Brazilian researchers make advances in microalgae production using metabolites

April 19, 2023 |

In Brazil, a group of researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have grown microalgae under controlled conditions in a laboratory in order to use their metabolites, especially lipids, with the prime purpose of producing biofuel. The study is reported in an article published in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery.

The study analyzed the growth and productivity of the microalga Botryococcus terribilis, comparing its behavior in closed and open systems. Closed systems, in which there is no exchange of air with the environment and the conditions can be tightly controlled, include photobioreactors. Open systems include raceways—shallow artificial ponds or channels where microalgae, water and nutrients circulate, and air is exchanged with the environment.

According to the article, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, pigments, and hydrocarbons were extracted and quantified. This was the first time hydrocarbons extracted from B. terribilis were characterized.

Category: Research

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