Optimize microalgae production: High-throughput robotic screening

To improve the efficiency of microalgal production it is essential to optimise cultivation conditions and characterise production strains. We have developed a customised robotic platform that enables high-throughput screenings of environmental conditions (e.g. nutrients, light) and cell response characterisation.

Objective/mission (The vision): To further enhance automation, reproducibility and data analysis pipelines.

Research approach (The initiative): Design, refine and validate new high-throughput automated screening platforms for freshwater and saltwater microalgae media, cyanobacteria media, wastewater supplements, photobioreactor light conditions, recombinant protein production, metabolite production. 

Impacts and applications: High-throughput nutrient and light optimisation screens fast tracks production species selection, bioprocess optimisation and scale up. Data from these screens also supports mathematical, technoeconomic and life cycle modelling of advanced next generation solar factory systems.