Adsorption Characteristics of Micro Algae on Surface-Modified Photobioreactor System

作者：Kim Young Bin; Jeong Sang Hwa; Park Jeong Woo^*

来源：Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, 2013, 7(1): 80-84.

DOI：10.1166/jbmb.2013.1266

• Photobioreactors (PBRs)
• Microalgae
• Pulse Electrochemical Polishing (PECP)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• Contact Angle Meter

Eco-friendly bio-diesel production using the growth of microalgae has recently been investigated in response to fossil fuel depletion and environmental concerns. Photobioreactors (PBRs) using microalgae, however, have a limitation in that the light transmittance rate is reduced as the algae become adsorbed on the surfaces of the reactor. The purpose of this study was to seek improvements in light transmittance in PBRs and to assess antimicrobial activity in the delivery system by analyzing adsorption characteristics of nnicroalgae towards delivery system components used in PBRs and general reactors, using various surface modifications. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a polymer, and stainless steel 316L were used as experimental specimens. The surface of the PMMA was treated with plasma and fluorocarbon resin. The surface of the stainless steel 316L was treated with a pulse electrochemical polishing (PECP) process to make the surface smooth and to enhance corrosion resistance as well as cleaning. For measurements of surface changes after these modifications, we performed three-dimensional (3D) configuration analysis, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and hydrophobic and hydrophilic analyses, with a contact angle meter. The specimens were submerged in microalgae cultures after undergoing the various surface treatments, and the nnicroalgae were continuously circulated to simulate the conditions in PBRs. The adsorption characteristics of micro algae toward to surface-modified PMMA and stainless steel 316L were also analyzed.

• 出版日期2013-2