Texas. Scientists at Texas A&M University turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to set a new world record for algae production as a source of biofuel for transportation.
Joshua Yuan, AgriLife Research affiliate scientist, professor and chair of Synthetic Biology and Renewable Products in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, leads the research project.
The team’s findings were published in January in Nature Communications and seek to overcome the limitations of algae as a biofuel.
“The commercialization of algae biofuels has been hampered by the relatively low yield and high cost of harvesting,” Yuan said in a statement. “Limited light penetration and poor crop dynamics contributed to poor yields.”
Overcoming these challenges could enable viable algae biofuels to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, alleviate dependence on oil and transform the bioeconomy, Yuan said.
The scientist has previously been successful in finding methods to convert corn stover, grasses, and mesquite into bioplastics and lightweight, biodegradable materials. His latest project uses a proprietary AI advanced learning model to predict optimal algae light penetration, growth and density. The prediction model allows for continuous harvesting of synthetic algae using hydroponics to maintain rapid growth at optimal density to allow for the best light availability.
The method that Yuan and his team successfully achieved in an outdoor experiment is 43.3 grams per square meter per day of biomass productivity, which would be a world record. The most recent target range from the US Department of Energy is 25 grams per square meter per day.
“Algae can be used as an alternative energy source for many industries, including biofuel and jet fuel. It is an alternative raw material for the bioethanol refinery without the need for pretreatment. It is cheaper than coal or natural gas. It also provides a more efficient way of carbon capture and utilization,” Yuan explained.
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