What is a Vertical Photobioreactor?

Aug 31 2020

A photobioreactor (PBR) is a bioreactor that utilizes a light source to cultivate phototrophic microorganisms, usually in clear tubes. Vertical refers to the tube’s placement, thus minimizing the foot print of the bioreactor. The organisms grown in PBRs use photosynthesis to generate biomass from light and carbon dioxide. Within the artificial environment of a photobioreactor, specific conditions are carefully controlled. Thus, a photobioreactor allows much higher growth rates and purity levels than anywhere in nature or habitats similar to nature.