Photobioreactors for microalgal growth and oil production with Nannochloropsis salina: From lab-scale experiments to large-scale design

► Control of operating variables is critical for oil production from microalgae. ► Nannochloropsis salina is a valuable organism for biodiesel production. ► Nitrogen, light and CO2 have a major influence on N. salina growth and lipid accumulation. ► Biomass yield depends on light availability and organism intrinsic growth rate. ► The reactor requires a large light-exposed surface and must be as simple as possible.