Proterro receives patent on unique photobioreactor

Proterro Inc.

February 19, 2014

BY Susanne Retka Schill

Proterro Inc.’s latest patent is on its way to being finalized. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a notice of allowance to Proterro for a device patent covering the company’s proprietary photobioreactor. The new patent builds upon one awarded a year ago for another segment of the company’s technology.

Proterro is developing a sugar-making technology utilizing its patented, transgenetic cyanobacteria that produces fermentation-ready sucrose. The newly patented photobioreactor is made from off-the-shelf plastic components. The system mimics nature in that the cyanobacteria are grown on a fabric surface analogous to a leaf, with water flowing over the surface, to deliver nutrients and carry away the sugar in solution. The fabric is encased in a plastic, air-filled balloon enriched with carbon dioxide.   

“The [patent] claims describe a photobioreactor that includes a non-horizontal, solid cultivation support and a physical barrier over the cultivation support,” explained Proterro CEO Kef Kasdin. “They also describe integration of systems for optimizing light, water supply and sugar collection.”

Advertisement

Advertisement

Proterro is collecting data from its pilot facility in Orlando, Fla., that includes four full-sized reactors. The company has completed a preliminary design, layout and associated cost estimate for a demonstration-scale plant and is currently seeking a demonstration partner.  

 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Stories

Broco Energy on July 17 announced a new partnership with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to deliver and transition Massport's fuel tanks to renewable diesel across its various facilities.

Read More

Shell Aviation, Accenture, and Amex GBT on July 10 announced Avelia is in the process of evolving to an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multi-supplier model helping users access the GHG benefits of SAF.

Read More

The U.S EPA on July 17 released data showing more than 1.9 billion RINs were generated under the RFS during June, down 11% when compared to the same month of last year. Total RIN generation for the first half of 2025 reached 11.17 billion.

Read More

The U.S. EPA on July 17 published updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data, reporting that six new SRE petitions have been filed under the RFS during the past month. A total of 195 SRE petitions are now pending.

Read More

European biodiesel producer Greenergy on July 10 confirmed plans to shut down its biodiesel plant in Immingham, Lincolnshire, U.K. The company temporarily suspended operations at the facility earlier this year.

Read More

Upcoming Events

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Advertisement

Advertisement