A high throughput array microhabitat platform reveals how light and nitrogen colimit the growth of algal cells.

A mechanistic understanding of algal growth is essential for maintaining a sustainable environment in an era of climate change and population expansion. It is known that algal growth is tightly controlled by complex interactive physical and chemical conditions. Many mathematical models have been proposed to describe the relation of algal growth and environmental parameters, but experimental verification has been difficult due to the lack of tools to measure cell growth under precise physical and chemical conditions.

Colimitation of light and nitrogen on algal growth revealed by an array microhabitat platform.

Microalgae are key players in the global carbon cycle and emerging producers of biofuels. Algal growth is critically regulated by its complex microenvironment, including nitrogen and phosphorous levels, light intensity, and temperature. Mechanistic understanding of algal growth is important for maintaining a balanced ecosystem at a time of climate change and population expansion, as well as providing essential formulations for optimizing biofuel production.

Practical and thermodynamic constraints on electromicrobially accelerated CO mineralization.

By the end of the century, tens of gigatonnes of CO will need to be removed from the atmosphere every year to maintain global temperatures. Natural weathering of ultramafic rocks and subsequent mineralization reactions can convert CO into ultra-stable carbonates. Although this will draw down all excess CO, it will take thousands of years.

Microscope-based light gradient generation for quantitative growth studies of photosynthetic micro-organisms.

Photosynthetic micro-organisms are equipped with molecular machineries that are designed to transform light into chemical or bioenergy, and help shape and balance the ecosystem of all life forms on earth. Recently, aquatic ecosystems have been disrupted by climate change, which leads to the frequent occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs endanger drinking water resources and harm the fishing and coastal recreation industries.