Influence of culture media composition on the rheology of microalgae concentrates on a large scale

This study aimed to characterize microalgal concentrates rheologically in different culture media. The presence of bacteria was quantified by photorespirometry and plate counting techniques. The culture medium was found to significantly influence viscosity, with primary wastewater exhibiting the highest viscosity and seawater plus pig slurry the lowest. The concentration of heterotrophic bacteria was directly related to the viscosity. Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) in supernatant exhibited an inverse viscosity trend compared to biomass concentrates, with pig slurry cultures having higher concentrations. These findings emphasize the profound influence of culture medium and EPS on the rheology of microalgal biomass, underscoring the need for continued research aimed at facilitating and optimizing large-scale downstream processes within the framework of a circular economy and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (6,8, and 12).PMID:37532220 | DOI:10.1016/j.nbt.2023.07.005

Source: New Biotechnology - August 2, 2023 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Solaima Belachqer-El Attar Ainoa Morillas-Espa ña Ana S ánchez-Zurano Luiggi Cavalcanti Pess ôa Mar ía Guadalupe Pinna-Hernández Denilson de Jesus Assis Jos é Luis Casas López Gabriel Aci én Source Type: research