ALGAE-BASED POLYMERS AS SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO PETROLEUM-DERIVED MATERIALS: A SCIENTIFIC PROPOSAL
1 – Department of Petroleum Engineering - FMU
2 – Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering - Polytechnic School - University of São Paulo and FMU
3 – Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering - Polytechnic School - University of São Paulo
Keywords: Algal biotechnology, Algae cultivation, Renewable resources, Algal biomass, Botryococcus braunii.
Authors: S. R. Antonio1*, Esper Fabio2, Wiebeck Helio3, Gamma Suely1, Gianesi Bastos Andrade Christiano3
Abstract
The global demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products has driven research into bio-derived materials, with algae emerging as a promising resource. This initial study investigates the potential of the green alga Botryococcus braunii for oil extraction and subsequent polymer production, aiming to develop an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional plastics. The primary objective was to optimize the extraction of hydrocarbons from B. braunii, with the study focusing solely on algae production methods at this stage. Cultures of B. braunii were grown under controlled conditions (25°C, 16:8 light-dark cycle, 100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) for 30 days, achieving a biomass yield of 1.8 g/L. Various cultivation techniques, including open systems and photobioreactors, were evaluated to assess their efficiency in biomass production. Preliminary results indicate that photobioreactors provided a 15% higher yield compared to open systems, attributed to better control of light and nutrient availability. The study also explored nutrient optimization, with a medium enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus enhancing growth rates by 20%. However, challenges such as high operational costs and contamination risks in open systems were identified, necessitating further refinement of production protocols. The pH levels were maintained between 7.0 and 7.5, and CO2 supplementation at 2% increased biomass productivity by 10%. Water quality, including salinity and trace element concentrations, was monitored to ensure optimal growth conditions. This initial phase establishes a foundation for scalable algae cultivation, critical for subsequent oil extraction and polymer synthesis.
15% higher yield
25°C, 16:8 light-dark cycle, 100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹
30 days
20% growth rates
with nutrient optimization
Images
Table 1 – Algae strain and classes, used in laboratory tests
Strain of algae used in this initial study, Botryococcus braunii, Botryococcus sp., Botryococcus sudeticus. Class Chlorophyceae.
Flows
Comparative Hydrocarbon Production
