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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Operation of Laboratory Photobioreactors with Online Growth Measurements and Customizable Light Regimes

Operation of Laboratory Photobioreactors with Online Growth Measurements and Customizable Light Regimes

Published on: October 28, 2021

Solar spectral conversion for improving the photosynthetic activity in algae reactors.

Lothar Wondraczek¹, Miroslaw Batentschuk, Markus A Schmidt

¹Otto-Schott-Institute, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany. lothar.wondraczek@uni-jena.de

Nature Communications

|June 26, 2013

Summary

Spectral conversion using a novel phosphor significantly boosts algae growth and oxygen production in closed-cycle reactors. This advancement enhances biomass production for sustainable energy and materials.

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Renewable Energy
Photochemistry

Background:

Sustainable biomass production is crucial for future energy and materials.
Algae are a valuable resource for biomass, biofuels, fine chemicals, and CO2 capture.
Algal photosynthesis efficiency is limited by the spectral overlap between sunlight and chloroplast absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

To improve biomass growth and oxygen production in closed-cycle algae reactors.
To investigate the use of spectral conversion to enhance algal photosynthesis.
To adapt a photoluminescent phosphor for efficient light spectrum modification.

Main Methods:

Adaptation of a photoluminescent phosphor (Ca0.59Sr0.40Eu0.01S) for spectral conversion.
Integration of the phosphor as a backlight converter in a flat panel algae reactor.
Cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis as a model species in the reactor.

Main Results:

The phosphor efficiently converts green light to red light, matching chlorophyll b absorption peaks.
Integration of the spectral converter significantly increased photosynthetic activity.
A notable increase in algae reproduction rate was observed.

Conclusions:

Spectral conversion is a viable strategy to enhance algal biomass production.
Photoluminescent phosphors can optimize light conditions for improved algal photosynthesis.
This technology offers a promising approach for sustainable biofuel and biomaterial generation.