Microalgae are essential organisms to the ecosphere. They are a source of numerous novel biochemical compounds. Current research in synthetic biology utilises microalgae as the "chassis" for genetic modification. There have been publications on the production of pharmaceutical precursors through metabolic engineering of model strains of microalgae.

The local biohacking community has expressed interest in growing and using microalgae for various purposes ranging from baking with Spirulina (nutritious edible algae) to art installations with Cyanobacteria. To support such activities, I wanted to build a bioreactor to cultivate the microalgae and to try and optimize their growth.

The main aim of the project is to design a bioreactor that can be used to cultivate any strain of microalgae by changing the required environmental conditions.