Abstract
Microalgae hold promise for sustainable biomass and bioactive metabolite production, yet their commercial viability faces challenges due to low productivity, often linked to inefficient light utilisation. Algae absorb light primarily in the 400–500 nm (blue) and 600–700 nm (red) range termed photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaving excess light untapped. Optimising incident light spectra is vital for high biomass production. Recent advancements have utilised fluorescent dyes as spectral converters to improve PAR availability in algae. The current study evaluated the solubility and spectral profiles of Diphenylanthracene [DPA], Diphenyloxazole [DPO], Rhodamine 6G [R6G], Rhodamine 8G [R8G], Rhodamine 800 [R800], Fluorescein Isothiocyanate [FITC], Lumogen Yellow [LY], and Lumogen Red [LR] in methanol, ethanol, and acetone across varying concentrations. DPA and DPO absorbed UV light and emitted in violet/blue wavelengths. In contrast, R8G emitted light in the blue-green region (450–500 nm), which could potentially stimulate pigment and lipid production in algae. LY exhibited peaks covering green to red PAR wavelengths. LR dye displayed an excitation/emission range of 320–400 and 590–660 nm, whereas R6G, R800, and FITC showed no PAR-related emissions. Most dyes showed higher fluorescence at 10 mgL−1 in methanol. DPA, LY, and R8G displayed the highest energy emissions, with LR emitting 9.56 × 10−18 J·photon−1, suggesting its potential to supply ample energy for supporting algal growth. This spectral conversion strategy shows promise for enhancing microalgae growth and metabolite production, reducing reliance on artificial light, and potentially cutting energy and cultivation costs. The study contributes to advancing sustainable practices in algal biotechnology.
Published Version
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