Phototrophic Cultivation Of Chlorella Vulgaris In The BioLector XT Microbioreactor

By Noud Drummen, Application Scientist, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences

This content is brought to you by Beckman Coulter, a Danaher Operating Company.

Microalgae have emerged as a cornerstone for sustainable bioprocessing, offering solutions for biofuel production, carbon capture, and the production of high-value compounds. This resource explores advanced strategies for phototrophic cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris, a versatile species widely used in food, feed, and bioenergy applications.

Central to this approach is the integration of precise illumination control and real-time monitoring of key parameters — biomass, chlorophyll content, and pH — within a high-throughput microbioreactor system. By leveraging a modular light array capable of delivering diverse spectral profiles and irradiance levels, researchers can simulate natural conditions and optimize growth phases. The document also details innovative filter modules for non-invasive, online measurements, enabling accurate calibration and long-term stability even under continuous illumination. These capabilities support parallel cultivation experiments, accelerating strain screening and process optimization.

With insights into growth dynamics, nutrient requirements, and environmental factors, this platform provides a scalable pathway for improving productivity and unlocking the full potential of algae-based bioprocesses. Access the full resource to learn how advanced photobioreactor technology can transform algae cultivation into a high-efficiency, data-driven process.