Multiplex microfluidic system integrating sequential operations of microalgal lipid production

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Renewable Energy
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Reducing the unit cost of algal biofuel is crucial for its viability as a fossil fuel substitute.
• Efficient screening of microalgal strains for high lipid productivity is essential for cost reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel microfluidic system for rapid, simultaneous screening of multiple microalgal strains.
• To expedite lipid sample preparation and analysis for identifying superior algal biofuel candidates.

Main Methods:

• A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based multiplex microfluidic system with eight chambers and micropillar arrays was developed.
• The system integrates cell culture and lipid extraction, eliminating labor- and energy-intensive harvesting and purification steps.
• Sequential operations were performed by simple injection of medium and solvent into a central inlet.

Main Results:

• The microfluidic system enabled simultaneous, rapid, and efficient lipid extraction from eight different microalgal strains.
• Lipid extraction efficiency was comparable (94.5-102.6%) to the conventional Bligh-Dyer method.
• Different microalgal strains exhibited distinct lipid accumulation patterns under varying stress conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiplex microfluidic approach is an efficient analytical tool for rapid strain performance analysis.
• This system facilitates the determination of optimal lipid induction conditions for individual microalgal strains.
• The technology supports the advancement of cost-effective algal biofuel production.