Indian Researchers Develop Hybrid Photobioreactor for CO2 Conversion to Biodegradable Plastic
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have developed a 200 L hybrid photobioreactor that captures industrial CO2 emissions and converts them into biodegradable plastic using microalgae. Utilizing microbubble technology and automated CO2 regulation, the system produces polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) with a CO2 bio-fixation rate of 44 mg/L/day. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential for scalable carbon capture and utilization systems that link emissions reduction to sustainable material production.
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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have developed a 200 L hybrid photobioreactor that captures industrial CO2 emissions and converts them into biodegradable plastic using microalgae. This system utilizes microbubble technology, automated CO2 regulation, and 3D-printed components to produce polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
The reactor operates on 5% CO2 typical of industrial flue gas, using the microalga Poterioochromonas malhamensis. It incorporates a 3D-printed microbubble generator to enhance gas-liquid interaction and achieve a CO2 bio-fixation rate of 44 mg/L/day with a biomass concentration of 0.423 g/L.
The reactor's automation ensures stable pH levels, reducing carbonate oversaturation risks. The study demonstrates the potential for scalable, sustainable carbon capture and utilization systems, linking carbon emissions reduction to biodegradable material production.
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