title: Integrated Microalgae Analysis Photobioreactor for Rapid Strain Selection.
abstract: Algal photosynthesis is considered to be a sustainable, alternative, and renewable solution to generating green energy. For high-productivity algaculture in diverse local environments, a high-throughput screening method is needed to select algal strains from naturally available or genetically engineered strains. Herein, we present an integrated plasmonic photobioreactor for rapid, high-throughput screening of microalgae. Our 3D nanoplasmonic optical cavity-based photobioreactor permits the amplification of a selective wavelength favorable to photosynthesis in the cavity. The hemispheric plasmonic cavity allows intercellular interaction to be promoted in the optically favorable milieu and also permits effective visual examination of algal growth. Using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we demonstrated a 2-fold enhanced growth rate and a 1.5-fold lipid production rate with no distinctive lag phase. By facilitating growth and biomass conversion rates, the integrated microalgae analysis platform will serve as rapid microalgae screening platforms for biofuel applications.
authors.forename: SoonGweon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Minsun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Sungjun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Doyeon
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bang
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University , Seoul 121-742, Korea.
authors.forename: Taewook
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Science, University of Seoul , Seoul 130-743, Korea.
authors.forename: Inhee
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Luke P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: bioreactor; microalgae; optical cavity; plasmonics; rapid strain selection