Growing microalgae as a feedstock for energy generation: Development of a methodology to reach high microalgae biomass and lipid production

Growing microalgae as a feedstock for energy generation: Development of a methodology to reach high microalgae biomass and lipid production

Dra. Catalina Dávila

Biology Science Professor, School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad Ana G. Méndez Gurabo Campus

Tel: 787-743-7979 ext: 4266

email: davilac2@suagm.edu

The goal of this project is to examine conditions that favor biomass accumulation in both native and commercial strains of microalgae with the end of using them as a feedstock for biofuel production. Specifically, mixotrophic metabolism will be studied, by growing microalgae in the presence of about thirty different inorganic and organic carbon sources (metabolic fingerprint). Once the metabolic capabilities are determined, microalgae will be grown at small and medium scales with the selected carbon sources. Biomass production will be evaluated periodically.