EUBCE 2024 - Stacy RAGUENEAU - Optimisation of Microalgae Production and Harvesting by Membrane Processes at Industrial Scale

Optimisation of Microalgae Production and Harvesting by Membrane Processes at Industrial Scale

Short Introductive summary

There is significant interest in developing methods for cultivating microalgae to harness their cellular content and bioactive compounds, providing solutions to current challenges in areas such as the environment, food production and energy transition. As part of producing high-value products, this project aims to improve microalgae harvesting using membrane processes, securing the culture water, replacing chemical compounds used during harvesting and for extraction/purification of metabolites of interest. Preliminary findings indicate an overall benefit in using ultrafiltered seawater for cultivating microalgae, both in quantity and quality and a significative gain in time and ease of production compared to other treatments. With regard to the harvesting of microalgae by membrane filtration, the filtration parameters have been optimised and the results demonstrate the advantages of the process, with high filtration flux, process stability, recovery of initial performance after treatment and almost complete recovery of the algal cells.

S. Ragueneau, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, FRANCE
C. Cordier, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, FRANCE
A. Lange, Innovalg, Bouin, FRANCE
L. Torres, Innovalg, Bouin, FRANCE
P. Moulin, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, FRANCE