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.