An outline of photosynthetic microorganism growth inside closed photobioreactor designs

This review deals with the development of outdoor closed photobioreactors and their improved performance
achieved between the end of the second and the beginning of the third millennium. The evolution of closed
photobioreactors operating outdoors, under intensive conditions, is the main objective of this review. The
cultivation of photoautotrophic microorganisms for the production of green products is more desirable in closed
systems than open systems, because they allow the best control of culture parameters, optimal growth, highvalue
products, and reduce the risk of contamination of the culture by undesirable microorganisms. In addition,
closed photobioreactors are the best to maximize both volumetric and areal productivities. Culture systems
such as tubular, column, and panel photobioreactors are the most effective configurations for future industrial
applications among the many outdoor cultivation systems.