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Accepted manuscript

AlgaMatrix: A Membrane-Based Microalgae Photobioreactor for Indoor Bio-Integrated Systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2026

Benedetta Zuccarelli Open the ORCID record for Benedetta Zuccarelli [Opens in a new window] ,
Lydia Yan ,
Angelina Zhang ,
Skye Gao  and
Daniel Tish
Benedetta Zuccarelli*
Affiliation:
Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
Lydia Yan
Affiliation:
Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
Angelina Zhang
Affiliation:
Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
Skye Gao
Affiliation:
Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
Daniel Tish
Affiliation:
Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
*
*Author for correspondence. Email: bzuccarelli@alumni.harvard.edu
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Abstract

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Indoor environmental performance is commonly addressed through energy-intensive mechanical systems with limited integration into architectural components. Algae-based systems show potential for carbon uptake and environmental mediation, yet most applications focus on façade-scale or exhibition prototypes, with limited validation in interiors. This research develops AlgaMatrix, a modular interior photobioreactor conceived as an architectural component. The system cultivates Chlorella vulgaris within ultrasonically welded thermoplastic membranes supported by 3D-printed frames. Continuous fluid circulation and embedded sensing enable monitoring of biological activity and localized CO2 variation. Computational fluid dynamics simulations informed internal channel geometry and circulation strategies to promote uniform flow and reduce sedimentation, linking digital design to fabrication constraints. A 14-day comparative experiment demonstrated sustained biomass growth in the circulating system, while a static control declined. Localized CO2 reductions occurred during peak photosynthesis. The study establishes a reproducible framework for integrating and monitoring biological processes within fabricated architectural systems, advancing adaptive indoor ecologies.

Keywords

algae-based biodesignbiofabricationindoor photobioreactordigital simulationbio-integrated architecture

Information

Type
Full Paper: Biodesign Conference
Information
Biotechnology Design , Accepted manuscript , pp. 1 - 30
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press