Tailored Fabrication of Plasmonic Film Light Filters for Enhanced Microalgal Growth and Biomass Composition

Abstract

Through plasmon resonance, silver and gold nanoparticles can selectively backscatter light within different regions of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. We engineered a plasmonic film technology that utilizes gold and silver nanoparticles to enhance light at the necessary wavelengths for microalgal photosynthetic activities. Nanoparticles were embedded in a polymeric matrix to fabricate millimeter-thin plasmonic films that can be used as light filters in microalgal photobioreactors. Experiments conducted with microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii proved that microalgal growth and photosynthetic pigment production can be increased by up to 50% and 78%, respectively, by using these plasmonic film light filters. This work provides a scalable strategy for the efficient production of specialty chemicals and biofuels from microalgae through irradiation control with plasmonic nanoparticles.

Design and Study of Composite Film Preparation Platform

“…During the same period, Antonio A. A. Chepluki, Tiago E. A. Frizon, and others developed a low-cost spin-coater for thin film deposition, serving as a cost-effective alternative to highpriced commercial equipment [11][12][13][14][15]. This research delves into the intricacies of integrating and optimizing composite thin film preparation platforms [16].…”

“…During the same period, Antonio A. A. Chepluki, Tiago E. A. Frizon, and others developed a low-cost spin-coater for thin film deposition, serving as a cost-effective alternative to high-priced commercial equipment [11][12][13][14][15].…”