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Biofilm-based algal cultivation systems

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Abstract

Biofilm-based algal cultivation has received increased attention as a potential platform for algal production and other applications such as wastewater treatment. Algal biofilm cultivation systems represent an alternative to the suspension-based systems that have yet to become economically viable. One major advantage of algal biofilm systems is that algae can be simply harvested through scraping and thus avoid the expensive harvesting procedures used in suspension-based harvesting such as flocculation and centrifugation. In recent years, an assortment of algal biofilm systems have been developed with various design configurations and biomass production capacities. This review summarizes the state of the art of different algal biofilm systems in terms of their design and operation. Perspectives for future research needs are also discussed to provide guidance for further development of these unique cultivation systems.

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Conflict of interest

Authors Z. Wen, M. Gross, and D. Jarboe have equity interests and management roles in Gross-Wen Technologies, LLC. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by Iowa State University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    Martin Gross & Zhiyou Wen

  2. Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    Martin Gross

  3. Center for Crops Utilization Research and BioCentury Research Farm, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    Darren Jarboe

Authors
  1. Martin Gross
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  2. Darren Jarboe
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  3. Zhiyou Wen
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Correspondence to Zhiyou Wen.

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Gross, M., Jarboe, D. & Wen, Z. Biofilm-based algal cultivation systems. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 99, 5781–5789 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-015-6736-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-015-6736-5

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