Application
Algae
Algae are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, ranging from single cells to large giant kelp. Single-celled algae, also known as microalgae, are microscopic organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They can be grown in open pond systems or closed systems such as photobioreactors, which are transparent tanks designed to maximize light and nutrient exposure.
Algae play a crucial role in biotechnology and are used in various applications ranging from biofuel production to nutrition, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Like all eukaryotic organisms, microalgae are sensitive to environmental changes. Careful monitoring of growth conditions is required for healthy biomass production.
Key parameters measured during growth include pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2). Real-time measurement of these parameters enables researchers to optimize growth, resulting in efficient biomass and product accumulation.
How Hamilton Supports Your Algae Workflows
During microalgae cultivation, monitoring different parameters ensures proper growth and pigmentation. This includes tracking pH, DO, and CO2 as well as total cell density (TCD) and viable cell density (VCD).
During harvesting, microalgae are separated from the cultivation media and collected for further processing. Measuring total cell density during the separation step ensures that maximum yield is achieved.
The post-harvesting process depends on the intended product. Compounds such as fatty acids and proteins are separated from the algae and processed into high-value products for the market.
Microalgae cultivation uses a significant amount of water. Reusing water can lower costs and improve sustainability. Careful monitoring of pH, conductivity, and contamination detection ensures that recycled water maintains quality and does not harm the next cultivation cycle.
Explore our Algae Solutions and Applications in Detail
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Incyte Arc Expert sensors enable real-time, in-situ measurement of viable cells, making it possible to detect events and respond in real time without increased off-line sampling.
Arc Module and VisiFerm SU
Arc Module Incyte-W SU
The Arc Module Incyte-W, when used with the Incyte-W SU, enables real-time, in-situ measurement of viable cells. This allows for immediate detection of events and real-time responses, reducing the need for increased off-line sampling.
Sensors for Single-Use
Incyte-P SU
Hamilton’s Incyte SU sensor elements are pre-installed as an integral part of a single-use container with a long shelf life. They provide accurate, stable measurements and come ready-to-use and pre-calibrated. They connect to the Arc Module Incyte SU for reliable measurement in single-use applications. Our SU VCD sensors combine the reliability and measurement stability of conventional sensors with the ease of use as an integral part of the bioreactor.
Collect real-time viable cell density measurements for deeper insights and data-driven process optimization.
Dencytee Arc RS485 sensors enable real-time, in-situ measurement of total cell density using transmittance and reflectance of near-infrared light in low and high cell density applications. Reduce off-line sampling and increase the reliable optical density measurement range.
EasyFerm Plus pH Sensors
EasyFerm Plus
The EasyFerm Plus pH sensor is ideal for pharmaceutical and chemical industries, with a stabilized sensor signal and an extended sensor diagnosis.
EasyFerm Bio pH Sensors
EasyFerm Bio
The EasyFerm Bio is a pH sensor, featuring Hamilton pre-pressurized reference technology. Ideal for food and beverage and as well as Biopharma applications.
MecoTrode pH Sensors
MecoTrode
MecoTrode pH sensors excel in chemical processes with extreme pH values. They feature low-alkaline-error H-glass or HF-glass for use in media containing hydrofluoric acid, both stable at high temperatures and requiring low maintenance. Ideal for industrial applications, Hamilton complements these advanced sensors with expert support for your critical pH monitoring needs.
Polilyte Plus pH Sensors
Polilyte Plus
Polilyte Plus Traditional pH sensor offer multiple electrical connectors and length options along with a standard mV output compatible with most transmitters and controllers.
VisiFerm Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
VisiFerm RS485-ECS
VisiFerm RS485-ECS is an advanced optical dissolved oxygen sensor for biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries, offering full measurement functionality, self-diagnostics, and simplified maintenance.
VisiFerm Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
VisiFerm mA
Less frequent calibration and longer lifetime. 2-wire 4-20mA / HART for GMP production environments. Explosive-rated environments.
Arc Module and VisiFerm SU
VisiFerm SU RS485-ECS
The VisiFerm SU RS485-ECS is designed for reliable dissolved oxygen (DO) measurement in single-use applications with the ODO Cap Sx sensor element.
Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
VisiWater Optical Dissolved Oxygen sensors
VisiWater sensors are optical technology sensors intended for the measurement of dissolved oxygen submersible applications in the environmental water industry.
Conducell 4UxF
Conducell 4USF Arc
The Conducell 4USF Arc is a 4-pole conductivity sensor equipped with advanced Arc technology and a VP8 connector. This sensor is designed for hygienic applications, offering features like onboard calibration storage and direct connection to control systems, simplifying integration and maintenance.
Lab Syringes
Gastight Syringes
The solution for dispensing both gases and heterogeneous liquids. Hamilton Gastight syringes are equipped with a precision-machined PTFE plunger tip to create a leak-free seal.
Lab Syringes
Microliter Syringes
Hamilton Microliter syringes are ideal for dispensing homogeneous liquid samples not prone to glass bonding or precipitation. With a hand-fitted stainless steel plunger for frictionless movement and minimal wear, these syringes are designed to last.
Solutions for the Top 3 Challenges for Algae Workflows
Reliable DO-DCO2 measurements for photosynthesis
Challenge: Accurate and reliable measurement of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide are technically challenging especially at low concentrations.
Solution: Hamilton dissolved oxygen and dissolved carbon dioxide sensors offer advanced optical measurement technologies capable of measuring low concentrations of gases.
Accurate biomass measurements across a wide range of cell densities
Challenge: In bioprocesses, accurate biomass measurement is essential for process control and optimization. A common difficulty is maintaining accuracy across the full growth curve, from low cell densities in early phases to very high concentrations during late-stage cultivation. Many conventional optical sensors lose sensitivity at low densities or become saturated at high densities, leading to unreliable data and reduced process insight.
Solution: The Hamilton Dencytee Arc sensor overcomes this challenge through its dual measurement principle, combining transmission and reflection optics in a single probe. Transmission measurement delivers high sensitivity at low cell densities, enabling precise monitoring during early growth. As cell concentrations rise, reflection measurement takes over, avoiding saturation and maintaining reliable readings at high densities.
This automatic transition between measurement modes ensures a wide and continuous measuring range, providing consistent, accurate biomass data throughout the entire cultivation process. The sensor’s integrated Arc electronics handle the signal processing and mode switching, delivering stable, real-time values directly to the control system without the need for external converters or complex calibration steps.
Accurate pigmentation detection
Challenge: Some algae can change pigmentation throughout their lifetime, which can be difficult to accurately monitor.
Solution: Real-time monitoring using the simultaneous measurement of transmission and reflectance enables you to easily monitor these changes throughout cultivation, and offers an accurate read-out of pigmentation.
How Are Algae Used in Various Industries?
Microalgae are a proven and sustainable resource with applications spanning biofuels, food and feed, cosmetics, and healthcare. While the first wave of interest in algae-based biodiesel peaked between 2006 and 2008, the focus today has shifted toward higher-value products due to stricter regulations and higher market prices in these sectors.
When integrated with carbon capture and utilization (CCUS) systems, microalgae cultivation offers a dual benefit: reducing greenhouse gas emissions while generating biomass for valuable products. Their photosynthetic efficiency enables direct CO₂ fixation from industrial sources, turning waste emissions into feedstock for nutrition, supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other fine chemicals.
In food and aquaculture, algae provide protein, essential fatty acids, and pigments that enhance feed quality for fish and livestock, contributing to more sustainable food production.
Advances in sensor technology, such as real-time monitoring of pH, dissolved gases, and biomass with tools like Hamilton’s Dencytee Arc, are improving process control in algae cultivation. These sensors support both optimal growth and early contamination detection, ensuring consistent quality and maximizing the value of CO₂-to-biomass conversion.
Algae Cultivation Application Notes
Algae Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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