Routine Management of Microalgae Using Autofluorescence from Chlorophyll.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Marine Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Microalgae are a high-potential biomass source with diverse applications.
• Assessing and maintaining microalgal culture quality are critical challenges for industrial use.
• Conventional methods for microalgal analysis are labor-intensive and can be imprecise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an automated, image-based cell counter for microalgae analysis.
• To evaluate the device's accuracy in quantifying cell density and assessing algal status.
• To demonstrate the potential of automated analysis in advancing microalgal applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of an automated cell counter utilizing image analysis and a fluorescence filter.
• Measurement of chlorophyll autofluorescence for selective cell detection.
• Comparison of cell density results with traditional hemocytometry.

Main Results:

• The automated device achieved cell density quantification nearly identical to hemocytometry.
• The device enabled simultaneous multiparametric analysis, including cell size and chlorophyll integrity.
• Automated functions significantly reduce operator working hours.

Conclusions:

• The automated fluorescence-based cell counter offers a precise and efficient alternative to conventional methods.
• This technology supports the quality management essential for industrial microalgal applications.
• The device has the potential to drive further development and expand opportunities within the microalgal industry.