To date, the PHYCO2 algae reactor has operated continuously for more than seven months and is still running. A new 1,000-liter reactor, based on a new patent-pending APB design, was also built and put in service. The new design builds upon the earlier research with lower anticipated operating costs, scalable design and higher productivity rates. The conversion process transforms CO2 to algae, which then can be used for a multitude of products, including nutrition for humans and animals, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Wei Liao, MSU associate professor and director of the Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center, Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering and advisor to PHYCO2’s testing program, said, “This program with the Department of Energy and PHYCO2 aligns our long-term research with algae systems, carbon capture and sequestration, and brings in a new element of chemical synthesis pathways with organic feedstocks.”
William Clary, PHYCO2 president and CEO stated, “The studies conducted at MSU with PHYCO2’s algae photobioreactor represents the growth and development of future food sources and environment-saving technology that truly is market sustainable. The technology development allows PHYCO2 to continue to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development. The collaboration is a direct response to the current global demand of cost-competitive algae sources and CO2 emission reductions. New protein sources, health drinks and infant formulas are just a few of the many types of products that will be impacted by the production of this pure microalgae. Our goal guarantees the continued growth of one of nature’s most essential organisms—high-value, pure, microalgae. Together, with MSU, our team is transforming innovation that will help improve the everyday lives of people around the world.”
