Maximum safety and efficiency in laboratory and pre-scale cultivation of microalgae

Subitec offers a range of lab-scale and pre-scale systems designed to meet a variety of microalgal production requirements. Each system has unique specifications that make it ideal for a particular set of applications. The LS6, LS28, LS4x28 and LS180 systems offer high scalability and flexibility for any type of microalgae production. In addition, the laboratory systems occupy an important position in Subitec’s microalgae production concept: from laboratory scale through the pre-scale phase to large-scale industrial production as a continuous process with simultaneous process phases.

The unique Flat-Panel-Airlift-Photobioreactor technology of the Fraunhofer Institute is used in all lab and pre-scale systems and provides an excellent growth environment for microalgae. It allows precise control of growth conditions such as light, temperature and carbon dioxide, resulting in optimal cultivation processes, high growth rates and excellent product quality. Major contributions to this are made by the airlift system for improved CO₂ transfer and powerful LED grow lights.

The Subitec flat-panel airlift photobioreactors require only a small floor area and deliver high production volume and increased productivity per square metre thanks to their large photosynthetic surface. Their efficient mixing and circulation system minimises shear stress and ensures fast and effective mixing of the culture medium. This supports the growth of fastidious microalgae and maintains cell viability.

The Flat-Panel-Airlift-Photobioreactor systems from Subitec enable contamination-free microalgae production due to their hermetically sealed design, which shields the culture medium from external influences and reduces the risk of contamination. This ensures the sustainable production of high-quality microalgal biomass. The sophisticated design prevents unwanted microorganisms from entering the system or cultivated microalgae/GMOs from escaping into the environment. This makes the systems ideal for the cultivation of sensitive, high-value or genetically modified microalgae. As the quality of the microalgal biomass often determines cultivation success, the Subitec technology provides a robust basis for these objectives.