Microalgae producing oils can be converted into biodiesel, thus promising a viable fuel to help solve the global energy crisis. However, despite the recent booming of research on microalgae, until now research has not benefited from modern high-throughput, high-resolution, real-time, and in vivo biophysical techniques. Traditionally, these microalgae were treated in bulk, lyophilized or in extracted forms, making it impossible to assess the information on fundamental biological processes in the single-cell or sub-cellular level. Utilizing BaySpec's 1064nm Raman spectrometer, in situ, in vivo and label-free Raman characterizations of modeled algal lipids are made, extracted algal oil, and most importantly, single living algae. Studies have demonstrated a label-free and direct method to obtain quantitative information of chain length and degree of unsaturation of the oil produced inside algae. It also connects with the important issues of the cloud point and the quality of algal biodiesel. Single-cell, real-time, and in vivo study of algae, with various lipid-triggering mechanisms, enables the possibility of researching and engineering of the best conditions and the best species for algal growth and oil production.
BaySpec's NunavutTM series NIR long wave Raman spectral engines are designed to meet real-world challenges for best-in-class performance, long-term reliability, compact size and ultra-low fluorescence interference for Raman instrumentation of biological, tissue and skin samples. Benefiting from experience manufacturing high-volume spectral monitoring devices for the telecommunications industry, BaySpec's NIR spectral devices utilize low-cost field proven components. For the first time in instrumentation history an affordable, accurate and ruggedized Raman spectral device is a reality.
About BaySpec, Inc.
BaySpec, Inc., founded in 1999 with 100% manufacturing in the USA (Fremont, CA), is a vertically integrated spectral sensing company. The company designs, manufactures and markets advanced fiber-optic components, modules and subsystems for the homeland defense, pharmaceuticals, biomedical, test & measurement, fiber sensing, NIR spectroscopy, and optical telecom industries. For more information visit www.bayspec.com.