Using this funding, we can cover labor, construction, and material costs. Using different species of algae help us to distinguish the most optimal performing species for cultivation, as well as photobioreactor designs for open source cultivation. One thousand dollars will be used for the testing and fine tuning between the biofilm and tubular photobioreactor. Using a biofilm, algae can attach to a growing substrate like a fine mesh, producing exopolysaccarides, facilitating attachment and reducing dewatering/harvest costs. The biofilm can be used as a way to remediate waste streams like wastewater or vinasse, consuming excess sugars for the extremely efficient mixotrophic growth mode of algae while removing nitrogen and phosphorus. The company Gross Wen Technologies are currently working on this, so we may use another waste stream However, a tubular bubble PBR produces high biomass yields, and is a more suitable open source candidate for open source cultivation. Or both!

Additional Information

My name is Cameron and I'm a high school freshman in the state of California. Microalgae are extremely versatile microorganisms. They contain up to a staggering 70% dry weight protein content, making it more protein rich than soybeans. Not only that, but microalgae contains a host of other vitamins and antioxidants, while sequestering co2 for growth. Under optimal conditions, algae can triple in biomass every day. SO why aren't we utilizing algae to it’s full potential by bringing it to kitchens, why is it relegated to high cost supplements? You see, the devices used to cultivate microalgae, photobioreactors, are extremely expensive to maintain and purchase, with some fetching millions, causing higher prices for consumers. We plan to change that. I want to create a photobioreactor that is accessible to anyone at under $150 cost. I also hope to create open source guides on growing edible microalgae at home to supplement people's diets. I will do this by comparing my own tubular bioreactor and biofilm to see which is best for culturing algae. My hypothesis is that the tubular bioreactor will perform better in terms of biomass production, but the biofilm is great for mixotrophic algal growth. I also hope to spread awareness of algae online. There are of course challenges. The main one is deciding how to get this product approved for sale, but that can be figured out later, because as of now I'm probably just doing the open source designs. Because of my young age I'm required to say my qualifications, so here is my ucsd extension transcript. I took three courses in different specialties of microbiology, and I always do additional biology reading online.

This is a potential, open source, low cost photobioreactor for open source online.

Tubular Photobioreactor holding 20 liters of spirulina algae

Airlift system likely attached to the bottom of the photobioreactor to agitate the spirulina, which is needed for efficient prevention of self-shading algal cultures. Uses food safe aquarium pump (protoype) with food grade materials. HEPA filter to prevent contaminated air from going in.

Heat mat underneath the entire PBR to maintain a temperature of 95 degrees farenheight.

Co2 and PH sensors continuously monitor the spirulina culture for a PH of 9.5-10: Co2 is bubbled into the PBR via the air pump if it or the PH sensor sees the PH rising. Spirulina likes alkaline environments, but if too alkaline sensor increase co2.

Optical density probe measure turbidity that can be fed through our App to alert users when to harvest.

Borosilicate glass, glass, polycarbonate for the exterior of the bioreactor.

Waterproof UVC light at the top of the PBR to sterilize remaining biofilms after harvest.

Ultrasonic vibration to clear biofilms during growing (optional)

Red+Blue led for growth of spirulina is also needed. This will be sealed via silicone and waterproofed. The light will be behind the glass to prevent contact with water and will also act as a sleeve for the PBR.

Here is a failed crowdfunding campaign I found similar to our aesthic and lighting choice. Our probes will be located at the top lid to measure PH and turbidity.

Unlike the PBR above, I also plan to make reflecting materials between the LEDs to maximize light distribution and efficiency.

Our nutrient tablet will be based off of BG-11 or Zarrouks media and will be dissolving and food safe. Either one time use or fed to the algae every day or by another increment yet unknown until further testing is done for this project.

Growth curve initial experiments with our nutrient tablet will also be necessary to track the most efficient times to add nutrients.

Arduino code for controlling pumps and lights via app. We hope to code so that when it is time for a periodic cleaning cycle, the pumps can flow at an aggressive pace to further clean the bioreactor. We also plan to use AI to monitor these sensors.

The PBR containing the algae will be separate from the lights. This is because when harvesting the algae, the main core can be pulled out and the top can be unscrewed to pour out the algae through a filter cloth we provide.