(180d) Fermentation Pilot Plant Development and Scale up of Unique Chlamydomonas Mutant Strains for Sustainable Applications As Single Cell Protein and Food Ingredients.

Triton Algae Innovations is developing proprietary chemoheterotrophic fermentation processes for algal single cell protein that are scalable, affordable, and sustainable over plant-based alternatives. Chlamydomonas is GRAS and easily digestible. Chlamydomonas is rich in protein, vitamin A, fiber, omega oils and carotenoids. Triton is developing strains through mutagenesis and selective breeding rich in porphyrin IX and also chlorophyl deficient strains for alternative food applications.

The purpose of this paper is to present relevant pilot scale up information for key Chlamydomonas strains being developed and improvements relative to prior studies. The problem growing Chlamydomonas species in the past is low titer and long cycle times. The design and operation of the pilot plant and fermentation equipment specifically for algal fermentation and slower growing organisms will be discussed. This includes the upstream and downstream units and off-line analytical that is critical to process control. The growth behavior of strains on different carbon sources acetate and glucose will be compared and the implications for process operation and control discussed. The control of pH and dissolved oxygen as well as testing of feed strategies will be examined. The effect of the nitrogen source and control on the process performance will also be elucidated Significant progress has been made in media formulation and the ability to achieve high titers of Chlamydomonas cell mass and productivity using non-complex media. Relevant growth, productivity and substrate consumption data will be presented for key strains. Titers approaching yeast fermentations have been achieved and yields are consistent with other organisms. The current state of the art for Chlamydomonas fermentations is greatly improved over previous research.