CYMABIO integrates three complementary technologies into a controlled microalgae production system, designed to ensure reliable cultivation, continuous biomass production and efficient harvesting for marine hatchery applications.
The system combines a high-capacity tubular photobioreactor, a dedicated pre-cultivation unit and an advanced membrane separation system.
Phyco-Flow is the main production unit of the CYMABIO system. It is a 6,000-litre Quadriplex tubular photobioreactor, designed for high-density microalgae cultivation under controlled and biosecure conditions.
The system consists of four parallel tubular arrays made of borosilicate glass, with a diameter of 54 mm and a total length of 14.5 metres. This configuration maximises light exposure and supports efficient nutrient management.
Key features include:
- Automated tube-cleaning system (pigging) to prevent biofilm accumulation.
- Air mixing system with a capacity of 150 L/min.
- Adjustable spectral LED lighting
- Integrated control of cultivation conditions.
Target production capacity: Approximately 2,000 litres of concentrated microalgae culture per day
Phyco-Lift is a vertical 200-litre airlift photobioreactor designed for microalgae pre-cultivation and to ensure a continuous supply of healthy, actively growing cells to the main Phyco-Flow system.
The system consists of 18 vertical borosilicate glass columns and uses air and CO₂ circulation to maintain stable cultivation conditions. Adjustable LED lighting, incorporating red, blue and white spectra, supports efficient photosynthetic activity.
Operating as a production stabilisation unit, the Phyco-Lift helps reduce the risk of main culture collapse and ensures a reliable supply of microalgae inoculum.
Membrane Separation System is designed for efficient microalgae biomass concentration and harvesting. It operates through microfiltration using 0.2-micron membranes, enabling biomass concentration to approximately 4–5% dry solids.
The system provides a gentle and energy-efficient alternative to conventional centrifugation, helping to preserve cell viability during harvesting while reducing energy consumption.
In addition, the membrane system supports the recirculation and treatment of the culture medium, allowing the removal of metabolites and unwanted substances to improve culture stability and production efficiency.
- Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring of critical cultivation parameters, including pH, CO₂ concentration and LED light intensity.
- Automated process control: Controlled adjustment of CO₂ supply, nutrient dosing and lighting conditions.
- Adaptive control: Feedback-based adjustment of cultivation parameters according to microalgae requirements.
- Remote supervision: Access to cultivation data and system performance from different locations.
- Data management: Centralised data storage to support production analysis, performance evaluation and process optimisation.
Microalgae play an essential role in marine fish hatcheries, supporting larval rearing and the production of live feed organisms. Within CYMABIO, their applications focus on three key areas:
Microalgae are added directly to larval rearing tanks, creating a greenwater environment. This technique contributes to water quality management and supports the rearing environment of marine fish larvae.
Microalgae serve as a primary food source for rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis), supporting their growth and nutritional quality. Rotifers are an essential live feed organism during the early larval stages of marine fish.
Microalgae are used in the nutritional enrichment of Artemia, helping improve their nutritional value before they are offered to fish larvae.