Solid state photobioreactors for efficient microalgae cultivation
Innovative solid state photobioreactors offer a sustainable solution for microalgae cultivation, reducing water usage and eliminating the need for dewatering. Utilizing vertical growth and CO2 enrichment, these reactors enhance productivity and can integrate with waste streams for eco-friendly applications.
Overview
Solid state photobioreactors (PBRs) represent a breakthrough in sustainable microalgae cultivation by significantly addressing the challenges of water consumption and harvesting costs. Unlike traditional systems, these PBRs grow algae in a thin film, reducing water volume and producing a paste that eliminates the need for additional dewatering. By utilizing a dual-sided design that supplies nutrients, water, light, and CO2, these reactors enhance growth efficiency and are adaptable to various environments, including waste water integration.
Technical specifications
- Productivity: Currently achieving 3.6 g/m²/day on lab-based systems using LEDs; potential to exceed 10 g/m²/day with vertical panel arrangement and CO2 enrichment
- Design: Dual-sided for optimized nutrient and light supply, reducing water use and enhancing growth
- Species Compatibility: Capable of cultivating various microalgae species and communities, with potential to use waste water and flue gas as resources
- Instrumentation: Future enhancements include online monitoring via image analysis and pO2/pCO2 sensors
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. Current efforts focus on improving material engineering for better water diffusivity, adding monitoring instrumentation, and developing full-size panels for real-world testing. Collaboration with experienced prototyping partners is sought to advance development and enable technoeconomic assessments.
About University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo is a public research university in Ontario, Canada, known for an entrepreneurial, STEM‑driven culture. A globally recognized co‑op program places students with employers year‑round, creating direct talent pipelines and de‑risked pathways into sponsored research and contract development. An adjacent research and technology park hosts corporate R&D alongside faculty labs, and the campus sits within the Toronto–Waterloo innovation corridor for ready access to partners, investors, and scale‑up resources. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and international programs. A creator‑owned IP policy and a dedicated tech transfer office enable flexible agreements, licensing, and spinouts.
delivered to your inbox.