Understanding phycosomal dynamics to improve industrial microalgae cultivation

Isaac R Miller; Huyen Bui; Jessica B Wood; Matthew W Fields; Robin Gerlach

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.12.003

Understanding phycosomal dynamics to improve industrial microalgae cultivation

Trends Biotechnol. 2024 Jan 5:S0167-7799(23)00342-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.12.003. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Isaac R Miller¹, Huyen Bui², Jessica B Wood¹, Matthew W Fields³, Robin Gerlach⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
² Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
³ Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Energy Research Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA. Electronic address: matthew.fields@montana.edu.
⁴ Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Energy Research Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Bozeman, MT, USA.

PMID: 38184438
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.12.003

Abstract

Algal-bacterial interactions are ubiquitous in both natural and industrial systems, and the characterization of these interactions has been reinvigorated by potential applications in biosystem productivity. Different growth conditions can be used for operational functions, such as the use of low-quality water or high pH/alkalinity, and the altered operating conditions likely constrain microbial community structure and function in unique ways. However, research is necessary to better understand whether consortia can be designed to improve the productivity, processing, and sustainability of industrial-scale cultivations through different controls that can constrain microbial interactions for maximal light-driven outputs. The review highlights current knowledge and gaps for relevant operating conditions, as well as suggestions for near-term and longer-term improvements for large-scale cultivation and polyculture engineering.

Keywords: direct air capture; eco-engineering; microalgae; phycosome; polycultures.

Publication types

Review