Heterotrophic cultivation of algae

Algae are generally considered to be autotrophic organisms, those that use light radiation as a source of energy for their growth. However, there are strains of microscopic algae that don´t need a light energy if they have another source of readily available energy, such as sugars. The growth of microalgae in the dark with simple organic matter as a source of energy is called HETEROTROPHIC growth.

Heterotrophic cultivation has several major advantages that require careful cultivation and constant monitoring of sterile conditions.

- Cultivation is not dependent on weather, climate or light sources.

- In temperate climates, it can be used all year round.

- Microalgae grow under strictly controlled conditions without any contamination.

- The density of the crop can be high, which in turn reduces harvesting costs.

IMIC - Algatech Center has been engaged in heterotrophic cultivation for several decades, both on a laboratory scale and in verification pilot plant conditions. At present, our center deals with applied research of heterotrophic cultivations:

- selection of strains suitable for cultivation,

- breeding microalgae strains with the required properties,

- laboratory cultivation and inoculum preparation up to a volume of about 10 liters,

- determining the optimal cultivation conditions,

- pilot and half scale cultivation in volumes of 75 - 1500 liters.

The heterotrophic culture hall also uses various separation centrifuges, algal cell disintegration and a spray dryer with a capacity of 30 liters / hour.
 

    
From left: Lab fermentors from BioStream company (NL), 10 L fermentor from Gryf (CZ) and 1500 L fermentors in the technology hall.

In addition to applied research, the heterotrophic cultivation team also deals with contract research and cooperation with the application sphere in the form of custom cultivations and biomass processing. More info. or please contact: Richard Lhotský, Ph.D. (lhotsky@alga.cz, +420 384 340 413) or Ivan Ivanov, Ph.D. (ivanov@alga.cz, +420 384 340 471).