Issues on the optimization of bioreactors of microalgae and cyanobacteria crops for hydrogen and bioproduct productions

Abstract

Optimizing the design and operating parameters for optimum production of hydrogen and other bioproducts is a necessary step to address the rate of production of this energy input. Optimization is basically based on the appropriate choice of microalgae strain along with the available growth conditions. This paper presents a simplified review of the possible monitoring variables for microalgae and cyanobacteria crops. In addition, the design of open pond bioreactors and photobioreactors (PBR) that allow greater control of monitoring and crop parameters were presented. The physicochemical bioproduct characterization, such as fatty acids constituent and gases, is an aspect to be considered. The use of the optimization of the physical-chemical properties for their subsequent processing may improve the production of biofuels and biomass. In addition, the generation of hydrogen in the photosynthetic cycle of bioreactors based on microalgae cultures is presented as a solution to energy demand. And finally, we comment on some findings obtained from Multiphysics computational modeling carried out in PBRs.