Course
Microalgae Process Design: from cells to photobioreactors
This course provides the essential skills for designing microalgae-based production processes, for both research and commercial purposes.
Background
Microalgae and cyanobacteria have the potential to produce a wide variety of products using light as the only source of energy to fuel metabolism. Among these products are polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments and therapeutic proteins. In addition to these high-value products, microalgae are regarded as one of the most promising resources for the production of bulk products such as lipids and proteins for food and feed applications, and base chemicals for the industry. To make economical production of such bulk products possible, the production process needs to be scaled while reducing the cost price.
In this course both biological aspects of microalgae growth, and engineering aspects related to large-scale production processes will be covered. Special emphasis is given to light-limited growth and how this affects reactor design and operation. This aspect will also be treated in a hands-on experiment in small bench-scale photobioreactors. Furthermore, gas-liquid transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide discussed because efficient utilization of carbon dioxide and removal of oxygen is essential for scale-up. Other aspects that will be covered are nutrients supply , temperature effects on microalgal growth, and photobioreactor control and operation. Theory will be supported with practical data from our pilot facility AlgaePARC. At the end, we will return to the biology of microalgae and assess the potential of strain improvement and strain selection with respect to biomass productivity and product accumulation.
Target group
The course is aimed at PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals from both academia and industry, who would like to acquire a thorough understanding of microalgal metabolism and photobioreactor design and operation. An MSc level in bioprocess technology, or alike, is recommended.
Course aim
This course provides the essential skills for designing optimal microalgae-based production processes, for both research and commercial purposes.
Course design
Through lectures, digital cases and a photobioreactor practical, the participants will learn:
- about light-limited growth of microalgae in photobioreactors
- to cultivate microalgae in fully controlled bench-scale photobioreactors
- to design efficient gas-liquid transfer of carbon dioxide and oxygen
- about reactor control (pH, dissolved CO2 and O2)
- about medium design and supply of inorganic nutrients
- about temperature effects on algal growth and its control
- to integrate the acquired knowledge into efficient production strategies for microalgae,
- to evaluate the impact of process parameters on production costs including the aspect of scale
- to recognize the potential and be acquainted with different approaches of strain selection and improvement, for biomass production and product accumulation
Lecturers and Organisation
Course coordinator
- Prof. Maria Barbosa, Bioprocess Engineering - AlgaePARC, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
Other faculty
- Dr Marcel Janssen, Bioprocess Engineering - AlgaePARC, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
- Dr Sarah D'Adamo, Bioprocess Engineering - AlgaePARC, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
- Dr Ainoa Morillas-España, University of Almeria, Spain
- Dr Alexandre Rodrigues, Necton, Portugal
- Dr Eleonora Sforza, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Italy
Date & duration
The course will be held from Fri 4 July - Fri 11 July 2025, 8 days.
Study load
The study load of this course is 2.3 ECTS credits.
Language
The course language will be English.
Contact information
Information concerning the course contents can be obtained from Prof. Maria Barbosa, phone: +31 317 480079 and Dr Marcel Janssen, phone: +31 317 484708
For organisational matters please contact:
Mrs. Yvonne Smolders
Email: yvonne.smolders@wur.nl
Location & accommodation
Lectures and practicals will be given at Campus Wageningen University & Research
The town of Wageningen is 5 km from Ede-Wageningen railway station, with transport options being taxi or bus. This railway station can be reached by train from the airport Schiphol in about one hour. For train schedules visit: www.ns.nl.
Accommodations in Wageningen should be arranged separately, suggestions are listed below:
Hotels:
Other accommodation:
Registration & course fee
THE COURSE IS FULLY BOOKED! YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST!
The course fee includes digital course materials, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches, and two dinners, but does not cover accommodation. The course fee depends on the participant's affiliation.
| Affiliation: | Early Bird Fee**: | Regular Fee**: |
| VLAG/WUR* PhD candidates | € 425 | € 475 |
| All other PhD candidates and VLAG postdocs & staff | € 650 | € 700 |
| University Staff / Non-Profit organisations | € 1025 | € 1075 |
| Industry / For-Profit | € 2800 | € 2850 |
* VLAG/EPS/PE&RC/WASS/WIAS/WIMEK PhD candidates with an approved TSP
** Early Bird Fee applies to anyone who registers on or before 9 May 2025
We can offer a discount in total course fee when taking this course together with the course on Algae Biorefinery (30 June - 3 July 2025). See the document in Downloads for more information.
Cancellation policy
After acceptance of your registration, the VLAG Cancellation Conditions for course participants will apply.