Case study – Development of an R&D method for quantifying the alteration of the viability of micro-algae under shear and thermal conditions

Rheometry coupled with spectroscopy

To meet the Customer's needs, RHEONIS has implemented its design and experimental development skills as well as its expertise in rheometry and physical measurement techniques.

The stages of the study consisted of different stages:

1. Bibliographic study of the thermo-mechanical degradation conditions of micro-algae and identification of degradation monitoring methods
2. Design and development of an experimental system to couple rheometry and spectroscopy
3. Preliminary tests on one strain and adjustment of the method on another strain

This R&D study was an opportunity to develop an original experimental system coupling rheometry and spectroscopy to monitor the response of different strains of microalgae to controlled thermomechanical conditions. It is then possible to precisely quantify the limits, in particular of shear, from which the viability of the micro-algae is altered.