Microalgae are a type of algae that uses sunlight, inorganic nutrients, and Co2 for growing. Photosynthetic microalgae can produce products like cosmetics and biofuels by using light as an energy source. However, the problem arising with this is that algae, if grown in the reactor, blocks out the light on which they feed. Hence, new reactors are needed to solve this problem and help the Microbial Bioreactors Market move forward.
Photosynthetic algae can be used as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Each cell inside algae produces a small number of lipids that can be harvested to produce biofuels for the transport industry. In the current market, two designs are available that can grow them. First is an outdoor artificial pond. The second is a closed 'photobioreactor,' which is usually a transparent tube or bag.
Both the designs consist of several problems. In the first design, a pond can be made in a way that is sufficient for industrial production. However, it is hard to control its temperature, and there is always a fear of water getting infected by unwanted bacteria.
With the second design, though a photobioreactor reduces both the risks mentioned above, but only a handful of designs can be used for industrial production. In both types, the photosynthetic microalgae block out the light as they grow further.
In a recent study, coral reefs with a unique structure have been used, allowing photosynthesizing algae to thrive with a lot of competition for space and light. It has strength, softness, and light scattering qualities like a natural coral. With the right mix, the team could grow microalgae that are 100 times denser than those found in coral reefs. The researchers are further experimenting with this idea.
The bioreactor has more uses than being used for making bio-fuel. Salmon farmers feed an artificial pigment to give their fishes a pinkish hue. The scaled-up Brevel bioreactor can make this same pigment at the same price as its synthetic counterpart. But with a plus point of it being organic. This organic version has been found to be fit for consumption for a human, which was not the case with synthetically made pigments.
As industries look at producing more products for the nutrition and cosmetic industry, the bioreactors industry is expected to grow further.