Innovative Lighting for Algae Cultivation

Last week, we successfully presented our 'lightsaber' during the evaluation at Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops

24.09.2024

Scientist Dr. Anna Fricke with the lightsaber during the evaluation at the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops

As part of the food4future research project, innovative solutions for sustainable food production are being explored. One of the key focuses is algae cultivation, which holds great potential as an alternative, environmentally friendly food source for the future.

A core technology developed within the project is a portable LED lighting module, also known as the "lightsaber." This module, designed in collaboration with the Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau (TH Wildau) and the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) under the leadership of Dr. Anna Fricke, ensures optimal lighting conditions in algae cultivation systems. The precisely tuned light enhances the photosynthetic efficiency of the algae, thereby maximizing their growth and nutrient production.

By controlling the light intensity and duration, algae growth can be influenced in a targeted way, leading to improved biomass production. This technology plays a crucial role in the research of alternative food sources and contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agricultural systems.

The LED lighting module was successfully tested during an evaluation at the IGZ and will also be showcased at future scientific events. It serves as a promising example of how modern lighting technologies can be used to address global food challenges.

Project Objectives:

Increasing the efficiency of algae cultivation
Applying sustainable technologies to food production
Researching future-oriented alternative food sources