Novel 3D-printed buoyant structures for improvement in flue gas CO2-derived microalgal biomass production by enhancing anti-biofouling on vertical polymeric photobioreactor

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 366; p. 133030
• Main Authors: Sung, Young Joon, Yoon, Hong Ki, Lee, Jeong Seop, Joun, Jaemin, Yu, Byung Sun, Sirohi, Ranjna, Sim, Sang Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.09.2022
• Subjects: 3D-printed buoyant structure; Anti-biofouling; Flue gas CO2; Microalgae; Vertical polymeric photobioreactor; 3D-printed buoyant structure; Anti-biofouling; Microalgae; Flue gas CO2; Vertical polymeric photobioreactor
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133030

Novel 3D-printed buoyant structures can be applied in various environmental processes because of their considerable advantages. Microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors, directly supplemented by industrial CO2, enables environmental pollution mitigation/cleanup and sustainable energy production. However, in photobioreactor systems, biofilm formation due to gas bubbling decreases microalgal productivity. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a novel 3D-printed buoyant structure to suppress biofilm formation. The 10 mm-sized spherical buoyant structure reduced the height and area of the biofilm by 58.3% and 82.5%, respectively. The structure decreased space where bubble burst occurred and controlled the bubble size, reducing the overall biomass loss by 58.7%. It did not reduce photobioreactor performance noticeably during semi-continuous cultivation, indicating the possibility of long-term applicability. In large-scale outdoor microalgae cultivation using flue gas CO2, the buoyant structure improved the cell density and biodiesel production potential without contamination. This study provides a promising strategy to contribute to biological CO2 mitigation through the utilization of flue gas CO2 for enhanced microalgal production, paving the way for energy and environmental sustainability. [Display omitted] •3D-printed buoyant structure prevented biofouling in a polymeric photobioreactor.•The 10 mm-sized spherical structure decreased the height and area of the biofilm.•Buoyant structure prevented bursting of bubbles and generation of large bubbles.•Biofouling was controlled in semi-continuous culture without structure replacement.•Biofouling suppression contributed to microalgal valorization of flue gas CO2.