The Effectiveness of a 3D Printed Hydrogel Membrane to Sustain Algal Growth

26 June 2020, Version 1
This content is a preprint and has not undergone peer review at the time of posting.

Abstract

This experiment assessed whether the photosynthetic algae species Chlorella Vulgaris could growth within a carrageenan based hydrogel. This hydrogel variant was synthesized with a nanosilicate powder, used to strengthen the polymer bonds between the carrageenan which allows for more robust 3D printing. Using a chip hemocytometer, it was found that Chlorella Vulgaris showed signs of growth in the carrageenan hydrogel without the aid of additional nutrients.
This means that the algae could potentially be 3D printed into structures used for biofiltration of enviromental pollutants

Keywords

hydrogel
algae
carrageenan
3D printing
additive manufacturing
polymers
biocompatible
bioremedition

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