(187b) Development of a Custom 3D Printed Paddle Wheel in a Flat Panel Photobioreactor for Improved Algal Growth

One of the main challenges with using flat panel bioreactors for algal growth is uneven mixing and settling of cells in corners, especially when bubbling alone is used to mix the culture. In order to improve mixing in our flat panel reactor, we designed a custom paddlewheel; paddlewheels are frequently used in outdoor algae raceway ponds to encourage turbulent mixing and we are taking advantage of the same principle for internal mixing in the reactor. The paddlewheel is easily integrated into our PSI FMT150 1 L flat panel photobioreactor and printed on a 3D printer using high temperature poly lactic acid (HT-PLA). With the inclusion of a thermal annealing step, the paddlewheel is autoclavable. Addition of the paddlewheel in the reactor minimized cell settling and improves growth rates with minimal additional cost. We will present our design and data to support improved growth of algae. This work also provides an example of how personalized manufacturing through 3D printing is beneficial in a laboratory environment.