Yeastime is proud to announce the publication of a pioneering scientific study, developed in collaboration with the University of Rome Tor Vergata, in the prestigious journal Elsevier – Science Direct:
“Sono‑photobioreactor: Design and application of characterized and modulable reactor to optimize microalgal production with ultrasounds”
Read the full article here
🎯 What’s the Innovation?
The study presents a novel, modular photobioreactor that combines light exposure with precisely engineered ultrasound stimulation, designed to enhance the productivity of microalgae. Using simulation tools and sensor-based feedback, the team created a reactor capable of controlled and repeatable ultrasound delivery, paving the way for systematic bioprocess optimization.
Unlike traditional trials with handheld devices, this reactor integrates sound stimulation directly into cultivation, enabling consistent and scalable improvements in microalgal growth and composition.
📈 Key Results
Tested on two industrially relevant microalgae strains—Chlorella vulgaris and Desmodesmus sp.—the results were compelling:
- Biomass Yield Boost
- Chlorella: increased from 1.0 to 1.2 g/L
- Desmodesmus: increased from 1.9 to 2.3 g/L
- Biochemical Enhancements
- Proteins in Desmodesmus: doubled to ~40% of dry weight
- Carbohydrates in Chlorella: increased to ~19% vs. 9% in controls
These results highlight the potential of ultrasound not only to improve biomass quantity but also biomass quality, with higher concentrations of valuable biocompounds.
🌱 Real-World Implications
This innovation holds promising potential across several industries:
- Biofuels: Increased carbohydrate and lipid content accelerates energy yields
- Nutraceuticals: Higher protein production opens new opportunities in plant-based nutrition
- Pharma & Cosmetics: Fine-tuned conditions help target specific molecules for high-value use
Furthermore, the reactor’s modularity ensures it can be adapted to different production scales and species, offering flexibility for both research and industry.
🤝 Scientific Partnership with Purpose
This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between Yeastime and the University of Rome Tor Vergata, uniting:
- Biotechnological engineering expertise
- Ultrasound technology from Yeastime’s core IP
- Academic excellence in algal biology and green chemistry
Notably, the publication discloses Yeastime’s active involvement:
several co-authors are affiliated with Yeastime and are inventors of the underlying patent, bridging deep tech research and industrial application.
🔭 What’s Next?
- Scale-Up Pilots: Testing the reactor in real-world fermentation settings
- Species-Specific Optimization: Custom ultrasound protocols to unlock new high-value compounds
- Integration into Yeastime’s Product Portfolio: Expanding our commercial offering for precision fermentation and bioreactor solutions
🚀 A Milestone for Sustainable Biotech
This publication is more than academic recognition—it’s a strategic milestone in Yeastime’s mission to revolutionize microbial production through sound.
It reinforces our leadership in the intersection of ultrasound, biotechnology, and sustainability, as we co-develop the next generation of smart, efficient, and circular bioprocesses.
🧪 Read the full publication here: Science Direct link
