A mechanistic model of photosynthesis in microalgae including photoacclimation dynamics

In this study, an extension and actualization of a dynamic model of photosynthesis, previously published (Camacho Rubio et al., 2003), is presented. This model uses the concept of Photosynthetic Unit (PSU). In it, the processes of excited PSU net disappearance rate, photoinhibition and damaged PSU repair have been redefined in the context of photochemical and non-photochemical quenching. The phenomenon of photoacclimation in microalgae has been extensively incorporated into this model, significantly improving its prediction capabilities. A significant number of previously reported experimental results are successfully interpreted by the novel formulation: 1. Photosynthetic response of cells photoacclimated to different constant continuous irradiances (photoacclimated cells); 2. Short-term photosynthetic response of cells non-photoacclimated to different constant continuous irradiances (non-photoacclimated cells); 3. Kinetics of the photoacclimation response; 4. Photosynthetic response under intermittent light. It is expected that this model will contribute notably to the simulation of industrial algal mass cultures.

► Photosynthesis in microalgae is simulated by a dynamic mechanistic model.
► Model is defined in the context of the photochemical and non-photochemical quenching.
► The incorporation of photoacclimation improves the model prediction capabilities.
► A significant number of kinetics P versus I are successfully interpreted.
► The model will be useful for simulating industrial algal mass cultures.