New device patented in algae-to-biofuels sector

Researchers at the Spain-based University of Alicante have patented a new device which allows cultivation of microalgae to be used in biofuel production.

The group, centred in polymer processing and pyrolysis, have designed and developed a device, incorporating a photobioreactor, which can allow for mass production via less cleaning and maintenance operations, a practical use of CO2 and high light transfer to cultivation.

‘The subject on the cultivation of microalgae is having a major boom in terms of research in the last 15 years as an alternative energy to oil,’ director of the research group Antonio Marcilla gomis was quoted as saying. ‘The cost of microalgae production for energy is still far from what would be a profitable process comparable to oil, but that does not mean that it cannot be in a few years.’