Spectral conversion of light for enhanced microalgae growth rates and photosynthetic pigment production

Cultivation of photosynthetic microalgae has received increased attention as a potential source of high-value biochemical components such as natural colorants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins and polysaccharides as well as being a potential biofuel source or food material. In addition microalgae cultivation has been considered as greenhouse gas mitigation strategy in which solar-driven cells capture carbon dioxide and convert it into organic chemicals.
The study investigated the effect of light quality on growth of two strains of microalgae. The results showed the impact of spectral conversion of light provided by luminescent acrylic filters which induced the specific growth rate and photosynthetic pigment formation in microalgae.