FASCINATION ALGAE - an enourmous potential It is estimated that there are between 250 thousand to several million dif-ferent algae species. Thereof only 35 000 species have been scientifically recorded so far. There are around 5 thousand algae species available from culture collec-tions around the world. However, only round 20 species are currently utilized for commercial applications. Given the commercial applications of today have been achieved with only a few microalgae species, the thousands of still undiscovered and unu-tilized species present a huge potential for further economic exploitation.

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Microalgae is THE renewable resource
 Five to tenfold higher surface area productivity
 No competition to food production
 Efficient utilization of microalgae ingredients
 Utilization of CO2 directly from industrial processes
 Five to ten times higher CO2 binding capacity
 Lignocellulose-free - more value from biomass
 Designable biomass
 Resource saving cultivation
MOTIVATION
Why microalgae?
Microalgae are multitalents. Clean energy can be produced from algae
biomass in form of biodiesel. It can serve as dietary supplement for
humans, but most importantly it is an indispensable feed source in
aquacultures and therefore serves the nourishment of mankind in the
future. Cultivation of microalgae is in no competition with food production.
Furthermore, the valuable ingredients like fine chemicals that can be obtai-
ned from microalgae, can be used for cosmetic and other products.
Last but not least microalgae bind five to ten times more CO2 than conven-
tional terrestrial plants and therewith contribute essentially to the unloa-
ding and protection of the atmosphere. Today approximately 50 % of the
today's oxygen in our atmosphere is produced by the algae of the oceans.
Hence, algae biomass is an all around "clean" product that, thanks to
Subitec´s technology, can be mass produced in a cost efficient manner.
Microalgae is becoming increasingly important as a viable solution to
many of the growing global challenges mankind is faced with.
Nutrition Energy Resources
A healthy and sustainable
solution for the global food
and feed demand.
A natural source of ingre-
dients for cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals.
A still unexploited gigantic,
ecological energy reserve
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PRINCIPLE
The operating principle of Subitec cultivation technology.
Resources Products
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MEGATRENDS
Nutrition.
The global population is increasing in much faster than the available food
sources. Due to soil erosion former farmland is lost and the oceans are
over fished. Mankind is in urgent need of affordable and ecological justifiable
food sources. Algae are a good protein source for food and feed.
+ 200,000 -20,000 5,000,000
500,000,000 2 15
Worldwide utilization of
primary energy in megawatt
hours per day.
Worldwide draught per day
in tons
Worldwide decrease of farm-
land in hectares per day .
Energy.
Energy demand of mankind is growing constantly. At the same time fossil
energy sources are decreasing and sooner than later have to be replaced
by sustainable energy sources. Here algae can play a role in two respects:
utilization for ecological production of biofuel and concurrently reduction
of anthropogenic caused CO2-emission.
Worldwide population
growth per day.
Worldwide decrease of farm-
land in hectares per day .
Worldwide draught per day
in tons: the oceans are over-
fished.
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MEGATRENDS
CO2.
The global carbon circulation is in an unsteady condition. On the one side
billions of tons of CO2 are released through combustion of fossil energy
sources and on the other side forest ground is reduced dramatically. As of
right now the majority of oxygen on earth is already produced by algae.
+ 93,000,000 - 66,000 50
Consumption of sweet water
for the production of one
kilogram of conventional
biomass (e.g. rice) in liter.
Amount of total atmospheric
oxygen produced by algae in
percent.
Worldwide output of phos-
phor (fertilizer base) in tons
per day: bearish tendency.
Resources.
Reduced availability of sweet water is a growing problem. Algae can be
cultivated in brackish water or sea water. The depletability of fertilizer
components like phosphor requires a diligent usage of such. This is given
only in closed circulations. The worldwide depleting farmland is too valu-
able for cultivation of biomass for energy production on the remaining
land critical. These have to be used for food production. Therefore the
production of herbal energy sources on fallow has to be ensured.
Here microalgae biotechnology provides a huge potential. Hence many
resources are finitely and therefore force us to develop sustainable me-
thods.
Worldwide atmospheric CO2
-surplus in tons per day.
Worldwide deforestation of
tropical rain forest in hecta-
Worldwide loss of conventio-
nally used agricultural land in
3,000 270 - 20,000
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Approximately 50% of the oxygen on our planet is produced photosynthetically by fixation of CO2 by
the algae in our oceans. The other lions share is produced also photosynthetically by other marine
and terrestrial plants and the trees in the forests. The consequence of cutting down forests is defor-
estation and erosion that ultimately leads to desertification. The use of fertilizers is adding to the
acidification of our ocean and disturbing such the marine ecosystem. Hence, it is evident that the
current path is not only straining our planet’s primary means for fixation of CO2 by photosynthesis
but in fact adding to the problem.
SUSTAINABILITY
The word sustainability has been used for the first time in the German lan-
guage in connection with a balanced wood economy more than 100 years
ago: "Living wood biomass which can be harvested in a distinct time to be
used elsewhere should not exceed the mass reproduced in the same period.
By this definition consumption and renewal is kept in balance and as such
the commodity will be available to future generations in equal amounts.
Mass balance thinking is imperative for a green economy. A green economy
does not rely on fossil and non-renewable resources but is rather organized
as a circular economy. The utilization of resources and production is com-
bined with the recovery and reuse of material and energy such that the crea-
tion of waste is minimized.
The paradigm change toward a green economy is driven by growing global
problems created by pollution, waste and the evident socioeconomic mega-
trends. The consequences of the continuing dependence on fossil energy
resources is the increasing concentration of CO2 and particulate dust in our
atmosphere. In many cities unhealthy concentrations of above 400 ppm are
today more the rule than the exception and creating a potentially huge future
healthcare and social burden for communities.
Furthermore, as the global population grows there is an increased demand
for nutrition, especially protein. This development becomes evident when
viewing the increasing food production that has resulted in an increased use
of fertilizers and cutting down forests to gain more arable land. However, all
this is not sustainable and comes at a huge expense to future generations.
The issue.
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SUSTAINABILITY
Microalgae have a huge potential for economic exploitation?
On one hand, they can be used as a source of protein, fatty acids and oth-
er ingredients for food, feed and on the other hand, they can be used as a
source for energy and fuel, and they can even be used as fertilizers. Other
applications of microalgae include cosmetics, dietary supplements and
pharmaceuticals. There is a whole variety of applications for microalgae
with great potential for future economic gains sustainably.
One possible solution to counter the aforementioned consequences can be
found in microalgae. Microalgae have a variety of uses and it can grow, when
cultured industrially, up to 10 times faster than traditional plants. Microalgae
can be grown on non-arable land; Rather than releasing CO2, culturing micro-
algae fixates CO2 whereby the CO2 could be e.g. flue gas from a nearby power
plant; other process media can also be gained from effluent from e.g. agricul-
tural waste waters, thus using the residues of fertilizers that otherwise would
be wasted.
The idea and necessity for a change to a green and sustainable economy is
widely publicly supported. However, it is currently mainly reliant on govern-
ment funding and new regulation should such pass the possible objection
and lobby of powerful interest groups. The global imbalance of wealth and
resources together with the tendency of money markets to focus on short
term gains simply does not support a much needed change toward a green
economy. Hence, the world needs more investment with long term perspec-
tive and such stewardship and leadership to facilitate change with global im-
pact toward a green and sustainable economy.
The solution.
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FASCINATION ALGAE
It is estimated that there are between 250 thousand to several million dif-
ferent algae species. Thereof only 35 000 species have been scientifically
recorded so far.
There are around 5 thousand algae species available from culture collec-
tions around the world. However, only round 20 species are currently
utilized for commercial applications.
Given the commercial applications of today have been achieved with only
a few microalgae species, the thousands of still undiscovered and unu-
tilized species present a huge potential for further economic exploitation.
Algae species cultivated in FPA-reactors (excerpt).
Enormous potential.
In human history cultivated species: Algae are only cultivated in more recent past. Their potential
is enormous and have not yet been exhausted.
© Subitec GmbH
Marine Isochrysis sp.; Tetraselmis suecica; Platymonas subcordiformis;
Rhodomonas baltica; Nannochloropsis salina; Nannochloropsis
gaditana; Diaconema lutheri (Pavlova)
Brakish Phaeodactylum tricornutum; Nannochloropsis oculata;
Porphyridium purpureum
Freshwater Chlorella vulgaris; Chlorella sorokiniana; Haematococcus pluvialis;
Chlamydomonas rheinhardtii; Scenedesmus obliquus; Spirogyra sp.
Cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina); Thermosynechococcus elongatus;
Synechoccus elongatus; Cyanobacterium cf. aponium

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FASCINATION ALGAE
Algae are a fascinating life form. They live as plantlike organism usually in
water and conduct photosynthesis. Nevertheless, they do not belong to the
conventional plants. There is a variety of different algae. They can be multicel-
lular organisms visible to the eye such as seaweed, or they can be microsco-
pic single cell organisms less than a millimeter in size. Unlike conventional
plants, each and every algae cell is capable of photosynthesis.
Microalgae have all the important characteristics of plants from an economi-
cal utilization standpoint — they need nutrients, light (which can be either
sunlight or artificial light or both) and CO2 as a carbon source. Given the
right conditions they grow and produce biomass that contains various valu-
able substances that can be used for producing food, feed, energy and e.g.
ingredients for nutraceuticals, cosmetics and for pharmaceutical applications.
Since microalgae are cultivated in special photobioreactors on land, they can
be cultivated on otherwise lost barren soil. Unlike the cultivation of crops for
energetic purposes, the cultivation of microalgae doesn't stand in competiti-
on with food production.
All this considered, microalgae are extremely potent organisms for the econo-
mical utilization for mankind.
Microalgae – microscopic multitalents.
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Substances of variable value: the cheaper, the bigger the market volume.
With Subitec´s technology theoretically every sector can be served.
PRODUCTS
In comparison to other renewable sources, microalgae have a tremendous variety of poten-
tial uses, due to their high content in protein, fatty acids and other valuable substances.
The entire biomass produce can be fractioned and used for different products of different
values and the fact that microalgae biomass is designable only adds to the spectrum of
applications and economic potential of microalgae.
An excellent spectrum of products and ingredients.
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By controlling the biological growth parameters in photobioreactors, microalgae can be
cultivated to produce high protein, high carbohydrate or high lipid content.
DESIGNABLE BIOMASS
The growth and metabolic activity of algae depends on light, temperature and
the growth environment i.e. water quality, pH and CO2. In nature, microalgae
adapt relatively quickly to changes in the environment, light and temperature
conditions. Different microalgae species have react differently to changes but
they all will metabolize the necessary substances to cope with the prevailing
conditions.
This is a most beneficial feature to algae as it means, that microalgae pro-
cesses in photobioreactors can be ‘designed’ to produce certain substances
without the need for genetic modification. Yes, genetic modification is also
possible and practiced, but for the most microalgae applications today, using
the tools that nature has provided is sufficient. Hence, ‘designable biomass’
does not mean the genetic modification of microalgae. Designable biomass
refers to the selection of a suitable algae species and using natural biological
means to achieve a desired composition of substances, i.e. protein, carbohy-
drate and lipid content, in the biomass.
Closed photobioreactors like the Subitec FPA photobioreactor, provide excel-
lent control over the biological growth parameters and enable such efficient
means to produce valuable substances sustainably by cultivating microalgae.
Various conditions can be reproduced with the Subitec Photobioreactors and
the culturing conditions can be varied based on the desired metabolic reac-
tion of the microalgae.
Making efficient use of the tools that nature has provided.
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Microalgae can be manipulated to high protein, high carbohydrate or high lipid content as required.
ADDED VALUE
For a power plant operator may the high CO2 demand of algae cultivation
be of interest. But what to do with the biomass? A pharmaceutical com-
pany is in need of a specific valuable substance. But what to do with the
residuals? A fish feed manufacturer is in need of protein rich feed for an
affordable rate. The key for especially efficient usage of algae cultivation
lies often enough in cooperation of several companies of various indust-
ries in common projects.
Thereby the algal biomass cultivated for CO2 sequestration is supplied to
the pharmaceutical company for extraction of valuable compounds. The
residual algal biomass (ca. 95 %) can be processed to protein rich feed or
can directly be used energetically. For economic and ecological meaning-
ful utilization of algae an exhaustive exploitation is vital.
Subitec is active in various business areas and therefore can find soluti-
ons for specific requirements and connect relevant companies as part-
ners. This support provides enormous economical synergies within a
corporation and among corporations.
Joint algae cultivation of partnering corporations.
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SUBITEC FLAT PANEL AIRLIFT PHOTOBIOREACTORS
Proven solutions for microalgae cultivation.
LABORATORY EQUIPMENTPRODUCTION SYSTEMS EXPERTISE / SERVICES
© Subitec GmbH
Subitec is a German technology company headquartered in Stuttgart that
specializes in process engineering and the supply of microalgae cultivation
equipment and turn-key production systems.
Established as a spin off from the Fraunhofer Institute, Subitec looks back
at more than 20 years of experience with microalgae. Subitec is the devel-
oper and technology owner of the unique and patented Flat Panel Airlift
(FPA) photobioreactor. Today, Subitec's equipment is used for cultivating
high value microalgae that find application in e.g. nutraceuticals, aquacul-
ture, cosmetics and healthcare.
We are a passionate team and thrive to always deliver our best to our cus-
tomers and partners. Our expertise and services include process develop-
ment, laboratory cultivation equipment, turn-key supply of production
plants and technical support.
Subitec GmbH
Julius-Hölder-Str. 36
70597 Stuttgart
Phone: +49 711 3654029-0
Email: info@subitec.com
www.subitec.com ; Follow us on LinkedIN for periodic news and updates
LABORATORY EQUIPMENTPRODUCTION SYSTEMS