Characteristics and potential of micro algal cultivation strategies: a review

As demonstrated by an integrated case study, mixotrophic cultivation results in increased biomass concentration in a first cultivation step for some micro algal strains like Nannochloropsis oculata. In a second step, the fresh active algal biomass accumulates desired products via CO2 fixation, e.g. from industrial effluent gases, as the sole carbon source. This can be realized by a novel, two-stage, continuously operated closed photo-bioreactor system. After cell harvest and optimized product recovery, the value-added conversion of residual algal biomass for generation of green energy carriers, e.g. in biogas plants, constitutes another focal point of the ongoing research.