Light requirements in microalgal photobioreactors: an overview of biophotonic aspects

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Carvalho, AP (Author) Other; Susana Silva (Author) FCUP; Baptista, JM (Author) Other; F. Xavier Malcata (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Vol. 89

Pages: 1275-1288

ISSN: 0175-7598

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 259 Citations

Scopus - 275 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-TR7

DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-3047-8

Abstract (EN): In order to enhance microalgal growth in photobioreactors (PBRs), light requirement is one of the most important parameters to be addressed; light should indeed be provided at the appropriate intensity, duration, and wavelength. Excessive intensity may lead to photo-oxidation and -inhibition, whereas low light levels will become growth-limiting. The constraint of light saturation may be overcome via either of two approaches: increasing photosynthetic efficiency by genetic engineering, aimed at changing the chlorophyll antenna size; or increasing flux tolerance, via tailoring the photonic spectrum, coupled with its intensity and temporal characteristics. These approaches will allow an increased control over the illumination features, leading to maximization of microalgal biomass and metabolite productivity. This minireview briefly introduces the nature of light, and describes its harvesting and transformation by microalgae, as well as its metabolic effects under excessively low or high supply. Optimization of the photosynthetic efficiency is discussed under the two approaches referred to above; the selection of light sources, coupled with recent improvements in light handling by PBRs, are chronologically reviewed and critically compared.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14