Infrared biochemical sensor for Algal production efficiency improvement

The focus of this proposal is the development of a real-time sensor for monitoring chemicals in algae growth medium. The sensor will enable process control in the laboratory industrial and pond-based bioreactors. The proposed sensor will monitor the uptake of nutrients and release of extracellular metabolites in the growth media enabling automation and process control increasing growth yields and minimizing operational costs associated with algal growth. The objectives of the proposed efforts are focused on developing a sensor operating in the infrared spectral range. The goals include (i) the development of key sensor elements; and (ii) sensor validation in algal production. The key element of the sensor is an optical waveguide coated with pre-concentration materials that will enable enhanced specificity and sensitivity toward key nutrients and extracellular metabolites. Inline monitoring facilitated by this sensor will ensure consistent algal growth and increased production by allowing for automated adjustments to growth conditions and timely detection of stress signals in the culture. The anticipated applications of the sensor span a broad spectrum of research and industrial aquaculture activities offering significant benefits in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.