Infrared biochemical sensor for Algal production efficiency improvement

The focus of this proposal is the development of a real-time sensor for monitoring chemicals inalgae growth medium. The sensor will enable process control in the laboratory industrial andpond-based bioreactors. The proposed sensor will monitor the uptake of nutrients and release ofextracellular metabolites in the growth media enabling automation and process controlincreasing growth yields and minimizing operational costs associated with algal growth. Theobjectives of the proposed efforts are focused on developing a sensor operating in the infraredspectral range. The goals include (i) the development of key sensor elements; and (ii) proof ofconcept experiments. The key element of the sensor is an optical waveguide coated with pre- concentration materials that will enable enhanced specificity and sensitivity toward key nutrientsand extracellular metabolites. Proof of concept experiments will focus on monitoring selectcomponents in the growth medium in a bench-top bioreactor and cross-validation againststandard laboratory instruments. Inline monitoring of nutrients and extracellular metabolites willenable consistent growth and increased production due to the possibility of automatedadjustments of growth conditions and timely assessment of extracellular chemicals that signalthe development of stress in the culture. The sensor is expected to have immediate applicationsacross a wide range of research and industrial aquaculture activities.