title: Light emitting diodes (LEDs) applied to microalgal production.
abstract: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will become one of the world's most important light sources and their integration in microalgal production systems (photobioreactors) needs to be considered. LEDs can improve the quality and quantity of microalgal biomass when applied during specific growth phases. However, microalgae need a balanced mix of wavelengths for normal growth, and respond to light differently according to the pigments acquired or lost during their evolutionary history. This review highlights recently published results on the effect of LEDs on microalgal physiology and biochemistry and how this knowledge can be applied in selecting different LEDs with specific technical properties for regulating biomass production by microalgae belonging to diverse taxonomic groups.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Centro Andaluz de Ciencia y Tecnología Marinas, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
authors.forename: Peter S C
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Schulze
authors.affiliation: Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Luísa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Barreira
authors.affiliation: Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Hugo G C
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Centro Andaluz de Ciencia y Tecnología Marinas, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
authors.forename: José A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Perales
authors.affiliation: Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal. Electronic address: jvarela@ualg.pt.
authors.forename: João C S
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Varela
mesh_terms: D018533:Biomass; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D004566:Electrodes; D008027:Light; D058086:Microalgae; D058433:Photobioreactors
keywords: energy efficiency; light requirements; light-emitting diodes (LEDs); microalgae; microalgal biochemicals; microalgal biomass