Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Operation of Laboratory Photobioreactors with Online Growth Measurements and Customizable Light Regimes
Published on: October 28, 2021
Overview and Challenges of Large-Scale Cultivation of Photosynthetic Microalgae and Cyanobacteria
Lucie Novoveská1, Søren Laurentius Nielsen2, Orhan Tufan Eroldoğan3
1ScotBio Ltd., Livingston EH54 5FD, UK.
Abstract:
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are diverse groups of organisms with great potential to benefit societies across the world. These organisms are currently used in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In addition, a variety of novel compounds are being isolated. Commercial production of photosynthetic microalgae and cyanobacteria requires cultivation on a large scale with high throughput. However, scaling up production from lab-based systems to large-scale systems is a complex and potentially costly endeavor. In this review, we summarise all aspects of large-scale cultivation, including aims of cultivation, species selection, types of cultivation (ponds, photobioreactors, and biofilms), water and nutrient sources, temperature, light and mixing, monitoring, contamination, harvesting strategies, and potential environmental risks. Importantly, we also present practical recommendations and discuss challenges of profitable large-scale systems associated with economical design, effective operation and maintenance, automation, and shortage of experienced phycologists.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Green Algae
Overview of Algae
Bacterial Phylum Cyanobacteria
Oxygenic Photosynthesis
Red Algae
Anoxygenic Photosynthesis

