Biofuel Production Pack
Accelerating Algae Culture Optimization with Microfluidic Flow Control
Stable delivery
Controlled input of key nutrients
Live monitoring
Real-time flow and lipid tracking
Fast testing
Run multiple conditions in parallel
Biofuel production pack
Redefining algae cultivation for Biofuel research
Algae hold immense promise for sustainable biofuel production thanks to their fast growth and high lipid output. Yet, finding the ideal growth conditions remains a critical challenge for researchers aiming to scale.
The Biofuel Production Pack is engineered to streamline culture optimization workflows by bringing microfluidic control and real-time data together. Central to this setup is the Pressure Pump for microfluidics — a high-precision, pulsation-free pressure system that offers smooth and programmable flow across multiple channels. This enables researchers to deliver nutrients with consistency and run parallel tests across different conditions.
Coupled with the Galileo Flow Sensor, users can monitor nutrient delivery and detect real-time changes in flow — allowing for immediate insight into how the algae respond to shifts in inputs or stress factors. The system mimics bioreactor dynamics within a compact, flexible setup, accelerating the discovery of optimal cultivation strategies.
Setup
Pressure Pump for Microfluidics
Galileo Flow Sensor
Automated sampling system (optional)
Liquid Reservoir (likely water or growth media)
Nutrient Reservoir
Waste Reservoir
Sample Collection Reservoir
Microfluidic Chip (PDMS/Glass-Based – microfluidic ChipShop)
Picture
Biofuel picture from La Jolla, Wikimedia commons.
Microfluidic Flow Sensor technical specifications
| Pressure control | |
|---|---|
| Pressure | -400 to 600 mbar |
| Pressure stability | 0.2 mbar |
| Air flow rate | 0.1 L/min at atmospheric pressure Possibility to work with higher air flow rates by reducing the pressure range |
| Pressure control | |
| Microfluidic flow sensor | Monitoring and feedback loop flow control available |
| Flow rates | From 0.1 µL/min to 5 mL/min |
Pressure Pump technical specifications
| Pressure control | |
|---|---|
| Pressure range | 0 to 2000 mbar |
| Accuracy | 2.5 mbar |
| Gas Consumption | Close to liquid flow rate |
| Response time | 50 ms |
| Settling time | around 1s |
| Flow control | |
| Flow rate | from 0.4 to 1000 µL/min |
| Flow rate accuracy | 5% Read value |
Compatibility and Applications
- Culture Optimization
Fine-tune growth conditions for maximal lipid production. - Biofuel R&D
Screen algae strains for fuel potential under dynamic environments. - Carbon Capture Studies
Explore algae’s efficiency in converting CO₂ into biomass. - Synthetic Biology
Test engineered strains under highly controlled flow and nutrient regimes. - Sustainable Resource Utilization
Evaluate alternative growth substrates (e.g., agri-waste) in closed-loop systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this pack ideal for algae culture optimization?
It provides precise, programmable nutrient delivery and real-time monitoring, allowing researchers to efficiently test and refine growth conditions.
Can I monitor the culture’s behavior in real time?
Yes. The Galileo Flow Sensor continuously tracks flow dynamics, helping detect clogging, nutrient depletion, or system drift early.
Is this setup scalable for industrial biofuel development?
While designed for lab-scale use, the pack simulates bioreactor conditions, making it ideal for pre-scaling culture strategies.
Funding and Support
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation program under HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01, grant agreement no. 101130747 (Bio-HhOST).
The development of the Galileo flow sensor has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation program under HORIZON-EIC-2022-TRANSITION-01, grant agreement no. 101113098 (GALILEO).
