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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Evaluation of the Effect of Growth Factors on Chlorophylls a and b Production from Microalgae
Published on: October 25, 2024
Effects of shear stress on the microalgae Chaetoceros muelleri
Michiel H A Michels1, Atze J van der Goot, Niels-Henrik Norsker
1Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8129, 6700 EV, Wageningen, The Netherlands. michiel.michels@wur.nl
Abstract:
The effect of shear stress on the viability of Chaetoceros muelleri was studied using a combination of a rheometer and dedicated shearing devices. Different levels of shear stress were applied by varying the shear rates and the medium viscosities. It was possible to quantify the effect of shear stress over a wide range, whilst preserving laminar flow conditions through the use of a thickening agent. The threshold value at which the viability of algae was negatively influenced was between 1 and 1.3 Pa. Beyond the threshold value the viability decreased suddenly to values between 52 and 66%. The effect of shear stress was almost time independent compared to normal microalgae cultivation times. The main shear stress effect was obtained within 1 min, with a secondary effect of up to 8 min.
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