Abstract
This work demonstrates the feasibility of sol–gel entrapment in targeting novel photobioreactors.
Photosynthetic cyanobacterial strains of the genus Synechococcus, PCC 6301, PCC 7002 and PCC
7418, were immobilised in mesoporous silica matrices via the acidification of aqueous colloidal silica
precursors at ambient temperature. The conditions of immobilisation were studied. The gels were kept
hydrated by the addition of media appropriate to the cyanobacteria strain isolated within the matrix
and maintained under a light source. Scanning electronic microscopy, confocal microscopy and
fluorometry studies revealed the preservation of photosynthetic pigments post-immobilisation.
Structural and textural properties of the gels were established through 29Si MASNMR and N2
physisorption respectively.
Photosynthetic cyanobacterial strains of the genus Synechococcus, PCC 6301, PCC 7002 and PCC
7418, were immobilised in mesoporous silica matrices via the acidification of aqueous colloidal silica
precursors at ambient temperature. The conditions of immobilisation were studied. The gels were kept
hydrated by the addition of media appropriate to the cyanobacteria strain isolated within the matrix
and maintained under a light source. Scanning electronic microscopy, confocal microscopy and
fluorometry studies revealed the preservation of photosynthetic pigments post-immobilisation.
Structural and textural properties of the gels were established through 29Si MASNMR and N2
physisorption respectively.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1333-1341 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Materials Chemistry |
Volume | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |