Subitec GmbH, established in 2000, specializes in utilizing algal biomass for sustainable biotechnology solutions, including clean energy production and nutritional supplements. Their patented flat panel airlift photobioreactor technology enables efficient industrial-scale algal biomass production, which is beneficial for a variety of products such as biodiesel, animal feed, and fine chemicals. The advantages of their technology include improved light supply, low operating costs, and a net energy yield, making it a promising solution for both environmental sustainability and economic viability.

1. Apollo11,Reutlingen
SUSTAINABLE
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Subitec GmbH
Julius-Hölder-Straße 36
D-70597 Stuttgart
Tel. +49 711 3654029-0
info@subitec.com
www.subitec.com
General Manager
Dr. Peter Ripplinger
SUBITEC – THE DEVELOPMENT
PARTNER FOR THE UTILIZATION
OF ALGAL BIOMASS
Subitec GmbH was established in the year 2000 as a
spin off of the Fraunhofer Institut für Grenzflächen- und
Bioverfahrenstechnik (IGB) (Fraunhofer Institute for Inter­
facial Engineering and Biotechnology). Subitec has recog-
nized that, because of their high growth rate, microalgae
predominate over terrestrial plants and have a promising
future in carbon dioxide sequestration as well as in the
generation of energy from biomass.In 2001, Subitec acqui-
red two patent families specific to the FPA reactor from
the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V. (Fraunhofer Society Regd.
Assoc.). The financing needed for further expansion was
provided in 2012 by the Clean­tech investor eCAPITAL, the
Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) (Reconstruction
Loan Corporation), and seed round investors. For a
number of years, Subitec has successfully set up test
facilities – and now its first manufacturing plants.
BIOREACTOR TECHNOLOGY
FOR THE MANUFACTURE
OF ALGAL BIOMASS
WHY MICROALGAE?
Microalgae are multi-talents. Clean energy can be
generated from algal biomass. It is a source of
nutritional supplements for human health and can
make an indispensable contribution to the future of
mankind by serving as fish feed in aquacultures.
Valuable ingredients facilitate the manufacture of
the most diverse products. Relative to surface area,
algae yield five to ten times more than conventional
terrestrial plants do. Approximately 50 percent of all
atmospheric oxygen is released by algae. Algae bio­-
mass is a wholly »clean« product that can already be
produced in a cost-effective manner with a net energy
yield thanks to technology developed by Subitec.
FLAT PANEL AIRLIFT PHOTOBIOREACTOR
The FPA reactor patented by Subitec
makes it possible to produce algal bio-
mass efficiently on an industrial scale.
RESOURCES
Light
CO2
Nutrients
Water Microalgae
MAIN PRINCIPLE
PRODUCTS
FOOD &
NUTRITION
Nutritional sup-
plements, animal
feed, aquaculture
ENERGY
Biodiesel, jet fuel,
bioethanol, biogas
RAW MATERIALS
Fine chemicals,
pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics

2. Pharmazeutische und
kosmetische Wertstoffe
Feinchemikalien,
Nahrungsergänzungs-
mittel
Protein, Tierfutter
Biodiesel, Biogas
1 EUR/kg
10 EUR /kg
100 EUR /kg
Marktvolumen
Marktwert
MICROALGAE – A VIRTUALLY INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE
OF ENERGY, NUTRITION, AND RAW MATERIALS
PRODUCTS
DERIVED FROM MICROALGAE
The range of products derived from microalgae is
impressive. Compared with other renewable raw
materials, algae have enormous potential owing to their
high protein and fatty acid content and their abundance
of valuable ingredients. Almost all algal biomass can
be utilized to produce both materials and energy. The
efficiency of microalgal production is also due to the
fact that groups of substances of varying value can be
obtained from one and the same gross mass by means
of a single process.
FPA – THE FLAT PANEL
AIRLIFT PHOTOBIOREACTOR
Subitec‘s cultivation technology is based upon a specially
developed, cost-effective plate reactor. The systematic
technological advancement results in a wide range of
advantages. Patented flow management by means of
static mixers is the technological key to the success of
the FPA reactor.
ADVANTAGES
› Optimal supply of light to all cells by means of
targeted flow management using static mixers.
› Homogeneous, thorough mixing prevents photo-
oxidative stress and increases the efficiency of the
cultivation, particularly at high light intensity.
Photoinhibition inhibits photosynthesis in
other procedures.
› Simple temperature control, pH monitoring, and
efficient gas exchange.
› A high degree of efficiency owing to greater cell
density and optimized growth in comparison with
other types of reactors.
› Low operating costs owing to the airlift principle.
› Photovoltaic installation as an ideal source of energy.
› Utilization in greenhouses and in areas not used for
agricultural purposes.
› Low investment costs owing to deep-drawn, bonded
plastic half shells with integrated static mixers.
› Net energy yield is possible: there is more energy
bound within the algal biomass than is required to
be expended for cultivation.
› Many years of proven reliability.
MODULAR AND SCALABLE
Because of the principle of modularity and scalability
and the differing reactor sizes, Subitec is in a position
to supply FPA installations for various purposes:
› Laboratory and preculture reactors with a compaction
of 6 or 28 L.
› Production reactors for smaller outdoor and green-
house installations offering 180 L.
› Turnkey production facilities in almost any scalable
size from coupled 180 L reactors.
ALGAL MASS PRODUCTION
› Species of algae cultivated hitherto (excerpt):
Chlorella vulgaris, Haematococcus pluvialis,
Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nannochloropsis oculata,
Tetraselmis suecica, Chlorella sorokiniana, Isochrysis spec.,
Dunaliella tertiolecta.
› Continuous or semicontinuous production at high light
intensity results in high volumetric productivity and a
biomass concentration of up to 10 g of dry matter / L in
the open and 20 g of dry matter / L in the laboratory.
PRODUCTS OF AN INTEGRATED
PRODUCTION PROCESS
› Natural Omega-3 fatty acids.
› Algal biomass for aquaculture.
› Algae with a high lipid content for the generation of energy.
› Following extraction of the valuable ingredients, such as
carotenoids, PUFAs, or proteins, the remaining algal
biomass can be converted into biogas.
› Utilization of industrial gaseous waste as a source of CO2.
Pharmaceutical and
cosmetical valuable
materials
Fine chemicals,
nutritional
supplements
Protein, animal feed
Biodiesel, biogas
1 EUR/kg
10 EUR/kg
100 EUR/kg
Market volumes
Market value
conventional
FPA reactor
Sunlight
Subitec
FPA reactor
PartialyieldInoculation/
Mediadelivery
Air/CO2
supply