Affiliation:
1. Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
Abstract
Abstract:
Light energy directly affects microalgae growth and productivity. Microalgae in
natural environments receive light through solar fluxes, and their duration and distribution
are highly variable over time. Consequently, microalgae must adjust their photosynthetic
processes to avoid photo limitation and photoinhibition and maximize yield. Considering
these circumstances, adjusting light capture through artificial lighting in the main culture
systems benefits microalgae growth and induces the production of commercially important
compounds. In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive study of the role of light
in microalgae biotechnology. For this, we present the main fundamentals and reactions of
metabolism and metabolic alternatives to regulate photosynthetic conversion in microalgae
cells. Light conversions based on natural and artificial systems are compared, mainly
demonstrating the impact of solar radiation on natural systems and lighting devices, spectral
compositions, periodic modulations, and light fluxes when using artificial lighting systems.
The most commonly used photobioreactor design and performance are shown herein,
in addition to a more detailed discussion of light-dependent approaches in these photobioreactors.
In addition, we present the principal advances in photobioreactor projects, focusing
on lighting, through a patent-based analysis to map technological trends. Lastly, sustainability
and economic issues in commercializing microalgae products were presented.
Funder
Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,Bioengineering,Biotechnology