The promise of dawn: Microalgae photoacclimation as an optimal control problem of resource allocation

Photosynthetic microorganisms are known to adjust their photosynthetic capacity according light intensity. This so-called photoacclimation process is thought maximize growth at equilibrium, but its dynamics under varying conditions remains less understood. To tackle this problem, microalgae and represented by a (coarse-grained) resource allocation model. Using optimal control theory (the Pontryagin maximum principle) numerical simulations, we determine the strategy of microalgal rate over time horizon. We show that, after transient, trajectory approaches steady state, behavior as turnpike property. Then, bi-level optimization problem solved numerically estimate model parameters from experimental data. The fitted represents well Dunaliella tertiolecta culture facing down-shift. Finally, study day/night cycle. In trajectory, synthesis apparatus surprisingly starts few hours before dawn. anticipatory has actually been observed both in laboratory field. shows algal predictive interest our method which predicts phenomenon.