At GreenSight, our research focuses on understanding algal growth and physiology through intelligent sensing and data analysis. By combining optical measurements with advanced signal processing and machine learning, we investigate how environmental conditions shape biomass development over time. This approach allows us to move from raw sensor signals to meaningful biological insights, revealing growth dynamics, rhythmic patterns, and stress responses in algal cultures
2025
Optical Monitoring of Biomass Growth
The figure shows the temporal course of optically measured biomass. Alongside the raw data, a smoothed function derived from the measurements is displayed, which closely follows the data points.
During the ten-day observation period, the biomass increases about fivefold, though temporary declines are also apparent. Whether these represent true biological fluctuations or measurement errors remains to be clarified through further investigation. In addition, oscillations can be discerned in the signal, which become more evident when examining the derivative of the curve.
Optical Analysis of Biomass Growth Rate
The derivative of the curve represents the temporal change in biomass and thus the current growth rate. Oscillations are again visible, though they diminish toward the end of the observation period. These fluctuations appear to follow an approximate daily rhythm.
Overall, the growth rate remains predominantly positive, consistent with the general increase in biomass already shown in the previous figure.
Circadian Rhythm in Biomass Growth
To examine the daily rhythm of the oscillations in more detail, this figure shows a magnified section of the previous graph. The time stamps confirm an approximately 24-hour cycle, consistent with a circadian rhythm. The data also indicate that algae grow primarily during the night, while the minimum of their growth phase occurs around midday.