Macroalgae photobioreactor systems for water purification and food production

Overview

NeoChloris Inc. has developed patented photobioreactor (PBR) systems for cultivating macroalgae using artificial lighting under elevated pressure. The technology addresses three challenges simultaneously: capturing carbon dioxide, purifying nutrient-rich water, and producing biomass for food, biogas, and oxygen. By operating at elevated pressure, the system improves photosynthetic efficiency, reduces reactor footprint, limits contamination, and increases throughput. NeoChloris is seeking to pilot test its technology at the Biosphere2 facility using macroalgae species such as Macrocystis, which are more resistant to microbial predators than microalgae.

Technical specifications

• Patented photobioreactor design covered by US patents 9,593,300 and 10,179,895, applicable to both microalgae and macroalgae culture
• Elevated-pressure operation at approximately 150 psi (10.3 BAR) to enhance carbon dioxide dissolution, improve light utilization, and reduce photosynthetic antennae size
• Contamination resistance through pressure stress and enclosed reactor design, reducing the need for sterile conditions
• Artificial LED lighting providing controlled, energy-efficient illumination
• CO2 capture from gas streams to support algae growth
• Multi-output biomass processing: harvested biomass can be used directly as food or converted to biogas through anaerobic digestion
• Nutrient feed modeling of typical wastewater streams, such as those generated in space stations or communities, enabling simultaneous water purification and food production
• Oxygen generation as a co-product of photosynthesis

Technology readiness level

The photobioreactor concept has been validated through laboratory-scale batch reactors designed, built, and operated at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, demonstrating that microalgae thrive under elevated pressure. NeoChloris holds two issued US patents covering the technology and is affiliated with the University of Arizona Center for Innovation. The next stage of validation is a one-year pilot study at Biosphere2, in collaboration with Biosphere2 staff and the University of Arizona Department of Chemical Engineering. The pilot will construct photobioreactors, identify suitable macroalgae species, and monitor CO2 uptake rates, oxygen generation, energy consumption, biomass yield, and nutritional profile of the harvested kelp.