Genya V. Dana & Todd Kuiken & David Rejeski & Allison A. Snow, 2012. "Four steps to avoid a synthetic-biology disaster," Nature, Nature, vol. 483(7387), pages 29-29, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. José C. M. Pires & Ana L. Gonçalves, 2022. "Microalgae Cultures: Environmental Tool and Bioenergy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-4, August.

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