Thermodynamic approach to biofuels from microalgae and cyanobacteria: The role of electrochemical potential

Authors

  • Umberto Lucia Politecnico di Torino
  • Debora Fino Politecnico di Torino
  • Pierre Wensel Spira Inc., San Pedro, CA and Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ
  • Giulia Grisolia Politecnico di Torino

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1478/AAPP.1001A1

Keywords:

Biofuels, Biomethane, Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, Microalgae and bacteria, Energy engineering, Biotechnology

Abstract

Biofuels from 3rd-generation feed-stocks like microalgae and cyanobacteria are considered possible replacements for fossil fuels and a means to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas CO2. There is a need to understand how to control microbial growth by manipulating environmental conditions to increase photosynthetic biofuel productivity and/or reduce manufacturing costs. A novel, non-equilibrium, bio-thermodynamic-based model has been developed here to fundamentally link electrochemical potential, membrane electric potential, trans-membrane pH gradient, and external temperature with microbial proliferation and bio-system behaviour.

Author Biographies

  • Umberto Lucia, Politecnico di Torino
    Dipartimento Energia "Galileo Ferraris", Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino
  • Debora Fino, Politecnico di Torino
    Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino
  • Giulia Grisolia, Politecnico di Torino
    Dipartimento Energia "Galileo Ferraris", Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino

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Published

2022-02-10

Issue

Vol. 100 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Articles

License

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