Facility
Microalgal Research at PNNL-Sequim
Scientists at the Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory at PNNL-Sequim conduct research to improve the economics of microalgal biofuels.
Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
The microalgal research capability at PNNL-Sequim focuses on research that improves the economics of microalgal biofuels. Here we screen strains on the basis of biomass productivity under outdoor cultivation.
![algaestrainsphoto](/sites/default/files/media/image/microalgalstrains.png)
The following suite of bioreactors and other equipment are used to conduct state-of-the-art microalgae biofuels research:
- Four indoor LED-lighted and temperature-controlled climate simulation raceway ponds (see separate section below)
- Outdoor raceway ponds in Arizona.
- Two custom-designed Laboratory Environmental Algae Pond Simulator (LEAPS) photobioreactor systems that have been successfully validated to replicate the growth performance of microalgae in outdoor ponds at any geographical location and season.
- A suite of Phenometrics Environmental Photobioreactors (ePBRsTM) that can be used to cultivate microalgae under different light and temperature conditions.
- Two custom-designed thermal gradient incubators that measure physiological parameters as a function of temperature.
- A semi-automated microplate incubation system plus Cytation3 BioTek reader to screen microalgal growth as a function of salinity, pH, reactive oxygen concentration, or other parameters.
- A Hansatech Oxytherm+ system to measure photosynthetic oxygen evolution and dark respiration as a function of light intensity and temperature.
- Numerous cultivation systems and incubators with adjustable solar spectrum LED lighting and temperature control.
- New Brunswick Bioflo 3000 fermenter and a suite of INFORS bioreactors.
![INFORS Bioreactor Suite photo](/sites/default/files/media/image/INFORSBioreactorSuite.png)