CHAPTER 15: Immobilization of Microalgae as a Tool for Efficient Light Utilization in H2 Production and Other Biotechnology Applications
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Published:19 Mar 2018
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S. N. Kosourov, M. He, Y. Allahverdiyeva, and M. Seibert, in Microalgal Hydrogen Production: Achievements and Perspectives, ed. M. Seibert and G. Torzillo, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2018, pp. 355-384.
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This chapter highlights recent advances in the field of whole-cell immobilization technology that can improve the yield of H2 photoproduction in microalgae. Low light utilization efficiency in suspension cultures, expensive biomass harvesting, and high energy demand for cell cultivation and maintenance of photobioreactors are among the major barriers limiting the use of green algae and other photosynthetic microorganisms for light-driven, industrial, and biotechnological applications. We review current immobilization approaches that address the above barriers and describe novel techniques used for separating microalgal cells from the liquid phase inside a photobioreactor. Special attention is given to a thin-layer, immobilization procedure, which shows potential to revolutionize the use of microalgal catalysts for more efficient light utilization and conversion of light energy to stored energy in the form of H2 gas and other biofuels or end-products.