ABSTRACT
Photobiotechnology research is gaining interest in the recent years for the production of sustainable and eco-friendly fuels and chemicals. Phototrophic microalgae produce dense biomass and high-value products for pharmaceutical, health, cosmetic, and biofuel purposes. e microalgal cultivation requires ecient photobioreactors (PBRs), which can harvest maximum sunlight in the form of photosynthetically
Contents
active radiation. Carbon recycling and positive net energy ratios are oen required by large-scale PBR operations in order to oset the production costs and increase energy eciency and economic protability. An overview of various types and designs of PBRs and factors aecting the scale of operation is presented. Designs based on hydrodynamic ow parameters, lighting, and surface-to-volume ratio are also discussed.
