Photobioreactors

Photobioreactors

Photobioreactors are key technologies for sustainable microalgae and plant cell cultivation.
bbi biotech integrates over 30 years of photobioreactor engineering experience from Prof. Pulz and IGV into its advanced life science portfolio. The upgraded series features novel automation systems, optimized operational parameters, and durable horizontal glass tube designs.

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Photobioreactor Engineering and Design

A photobioreactor supplies light and CO₂ to microalgae or plant cells, enabling dense biomass growth with added nutrients.
Harvesting is performed via centrifuges or sieves once optimal cell density or dry biomass is achieved.

• Lab-scale systems operate in batch mode
• Scaled photobioreactors operate in fed-batch mode

bbi supplies photobioreactors from laboratory to production scale, utilizing high-quality glass tubes for modular and centralized system configurations.
These designs outperform plastic-based systems in durability and operational efficiency.

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Advantages of Glass Tube Photobioreactors

• Optimal illumination of thin algae suspension layers
• Flat surfaces prevent immobilization and biofouling
• Minimized pump energy input
• Excellent light transmission and light-fastness
• Guaranteed glass tube shelf life of ≥10 years
• Lower investment cost compared to plastic alternatives

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Integrated System Solutions

bbi combines proven photobioreactor components with the xCUBIO Bioreactor Toolbox, offering complete system integration and automation.
Following the 2015 agreement with IGV, bbi expanded its product line to include optimized photobioreactors for both R&D and industrial-scale algae production.

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Product Lineup

xCUBIO phar: High-End Microalgae Research

• Overall volume: approx. 5 L
• Glass tube: approx. 9 m (20 mm diameter)
• LED illumination with up to four independently controlled wavelengths
• Internal vessel for CO₂ feed, oxygen removal, temperature control, sensors, and level regulation
• Autoclavable circular system pump with magnetic coupling
• All algae-contacting components autoclavable after assembly

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xCUBIO in-situ phar: In-situ Sterilizable Photobioreactors

• Fully automatic steam sterilization
• Operational volume: 25–250 L
• All media-contact parts in stainless steel
• Accredited for GMO cultivation
• Qualification and validation possible
• GMP- and FDA-compliant design
• Suitable for sensitive microalgae species

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MEDUSA – In-situ Sterilizable Air Lift Photobioreactor

• Airlift bubble column design
• Standard volumes: 25, 50, 100 L
• Suitable for microalgae, mosses, and shear-sensitive plant cells
• Designed for extreme purity requirements
• Fully steam-sterilizable (optional steam generator)
• High-quality borosilicate glass contact surfaces
• Controlled illumination with fluorescent tubes

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Photobioreactors for Microalgae Cultivation in the Lab

• Operational volume: 25–250 L
• xCUBIO process automation with touchscreen and remote access
• Artificial or natural light illumination
• Compact skid-mounted mobile frame
• Pretested and ready for immediate use
• Interfaces: electrical supply, CO₂, fresh water, waste water

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Your Successful Start into Microalgae Production

• Operational volume: 1000–8000 L
• Modular and mobile design for scalable production
• Robust construction with high operational reliability
• Optional artificial illumination and harvest system integration
• Ideal for inoculum or pilot biomass production
• Interfaces: installation area, electrical supply, CO₂, fresh water, waste water

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Scaled Microalgae Production Installations

• Single module volume: up to 100,000 L
• Industrial-grade up- and downstream technology
• Greenhouse or outdoor cultivation
• Glass tubes with ≥10-year guaranteed lifespan
• Project-specific 2D/3D CAD engineering
• Installation, commissioning, and remote maintenance services
• Reliable and predictable production performance
• Interfaces: installation area/building, electrical supply, CO₂, fresh water, waste water

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