Sagnik Nag , Amity University Kolkata
As ethanol, biodiesel, and other biofuels being conventional fuel sources, continue to pose challenges, such as stringent competition with food security or lack of adequate technology for more efficient and low-cost production, microalgae are now gaining momentum as a biofuel energy crop.
According to the current scientific research work, published by Yangzhou University in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, researchers showed how a combination of monochromatic red and blue LED illumination on one type of microalgae can orchestrate its growth and enhance the biosynthesis of critical components.
The researchers primarily focused on Dunaliella salina (D. salina), typically extracted from salt lakes, which can be easily cultivated and known for its vibrant pink colour because of its high levels of carotenoid. The algae are predominantly used in the food and cosmetics industry. Microalgae like D. salina tend to accumulate higher amounts of lipids, which indicates a much higher percentage of the organisms can be turned into usable biofuel. Furthermore, it is efficient because the microalgae lack a cell wall, making it much easier.
Photosynthesis is a biochemical process in which plants prepare their food by the means of chlorophyll and sunlight. It is majorly dependent on all parts of the visible spectrum, predominantly monochromatic blue and red light. In the aforementioned research work, they applied red, blue, or combined red-blue illumination to D. salina culture. They subsequently found that different intensities of blue light did not specifically affect microalgae growth but boosted the lipid, protein, and carbohydrate production levels. Red light, on contrary, reduced microalgae growth and lipid formation. Needless to say, when red and blue lights were simultaneously applied in various ratios, the microalgae showcased a surge in growth and lipid productivity. The average optimal 4:3 ratio of red and blue light significantly improved lipid productivity by more than 36% and increased dry biomass yield by more than 10% compared to the white light control. Further researchers are trying now to know the exact composition of the lipids, under the favourable combined lighting for increased lipid production.
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Reference: “Impact of combined monochromatic light on the biocomponent productivity of Dunaliella salina” by Cuili Jin, Binqi Yu, Shouyuan Qian, Qing Liu and Xiaojian Zhou, 30 March 2021, Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. DOI: http://10.1063/5.0041330
Excellent research! Keep up the good work!