FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
REDIRECTING OF ELECTRONS IN ALGAE BY AN
EXTERNAL ELECTRON TRANSPORT SYSTEM (EETS)
Name and Address of the Applicant:
RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
3rd Floor, Maker Chamber-IV, 222, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400 021,
Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is
to be performed.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the systems and method for redirecting or rerouting or
balancing the unutilised or excess electrons. More particularly, the invention relates to
creating an External Electron Transport System (EETS) and the method of enhancing the
algal biomass with respect to optical density (OD), cell mass and pigment content by
balancing the excess electrons and its flow in the algal bioreactors and cultivation systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There have been intense research efforts around the world to understand the photosynthesis
and biomass enhancement by different designs and strategies. Conventionally, to enhance
algal biomass, different light intensities, nutrients, temperature, CO2 concentrations, pH, pond
designs, depths, orientations, seasons, mixing with paddle wheel or motor were tried.
In oxygenic photosynthesis, photon energy splits water into oxygen and protons and the
excited chlorophyll emits the energy in the form of electrons. These emitted electrons are
used by the photosynthetic electron transport chain (ETC) to form reducing equivalents that
provide energy for the cell metabolism. During this process, the accumulation of unutilized or
excess electrons and protons affects the equilibrium inside and outside (medium) of the cell,
which eventually affects the growth and metabolism of the algal cell.
Photosynthetic fuel cells (PhFC) are an example in harvesting of excess electrons from algae
as a power or current through an electrode assembly. Whereas in the scenario, the supply of
external electrons called applied current at low voltage is utilized to control the grazers or
other zoo planktons in the algal cultivation. There is some literature on the creation of algal
power and the effects of applied current, but there is no published information on the use of
self-generated electrons through electron redirecting mechanism for biomass synthesis.
In the present invention, the inventors have proposed a dynamic system that addresses the
problem of electron accumulation and/or electron deficit in the algal cultivation systems.
Here, the inventors are redirecting or rerouting or balancing the unutilised or excess electrons
in the algal systems by creating an external electron transport system (EETS) using a
noncorrosive electrode. The EETS creates/facilitates the way to move the electrons from a
pool of electron source or electron-sink between at least one algal bioreactor by maintaining
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an electron balance or equilibrium and prevents the electron saturation or neutralization
process. This electron balancing phenomena between the systems is enhancing the algal
biomass with respect to optical density (OD), mass of the cell and pigment content.
The present invention EETS is novel and inventive in balancing the excess electrons through
a redirecting phenomenon between the algal systems and thereby increases the biomass.
Some of the salient features being:
 The inventors are not harvesting any electrons for power production as like in PhFC.
 The invention does not provide any electrons in the form of electricity to the system.
In the present concept, the algae are utilizing the excess electrons which are generated in the
system by themselves with the EETS which the inventors have created between the algal
systems. This invention is simple, cost effective and help to enhance the biomass and
chlorophyll in less time in algal cells. Further, this invention reduces the stress of the algal
cells and enhances the biomass by balancing the electron flow.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
It is the main objective of the present invention is to provide an External Electron Transport
System (EETS) for rerouting, redirecting the excessive electrons between the algal cultivation
systems/bioreactors.
Another important objective of the present invention is to utilize the excess electrons
generated in algal bioreactors by designing a EETS for rerouting, redirecting the excessive
electrons between the algal cultivation systems/bioreactors.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for rerouting,
redirecting the excessive electrons between the algal cultivation systems/bioreactors using the
EETS of the present invention.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to maintain an electron balance or
equilibrium and prevent the electron saturation or neutralization process.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to enhance the algal biomass, optical density,
mass of the cell, pigments like Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b production by balancing the
electrons and its flow in the system.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
The technical problem to be solved in this invention is enhancement of the biomass, optical
density, mass of the cell, pigments like chlorophyll by balancing the electrons and its flow in
the system.
Solution to the problem
The problem has been solved by developing an innovative wire system connecting algal
bioreactors, where the said system utilizes excess electrons efficiently inside and outside of
the cell/media and results in enhanced Chlorophyll a/b and biomass content.
Overview of the invention
The present invention provides an External Electron Transport System (EETS) comprising at
least one algal bioreactor and an electron conducting means. The EETS system of the present
invention comprises an innovative wire system connecting algal bioreactors, where the said
system utilizes excess electrons efficiently inside and outside of the cell/media and results in
enhanced Chlorophyll a/b and biomass content. The bioreactors culturing the algal cells are
connected with single or multiple metal wire(s) or non-metal items like graphite rods in linear
or circular or parallel or series or loop form that helps in moving the excess electrons and
balancing their flow between bioreactors or cultivation systems. Accordingly, the movement
of electrons reduce the stress of the cell or reactive oxygen species (ROS) creation or
neutralizing effect with oxygen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the disclosure may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference
will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the
accompanying figures. The figures together with detailed description below, are incorporated
in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and
explain various principles and advantages, where:
Figure 1 depicts higher growth rate in the experimental conditions (wired) than the control
experimental condition.
Figure 2 depicts optical density of all experimental conditions.
Figure 3 depicts biomass concentration for all experimental conditions.
Figure 4 depicts Chlorophyll a content variation in all experimental conditions.
Figure 5 depicts Chlorophyll b content variation in all experimental conditions.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
At the very outset, it may be understood that the ensuing description only illustrates a
particular form of this invention. However, such a particular form is only an exemplary
embodiment, without intending to imply any limitation on the scope of this invention.
Accordingly, the description and examples are to be understood as exemplary embodiments
for teaching the invention and not intended to be taken restrictively. The details of one or
more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying description below
including specific details of the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the
invention, by way of example. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details.
Abbreviations
ETC – electron transport chain
EETS – External Electron Transport System
OD – optical density
Chl a – Chlorophyll a
Chl b – Chlorophyll b
DMSO – Dimethyl sulfoxide
nm – nano meter
rpm – rotation per minute
ROS – reactive oxygen species
SS – stainless steel
UPA - Urokinase‐type‐plasminogen‐activator
Definitions:
Unless contraindicated or noted otherwise, throughout this specification, the terms “a” and
“an” mean one or more, and the term “or” means and/or. The use of “comprise”,
“comprises”, “comprising”, “contain”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “includes”, and
“including” are not intended to be limiting. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and this detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are
not restrictive. Wherever there is an indefinite article used, the specification is to be
understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires
otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used herein shall have the
meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless
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otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall
include the singular.
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements
or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve
one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been
included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the
disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of
the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as
it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many
changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of
the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby
it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted
merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
As used herein, biotechnological terms have their conventional meaning as illustrated by the
following illustrative definitions:
The terms “algae”, “algal cell”, “algal strain” used interchangeably refer to eukaryotic aquatic
organisms belonging to the kingdom Protista, that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis.
The term “biomass” as used herein, refers in general to organic matter produced by a
biological cell. The renewable biological resource can include microbial materials (including
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algal materials), or materials produced biologically. In certain embodiments, the biomass is
algal biomass. The algal biomass can be dry, substantially dry, or wet. “Biomass” should be
understood to include proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides, whether retained within a
biological cell or excreted from a biological cell, in addition to other molecules synthesized
by a biological cell.
As used herein, the feature “enhancement of cell biomass and pigment production” refers to
biomass associated pigment production, wherein the method of present disclosure
simultaneously results in enhanced biomass and pigment production.
In accordance with the present invention is provided an External Electron Transport System
(EETS) comprising at least one algal bioreactor and an electron conducting means. The EETS
system of the present invention comprises an innovative wire system connecting algal
bioreactors, where the said system utilizes excess electrons efficiently inside and outside of
the cell/media and results in enhanced Chlorophyll a/b and biomass content. The bioreactors
culturing the algal cells are connected with single or multiple metal wire(s) or non-metal
items like graphite rods in linear or circular or parallel or series or loop form that helps in
moving the excess electrons and balancing their flow between bioreactors or cultivation
systems. Accordingly, the movement of electrons reduce the stress of the cell or reactive
oxygen species (ROS) creation or neutralizing effect with oxygen.
As a primary embodiment, the present invention provides an External Electron Transport
System (EETS) comprising at least one algal bioreactor and an electron conducting means,
wherein the said electron conducting means is metallic or non-metallic.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors and an electron conducting means, wherein the said electron conducting
means is metallic or non-metallic.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS, wherein the said electron
conducting means is selected from, but not limited to, stainless steel, copper, silver,
aluminium, titanium, tungsten, zinc, titanium, graphite, and combinations thereof.
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In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising at least one algal
bioreactor and an electron conducting means, wherein the metallic electron conducting means
is selected from, but not limited to, stainless steel, copper, silver, aluminium, titanium,
tungsten, zinc, titanium, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors and an electron conducting means, wherein the metallic electron conducting
means is selected from, but not limited to, stainless steel, copper, silver, aluminium, titanium,
tungsten, zinc, titanium, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors and an electron conducting means, wherein the non-metallic electron
conducting means is selected from graphite.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS, wherein the said electron
conducting means is selected from metallic or non-metallic wires, rods, plates, tubes, and
combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising at least one algal
bioreactor and an electron conducting means, wherein the algal bioreactor is an open or
closed system.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors and an electron conducting means, wherein the algal bioreactor is an open or
closed system.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising at least one algal
bioreactor and an electron conducting means, wherein said algal bioreactor is selected from a
group comprising culture pond, horizontal reactor, vertical reactor, tubular reactor, flat panel
reactor.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors and an electron conducting means, wherein said algal bioreactor is selected
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from a group comprising culture pond, horizontal reactor, vertical reactor, tubular reactor, flat
panel reactor and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors and an electron conducting means, wherein the algal bioreactor is an open or
closed system or a combination thereof, wherein the algal bioreactor is a horizontal reactor,
vertical reactor, tubular reactor, flat panel reactor, culture pond, and a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more algal
bioreactors, wherein the said bioreactors are connected through a single or multiple electron
conducting means.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising at least one algal
bioreactor, wherein the said electron conducting means are connected to the bioreactor in a
linear or circular form.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more algal
bioreactors, wherein the said electron conducting means are connected to the bioreactor in a
linear or circular or parallel or series or loop form and a combination thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising at least one
algal bioreactor, wherein the said electron conducting means is single or double or triple or
multiple and a combination thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS comprising two or more
algal bioreactors, wherein the said electron conducting means is single or double or triple or
multiple and a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in at least one algal bioreactor under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactor via electron conducting means, wherein the
said electron conducting means transfer or balance excessive electron generated during algal
cultivation from electron rich end to electron deficient end.
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In an embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in two or more bioreactors under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactors via electron conducting means, wherein the
said electron conducting means transfer or balance excessive electron generated during algal
cultivation from electron rich bioreactor to electron deficient bioreactor.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in at least one algal bioreactor under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactor via electron conducting means, wherein the
algae are microalgae selected from a group comprising green algae, diatoms, red algae,
brown algae, gold algae, yellow-green algae, cyanobacteria.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in two or more bioreactors under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactors via electron conducting means, wherein the
algae are microalgae selected from a group comprising green algae, diatoms, red algae,
brown algae, gold algae, yellow-green algae, cyanobacteria and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in at least one bioreactor under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactor via electron conducting means, wherein the
algae is the green algae including but not limited to Picochlorum, Nannochloris, Chlorella,
Cyclotella, Navicula.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in at least two or more bioreactors under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactors via electron conducting means, wherein the
algae are the green algae including but not limited to Picochlorum, Nannochloris, Chlorella,
Cyclotella, Navicula and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in at least one bioreactor under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactor via electron conducting means, wherein the
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algae are cyanobacteria including but not limited to Cyanobacterium aponinum,
Synechococcus elongatus.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an algal production method, the said
method comprising culturing algal cells in at least two or more bioreactors under controlled
environment and connecting the said bioreactors via electron conducting means, wherein the
algae are cyanobacteria including but not limited to Cyanobacterium aponinum,
Synechococcus elongatus and a combination thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein the algae cultured
in the bioreactor is exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) and light; and wherein concentration of
the CO2 ranges from 0% to 5% and intensity of the light ranges from 10 to 2000 μE m-2s-1.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein the bioreactor is
maintained at a temperature ranging from 5 °C to 50 °C.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein the pH of
bioreactor is maintained in the range of 5 to 10.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein the cultivated algae
are maintained at a culture depth in a range of 1 cm to 30 cm.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein the algal cells are
cultured in a nutrient media selected from but not limited to micro and macro nutrients
containing carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace metals.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein there is
enhancement in the production of pigment Chl-a in the range of 0.2 to 3 fold enhancement
over the control.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein there is
enhancement in the production of pigment Chl-b in the range of 0.2 to 100 % over the
control.
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In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, wherein the cultivated algal
culture is concentrated having a cell density ranging from 0.010g/L to 100 g/L.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an EETS, wherein the said EETS
redirects or reroutes or balances the unutilized or excess electrons in algal systems.
EXAMPLES
The following examples particularly describe the manner in which the invention is to be
performed. But the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the invention in
any manner.
The following algae were employed in the present examples -
Picochlorum sp. sourced from Karanja, Maharashtra; Cyanobacterium aponinum sourced
from Gagva, Jamnagar, Gujarat. Further details of the algae are provided below (Table 1):
Table 1: Details of Algae employed in the Examples
S.
No.
Location Geographical Location Identity by PCR and DNA
Sequencing
1 Karanja, Maharashtra, N18.844663, E72.946313 Picochlorum
2 Gagva, Jamnagar, Gujarat N 22.389406, E69.812691 Cyanobacterium aponinum
Example 1:
1.1 Preparing Algal Cultures
Two different algal strains Picochlorum sp. (marine microgreen algae) and Cyanobacterium
aponinum (marine Cyanobacteria) were used for the study. To start with the experiment,
initial 0.3 OD culture was used. All the experiments were done in triplicates and average
values were calculated thereafter. All the experimental setups were kept under controlled
environment with shaking. The culture was grown in commercially available media such as
UPA media using 0.250 litre conical flasks with the working volume of 0.100 litre.
1.2 Experimental Conditions:
To understand the influence of electron redirection on the algal biomass production, different
types of experiments were performed using stainless-steel wire/rod. Multiple experiments
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were performed in different combinations employing the stainless-steel wire/rod, where the
experimental flasks were interconnected with stainless steel wire/rod. In the control set up the
experimental flasks were not interconnected with the stainless-steel wire/rod.
Experiments were carried out under batch mode for 0 to 6 days. All the experiments were
conducted in the controlled environment under provided light at 400 μE m-2s-1
, 2% CO2,
temperature of 27°C at a 100 rpm of mixing.
1.3 OD Estimation:
During the experiment run time the cell growth was measured spectrophotometrically at 750
nm for every alternate day (Day 0 (Initial), Day 3 and Day 6). At the initial the experiments
were started at 0.3 OD. The cell growth was measured in terms of optical density (OD) at 750
nm for algae.
1.4 Biomass estimation:
Biomass concentration or density or weight was measured at the initial (0 Day) and final (6
Day). Biomass was estimated by filtering the microalgal culture through pre-weighed 47-mm
Whatman glass microfiber filter paper (GF/C). Filtered biomass was washed with 20 mL of
0.5 M ammonium bicarbonate and dried at 105 °C overnight. After drying the weight of filter
paper along with filtered biomass (Final weight) was measured. Thereafter, the difference
between the final and initial weights of filter papers provided the actual weight of biomass
and its concentration.
1.5 Chlorophyll a and b estimation:
Chlorophyll (a and b) pigment analysis was performed by solvent extraction method. The
pigment analysis was performed every alternate day (0, 3rd and 6th day). By adding DMSO:
acetone solvent mixture to the algal pellet the chlorophyll pigment was extracted into the
solvent at 4°C. The same solvent after removing the pigment containing solvent from the
algal cells is used to measure the Chl a and Chl b at a specific nm of 663nm and 645nm and
the calculations were performed by using following formula.
Chla (μg/ml) = 11.75 (A663) - 2.350 (A645)
Chlb (μg/ml) = 18.61 (A645) - 3.960 (A663)
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Example 2:
2.1 Single wire concept/arrangement
In this study, one set of the experimental set up was interconnected with single stainless-steel
wire/rod and another set used as a control were without stainless steel wire connection. All
the experiments were performed in triplicates including test conditions.
2.2 Double wire concept/arrangement
In this study the experimental setups were interconnected with a two separate stainless-steel
wire (in one set) and in another set without a stainless-steel wire connection as a control. All
the experiments were performed in triplicates including control.
2.3 Circular/loop type arrangement
In this study, end to end all the experimental flasks were interconnected with stainless-steel
wire, whereas control flasks were without stainless-steel wire interconnection.
2.4 Negative control arrangement
In this study, the experimental setups having culture and sea water/distilled water flasks were
interconnected with a separated single stainless-steel wire along with control (without
stainless-steel wire interconnection). All the experiments were performed in triplicates
including test conditions. Here, distilled water doesn’t show any conductivity, but the
seawater will show the conductivity in these experiments, because of the presence of salt
ions.
Example 3: Results
From the experimental inference a clear variation in appearance of the algal culture was
observed. As shown in the Figure 1, higher growth rate was observed in the experimental
conditions (wired) than the control.
3.1 OD estimation:
The growth rate was measured by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm. As shown in the
Figure 2, the biomass growth was enhanced to 6.10 (Final) from 0.3 (Initial) OD at day 6. A
continuous growth was observed from initial (0.3 OD) to 3rd (1.06 to1.13 OD) followed by 5th
(2.30 to 2.33) and 6th day (6.07 to 6.10 OD).
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3.2 Biomass estimation:
Once the OD started to reach high in culture the biomass measurement was performed. As
illustrated in Figure 3, at the end of the experiment (Day 6) the biomass concentration
reached to 784.7 mg/l concentration from the initial (134.7 mg/l). Upon comparison with that
of the control (334.7 mg/l) data, the inventors observed that in the wired experimental setup
the biomass measurement was found to be double than the control systems.
3.3 Chlorophyll a and b estimation:
After the biomass production the inventors observed a marked change in the pigment content
in the algal strains. A marked difference was observed between the test (wires) and control
(no wires) systems. At the initial (0 day) all the Chl a and Chl b content of the systems were
found to be 1.88 μg/ml/OD and 0.20 μg/ml/OD respectively. During the experimentation the
Chl a and Chl b contents were analyzed at day 3 and day 6. As shown in the Figure 3a and
Figure 3b, a remarked enhancement was observed in all the tested (wired) conditions when
compared to the control systems (no wires). From 1.88 μg/ml/OD concentration Chl a
content increased to 3.41 μg/ml/OD (day 3) and 17.04 μg/ml/OD (day 6) than the control
systems (3.73 and 4.58 μg/ml/OD). Similarly, enhancement in the Chl b content also
observed from the experiments. In the tested conditions at day 3 average Chl b was observed
1.8 μg/ml/OD) and at day 6 it was 2.67 μg/ml/OD than the control systems (1.40 and 1.81
μg/ml/OD).
Conclusion:
From the experimental information it was concluded by the inventors of the present invention
that the biomass was enhanced, increase in the weight of biomass, cell doubling time was
reduced and cellular contents (carbohydrates, proteins etc.) were increased compared to
control conditions.
Pigment content i.e., Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b in the cell was found to be increased
when compared over the control set up. As per the publicly available literature the
approximate difference between Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b in healthy cells is in the
ratio of 3:1. In the present invention, the inventors have observed that this ratio was more
than the published data and it was 6:1.
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The enhancement in the biomass and chlorophyll content clearly signifies that the influence
of stainless-steel wiring bridge between the systems than the normal and regular operations
without wires.
Therefore, this novel wiring concept or external electron transport system results into
enhancing the biomass content and pigments in a short time.
ADVANTAGES
1. The present disclosure enables enhanced algal biomass production in algae by a
simple and efficient method using EETS.
2. The present disclosure enables enhanced pigment production in algae by a simple and
efficient method using EETS.
3. The present method shows enhanced algal biomass, pigment content production at a
shorter time duration.
4. The present method also increases optical density, cell mass in algae at a shorter time
duration.
5. The enhanced biomass production by the present method using EETS is immensely
useful
6. The present method of employing EETS is simple and cost-effective in large scale
cultivation as biomass.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments fully reveals the general nature of the
embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or
adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic
concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It
is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of
description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments in this disclosure have
been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the
embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or
“comprising” wherever used, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element,
integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other
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element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Similarly, terms such as
“include” or “have” or “contain” and all their variations are inclusive and will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or
steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements,
integers or steps.
As used herein, the term ‘comprising’ when placed before the recitation of steps in a method
means that the method encompasses one or more steps that are additional to those expressly
recited, and that the additional one or more steps may be performed before, between, and/or
after the recited steps. For example, a method comprising steps a, b, and c encompasses a
method of steps a, b, x, and c, a method of steps a, b, c, and x, as well as a method of steps x,
a, b, and c. Furthermore, the term “comprising” when placed before the recitation of steps in
a method does not (although it may) require sequential performance of the listed steps, unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a method comprising steps a, b, and c
encompasses, for example, a method of performing steps in the order of steps a, c, and b, the
order of steps c, b, and a, and the order of steps c, a, and b, etc. The terms “about” or
“approximately” are used herein to mean approximately, in the region of, roughly, or around.
When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical value/range, it modifies that
value/range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical value(s) set forth. In
general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value(s) or a measurable
value(s) such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, above and below
the stated value(s) by a variance of +/-20% or less, +/-10% or less, +/-5% or less, +/-1% or
less, and +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are
appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention, and achieves the desired results and/or
advantages as disclosed in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the value to
which the modifier “about” or “approximately” refers is itself also specifically, and
preferably, disclosed.
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. The suffix ‘(s)’ at the end
of any term in the present disclosure envisages in scope both the singular and plural forms of
said term.
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As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the”
includes both singular and plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The
use of the expression ‘at least’ or ‘at least one’ suggests the use of one or more elements or
ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve
one or more of the desired objects or results. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”,
and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Numerical ranges stated in the form ‘from x to y’ include the values mentioned and those
values that lie within the range of the respective measurement accuracy as known to the
skilled person. If several preferred numerical ranges are stated in this form, of course, all the
ranges formed by a combination of the different end points are also included.
As regards the embodiments characterized in this specification, it is intended that each
embodiment be read independently as well as in combination with another embodiment. For
example, in case of an embodiment 1 reciting 3 alternatives A, B and C, an embodiment 2
reciting 3 alternatives D, E and F and an embodiment 3 reciting 3 alternatives G, H and I, it is
to be understood that the specification unambiguously discloses embodiments corresponding
to combinations A, D, G; A, D, H; A, D, I; A, E, G; A, E, H; A, E, I; A, F, G; A, F, H; A, F,
I; B, D, G; B, D, H; B, D, I; B, E, G; B, E, H; B, E, I; B, F, G; B, F, H; B, F, I; C, D, G; C, D,
H; C, D, I; C, E, G; C, E, H; C, E, I; C, F, G; C, F, H; C, F, I, unless specifically mentioned
otherwise.
Throughout this specification, the term ‘a combination thereof’, ‘combinations thereof’ or
‘any combination thereof’ or ‘any combinations thereof’ are used interchangeably and are
intended to have the same meaning, as regularly known in the field of patent disclosures.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been
included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the
disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of
the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as
it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many
changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of
the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby
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it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted
merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
All references, articles, publications, general disclosures etc. cited herein are incorporated by
reference in their entireties for all purposes. However, mention of any reference, article,
publication etc. cited herein is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any
form of suggestion that they constitute valid prior art or form part of the common general
knowledge in any country in the world.
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We Claim:
1. An External Electron Transport System (EETS) comprising at least one algal
bioreactor and an electron conducting means, wherein the said electron
conducting means is metallic or non-metallic.
2. The EETS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said EETS redirects or reroutes or
balances the unutilized or excess electrons in algal systems.
3. The EETS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the algal bioreactor is an open or closed
system; and wherein said algal bioreactor is selected from a group comprising
culture pond, horizontal reactor, vertical reactor, tubular reactor, flat panel reactor
and combinations thereof.
4. The EETS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said bioreactors are connected
through a single or multiple electrons conducting means.
5. The EETS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said electron conducting means is
selected from, but not limited to, stainless steel, copper, silver, aluminium,
titanium, tungsten, zinc, titanium wires, graphite rods, plates, tubes, and
combinations thereof.
6. The EETS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said electron conducting means are
connected to the bioreactor in a linear or circular or parallel or series or loop form
and a combination thereof.
7. The EETS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said electron conducting means is
single or double or triple or multiple and a combination thereof.
8. An algal production method, the said method comprising culturing algal cells in at
least one or two or more bioreactors under controlled environment and connecting
the said bioreactors via electron conducting means, wherein the said electron
conducting means transfer or balance excessive electron generated during algal
cultivation from electron rich bioreactor to electron deficient bioreactor.
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9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the algae cultured in the bioreactor is
exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) and light; and wherein concentration of the CO2
ranges from 0% to 5% and intensity of the light ranges from 10 to 2000 μE m-2s-1.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bioreactor is maintained at a
temperature ranging from 15 °C to 50 °C.
11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pH of bioreactor is maintained in
the range of 5 to 10.
12. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cultivated algae is maintained at a
culture depth in a range of 1 cm to 30 cm.
13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the algal cells are cultured in a nutrient
media selected from but not limited to micro and macro nutrients containing
carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace metals.
14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cultivated algal culture is
concentrated having a cell density ranging from 0.010g/L to 100 g/L.
15. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the algal strain is selected from but not
limited to microalgae, cyanobacteria, diatoms and combinations thereof.