Growing microalgae or cyanobacteria in liquid-based foam

A flat panel photobioreactor is used to culture microalgae or cyanobacteria. The base of the photobioreactor has a fluid input for growth medium and a pressurised air input via needle spargers. The needle spargers are located in the base of the photobioreactor so that they are situated within the fluid growth medium. Microalgae (or cyanobacteria) are introduced into the growth medium. Sparging of carbon dioxide-rich air through the growth medium produces a foam and the liquid phase of the foam containing the microalgae moves into the entirety of the growth chamber. The microalgae are illuminated and grown in the foam. The foam is then harvested and dewatered to extract the microalgae.