Patent ID: 8722396
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
1. A bioreactor assembly for culture of photoautotrophic algae, comprising: a first substantially horizontal manifold; a second substantially horizontal manifold positioned below the first manifold; a collection of substantially parallel, substantially transparent tubes extending between the first manifold and the second manifold such that each tube is oriented substantially vertically and substantially perpendicular to the first manifold and substantially vertical and substantially perpendicular to the second manifold; an air supply operationally connected to the second manifold; a water purifier operationally connected to at least one manifold; a water supply operationally connected to at least one water sterilizer; a pH sensor positioned to measure a pH level in at least one of the tubes; and an electronic controller operationally connected to the pH sensor, the air supply, the water purifier, and the water supply; wherein each tube is connected in fluidic communication with the first horizontal manifold; wherein each tube is connected in fluidic communication with the second horizontal manifold; and wherein each transparent tube is composed of a polymer film chosen from a group consisting of low density polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene tetraflouride (ETFE), polyethylene teraphalate (PET), or combinations thereof.