MSU technology progresses algae’s potential as a biofuel

Michigan State University scientists have created a new technology that improves algae's biofuel properties.

The team's environmental photobioreactor (ePBR) – the first of its kind - grows algae, by imitating its complex and natural habitats.

To identify which forms of algae produce the most oil when removed from the laboratory-based pond and placed into real-life, external settings, the scientists test varying levels of algae strains.

Ben Lucker, MSU research associate, believes that the sophistication of the ePBR system lies in its ability to duplicate and substantiate results produced from all over the world, by using tubes, flasks, grow lights and aluminium foil.

By situating ePBR systems in natural environments, the possibility of variables are eliminated before the algae leaves the lab. Large-size bioreactors ensure the control of many factors including temperature, light, evaporation, oxygen and carbon dioxide, to name a few.

The ePBR technology looks to encourage investors to support future algae biofuel research.