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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Experimental Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Material Fouling Resistance
09:13

Experimental Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Material Fouling Resistance

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CFD-based prediction of initial microalgal adhesion to solid surfaces using force balances.

S Kichouh-Aiadi1, A Sánchez-Mirón1, J J Gallardo-Rodríguez1

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.

Biofouling
|September 20, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microalgal cell adhesion to photobioreactor walls, a major cause of lost productivity, can now be predicted. A new Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Phase Model (CFD-DPM) approach models this biofouling, improving economic viability.

Keywords:
Computational fluid dynamicsNannochloropsisXDLVOcell adhesionflow cellforce balance

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Fluid Dynamics

Background:

  • Microalgal cell adhesion to photobioreactor surfaces leads to significant economic losses due to reduced productivity.
  • Current understanding of biofouling in photobioreactors is limited, with no existing multiphysical models capable of prediction.
  • Physico-chemical surface properties and fluid dynamics are known factors influencing microalgal adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a predictive model for microalgal cell adhesion in photobioreactors.
  • To investigate the forces governing microalgal adhesion using a computational approach.
  • To enhance the economic viability of microalgal cultivation by mitigating biofouling.

Main Methods:

  • A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was employed using a Eulerian-Lagrangian particle-tracking model.
  • The adhesion criterion was established based on the force and moment balance within the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) model.
  • Experimental validation was performed using a marine microalga, *Nannochloropsis gaditana*, in a flow cell with poly-methyl-methacrylate coupons.

Main Results:

  • The developed CFD-DPM model qualitatively predicted the initial distribution of adhered microalgal cells on the flow cell coupons.
  • The simulation successfully integrated fluid dynamics with physico-chemical adhesion forces.
  • The model demonstrated the potential for predicting biofouling patterns in photobioreactors.

Conclusions:

  • The combined CFD-DPM approach offers a robust method for predicting microalgal cell adhesion in photobioreactors.
  • This predictive capability can help mitigate biofouling and improve the overall productivity and economic efficiency of microalgal cultivation.
  • The study provides a foundation for further development of advanced multiphysical models for photobioreactor design and operation.