DESAlgae – Capture and re-use of CO2 using deep eutectic solvents and microalgae

Background

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) occurs naturally in nature, and it is essential for processes like photosynthesis. However, high levels of CO₂ in atmosphere is one of the causes for air pollution, greenhouse effect, climate changes, and acid rain. Photosynthetic organisms, like microalgae, need CO₂ to thrive serving as “carbon sink”. In the presence of sunlight, microalgae capture atmospheric CO₂ using carbonic anhydrase (CA), responsible for the interconversion between carbon dioxide and water and the dissociated ions of carbonic acid. This captured carbon is then converted into biomass rich in high-value compounds.

Flue gas is one of the biggest source of atmospheric CO₂ pollution. However, the direct use of flue gases from industrial activities is not possible, since a high accumulation of CO₂ concentration (above 5%) inhibits microalgae growth. Also, these flue gases are often mixed with other molecules, such as heavy metals, that can be toxic for microalgae

Aim

This project goal is to develop a closed CO₂-loop, with the use of gas-membrane contactors and microalgae.

Approach

Here it is proposed to combine two readily available technologies in a way never tested before. This invention explores sustainable, easy synthesis and low-cost solvents - deep eutectic solvents (DES) - with biological CO₂ fixation. The result is a closed loop, where CO₂ is fixed to generate more CO₂ fixation, and biorefinery of high-value compounds for a growing market. The combination of these technologies as one-engineered solution may lead to a break-through in all involved scientific and industrial fields.

There are different topics available for BSc or MSc thesis within the project. If you are interested, please feel free to contact me!