Investigating synergies between advanced bioprocess monitoring and production of valuable marine bioproducts

BBSRC International Partnership Award linking SIPBS to Insititute for Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing

We cultured 3 strains of algae transferred from IPE to Strathclyde. All cultures were successfully cultivated in photobiorectors at Strathclyde and near infrared spectra of the cultures and fluids were taken.
Disruption of the algae for estimation of lipid and metabolite content wasa challenging using high pressure homogeniser. Novel methods need to be employed, perhaps including microwave assisted.
Simple models of key analytes(e.g biomass) could be readily built offering the prospect of real time process monitoring.
A series of seminars was given by each partner and staff and student exchanges took place. Knowledge transfer in both directions was effective with IPE transferring skills in algal cultivation, while Strathclyde transferred skills in real time bioprocess monitoring.
Together with Prof Cong Wei (IPE) and Prof Z Bai (Jiangnan Uni) we planned a joint bid for funding in algal biofuel production to the Chinese Government Biofuels Programme. However, this funding was awarded elsewhere.
Further funding bids with Prof Bai are in progress in 2012 and 2013.