Optimization of Biofuel Production from Transgenic Microalgae
Abstract
We have made excellent progress on the development of genetic tools for the transformation of the microalga, Chlorella protothecoides. We have developed nuclear transformation vectors and identified both heterologous and homologous gene promters to drive transgene expression. We have demonstrated a range in reduction in the light harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein content in transgenic Chlamydomonas (as a model system before the C. protothecoides vectors were developed) using both cholorophyll a oxidase RNAi constructs and by overexpression of chlorophyll b reductase. These transgenic algae (with different antennae sizes) are now being tested in growth experiments at high light intensities to determine the optimal antennae size for biomass accumulation. We also continue to make excellent progress on the nondestructive lipid extraction process which substantially increases oil production while reducing harvesting costs. Finally, wc are now well positioned to metabolically engineer Chlorella lipid biosynthesis and photosynthetic electron transfer pathways to optimize oil production. This and an analysis of the proteomics of oil production are the focus areas for the coming year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA586572
Entities
People
- Richard Sayre
Organizations
- Ohio State University