Progress 07/01/23 to 07/16/24

Outputs
Target Audience: The sensor developed in this Phase I project addressed the needs of several key audiences, which were the focus of this effort: Research Laboratories: The sensor developed in this work targets real-time monitoring of the growth media composition and optimization of conditions for successful growth of algae. It will facilitate the development of growth procedures targeting specific biomass compositions and support algal growth in complex environments. The sensor will aid in research acceleration by reducing reliance on time-consuming and expensive offline analytical techniques and enhancing the precision and efficiency of laboratory experiments. Industrial Production for Wastewater Treatment: Monitoring algal growth conditions is essential for establishing process control and automation in industrial settings, including those integrating algae cultivation with wastewater treatment processes. The sensor will reduce costs related to capital investments and operations, including nutrients, electric power consumption (aeration and lighting), and failure prevention. It will optimize nutrient removal and pollutant sequestration, improving the efficiency and economic viability of algae-based wastewater treatment. These two sectors were the key target audiences, and we have established close relations that enable ongoing sensor validations in these environments. Our ongoing efforts are focused on aditional target audieneces, such as bioreactor manufacturers for commercial sensor integration. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The data was shared with our academic and industrial partners, who are interested in online capability for monitoring key metabolites during growth of algae. This capability enables process control in laboratory, industrial, and pond-based bioreactors, thereby improving the efficiency of algal production. Sharing the data provided valuable feedback on key sensor parameters important to these communities, which will be instrumental in the commercialization of this product. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In this project we have successfully accomplished all of the proposed tasks, as described below: Task 1: Fiberoptic Functionalization We achieved fiber (waveguide) functionalization using a polymeric coating for the preconcentration of nitrogen compounds and polysaccharides. This step is crucial for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of the sensor in detecting these key metabolites. Task 2: Construction of a Benchtop AlgEn Sensor (a) Setup of a Prototype Sensor: The functionalized infrared fiber from Task 1, along with an infrared source and detector, was successfully aligned on an optical bench for proof-of-concept experiments, as described in Task 3. The signal was calibrated, and the setup was optimized to ensure accurate measurements. (b) Software Integration: We updated the existing Python program to enable an automated sequence of data collection and analysis of infrared absorption bands. This integration allows for user-specified parameters to initiate a series of infrared measurements, streamlining the data acquisition process. Task 3: Proof of Concept - Sensor Application in an Algal Bioreactor The successful proof-of-concept validation of the sensor in an algal bioreactor demonstrated its ability to monitor key metabolites, including nitrogen compoundsand representatives of carbohydrates. This validation confirms the sensor's functionality and effectiveness in a realistic bioreactor environment. Task 4: Final Report and Development of Phase II Plan All data obtained in Phase I were thoroughly analyzed. A summary of the experimental results from Tasks 1-3 was incorporated into a Final Technical Report. This report forms the basis for developing the Phase II plan, which will further refine and expand the sensor's applications in both research and industrial settings.

Publications

Progress 07/01/23 to 06/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience are algae growers. During this period, we established contacts with two categories of algae growth, in academic and industrial environemnts: Academics Working on Pond and Laboratory/Bioreactor Algae Growth: Researchers in academic institutions focused on pond and bioreactor algae cultivation can greatly benefit from the sensor developed by our team. This device allows real-time monitoring of nutrient uptake and metabolite release, which is essential for optimizing growth conditions in both controlled laboratory settings and open pond environments. By reducing reliance on time-consuming and expensive offline analytical techniques, the sensor accelerates research, and facilitates the development of growth procedures targeting specific biomass compositions. Industrial Algae Growth for Wastewater Treatment: Industrial algae cultivation for wastewater treatment can utilize our sensor to optimize the integration of algae growth with pollutant removal processes. The sensor provides crucial data for monitoring nutrient removal and pollutant sequestration, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment. By enabling real-time process control and reducing operational costs, the AlgEn sensor supports the scaling up of algae-based environmental solutions, ensuring sustainable and economically viable operations. Changes/Problems:Key challenges in validating the sensor in actual conditions during inline monitoring of algae growth were related to the growth environment in our laboratory. To address this issue, we consulted with our academic partners, who provided in-depth information on proper conditions, including pH, temperature, and light. This led to the successful growth of Spirulina and enabled the first evaluation test of the sensor in realistic conditions. Thanks to the timely support from our academic partners, no changes were required to our original plan. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?- The results were presented to our partners who operate lab-based and pond-based algae growth - Secured further participation of our partners who are involved in algae production in industrial and academic settings What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The following Tasks were accompished under these goals: Fiberoptic functionalization.Achieved fiber functionalization based on polymeric coating for preconcentration of nitrogen compounds (nitrate, ammonia) as well as polysaccharides.Evaluated several possibilities for the deposition of polymers on the surface of waveguides. Established an economic, single-step functionalization process. Construction of a benchtop sensor. Achieved successful setup of a prototype sensor.The prototype includes a radiation source, lens, flow cell and the submersed functionaized optical fiber. To enable an automated sequence of data collection and analysis of infrared absorption bands, we updated the existing Python program to initiate a series of infrared measurements using user-specified parameters. Proof of concept: Sensor application in an algal bioreactor. Achieved successful proof of concept: Sensor validation in an algal bioreactor Validated sampling, measurement and data analysis using inline operations. The sensor was validated under realistic conditions using constructed laboratory-type bioreactors for algae growth. The data was analysed and shared with our academic partners. The growth parameters were confirmed by cross-referenced analysis with complimentary off-line analytical techniques.

Publications