Algix, LLC

University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc

Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Ryan W Hunt

Mark Ashton Zeller

Bo Shi

Keshav C Das

Senthil Chinnasamy

Erico Rolim De Mattos

Michael Lawrence Gross

Suraj Sharma

An algae-based thermoplastic composition is provided that includes a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moisture content of less than or equal to 15% by weight and having a particle d99 of up to 200 microns. The dried algae biomass is at least 5% by weight of the thermoplastic composition. The composition includes a biodegradable resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250&#xb0; C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min.

Algae-blended thermoplastic compositions

An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250&#xb0; C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

Algae thermoplastic composition and process of making

A thermoplastic composition includes at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the composition is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer. An injection molded article is formed from a material including at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the material is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer.

Algae-blended compositions without plasticizers

A bioplastic composition may contain certain biodegradable and renewable components. In some examples, the bioplastic composition includes at least one kind of aquatic macrophyte biomass, which may contain a native composition of protein and carbohydrates, in a blend with one or more types of biodegradable or durable thermoplastic polymers. The aquatic macrophyte composition may provide a balance of both polymeric and reinforcing properties to the blended bioplastic not typically exhibited by terrestrial feedstock such as soy meal or corn starch. Such a bioplastic composition may be formed into molded articles using extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or the like.

Macrophyte-based bioplastic

The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

Biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use

Biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use. Specifically, methods for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency including applying pulsed light to a photosynthetic organism, using a chlorophyll fluorescence feedback control system to determine one or more photosynthetic efficiency parameters, and adjusting one or more of the photosynthetic efficiency parameters to drive the photosynthesis by the delivery of an amount of light to optimize light absorption of the photosynthetic organism while providing enough dark time between light pulses to prevent oversaturation of the chlorophyll reaction centers are disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Athens, GA, United States of America

Ryan W Hunt