OpenGrow

An Ecotron is a device capable of generating a range of physical and chemical conditions applied to terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems. Its principle is to confine a biological system (natural or artificial, complex or simplified one) in an enclosure sealed in the matter but not in energy, and simultaneously measure and control such flows of matter and energy. For this purpose, the enclosures are equipped with many sensors to obtain precise real-time measurements and different actuators to control and modify the enclosure environmental conditions.(1)

OpenGrow

is project about to make a modular bioreactor, following the diy-open-source philosophy and keeping a low-price (a normal commercial one, can cost up to 4000 euros). A bioreactor is nothing else than an enclosed space with a controlled liquid environment to make the microorganism that grows inside the “happiest” possible. With this new generic apparatus, we could cultivate our own favorite microalgae: spirulina, chlorella...etc. The modularity, of this micro-farm will be focused into allowing different configurations of sensors and actuators to control different parameters of the conditions of culturing (pH, temperature, density...) and also in allowing increasing culture volumes. Having that open source apparatus can make us envision the emergence of a worldwide community of users.

(1)REF: Lawton, J. H., Naeem, S., Woodfin, R. M., Brown, V. K., Gange, A., Godfray, H. J. C., Heads, P. A., Lawler, S., Magda, D., Thomas, C. D., Thompson, L. J. & Young, S. (1993) The Ecotron - a Controlled Environmental Facility for the Investigation of Population and Ecosystem Processes. Phil.Trans. R. Soc. B, 341, 181-194.