Patents

The invention relates to a process for out door cultivation of rnicroalga Botryococcus braunii species for mass production. Botryococcus belongs to chlorophyceae (a green alga). It is a colonial, slow growing alga known to accumulate hydrocarbons of unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbons (20 to 50% w/w) in the range of carbon chain C20 to C37. The organism also produces extracellular polysaccharides and fatty acids. In view of the changing energy scenario for renewable energy resources, Botryococcus sps are identified as a potential resource for production of hydrocarbons. However there are no reports on its mass cultivation in any part of the world owing to its slow growth, low light and temperature requirements. Therefore the present invention focused on developing a process for out door cultivation of microalga Botryococcus braunii species for mass production.