Re: [DIYbio] Re: DIY Biorreactor at Nature Biotechnology

Hi there,

We are just developing a prototype photobioreactor for growing algae on Mars. I read this discussion with great interest.

With regards to the paper, I agree with some points raised by Jonathan. For instance I am also surprised the design has no cooler. I'd reckon this could be overcome by installing a heat sink for each vial and using a peltier system to regulate temperature instead as the vials are fairly small.

I agree with John, most biofilm formation is avoided by regularly pumping cultures into new vials. They even test this and find that passage every 8 hours eliminates the problem entirely, as shown in Figure 5b.

With regards to the millifluidic device, it is outlined in supplementary figure S11, on page 25 of the supplementary materials. I'm not sure I fully understand it, but my excuse is being a biologist. Still, it does seem to rely on a silicone membrane that either allows or obstructs flow.  It looks like they manufacture the pneumatics themselves as outlined in the S11 figure legends.

For me personally, I would need to redesign several parts to make it adaptable for algae: I would need to fit in a lighting system instead of the aluminium housing, and replace the stir bar with a gas bubbler. Seems like too much hassle, but I do like some of the concepts developed, especially the complex fluidics that can be taken advantage of by other designs.

Mate