Algae Biomass Increased by More Than 50 Percent

By Admin
Share
Scientists at Iowa State University have discovered a method that can increase biomass in algae by 30 to 50 percent. By expressing certain genes in al...

 

Scientists at Iowa State University have discovered a method that can increase biomass in algae by 30 to 50 percent. By expressing certain genes in algae that increase photosynthesis, researchers have discovered what it takes to increase the potential of biofuels production from algae.

"The key to this (increase in biomass) is combination of two genes that increases the photosynthetic carbon conversion into organic matter by 50 percent over the wild type under carbon dioxide enrichment conditions," according to Martin Spalding, professor in the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

SEE OTHER TOP STORIES IN THE ENERGY DIGITAL CONTENT NETWORK

Natural Gas Threatens Biofuels?

Breakthrough Technology Produces Renewable Natural Gas

November's issue of Energy Digital has gone live!

Using carbon enrichment conditions allows for algae to have enough carbon dioxide, which is more limited in natural conditions. Two genes in algae, LCIA and LCIB, are responsible for capturing and channeling more carbon dioxide from the air into cells to keep the algae growing, but shut down in environments with high carbon dioxide levels, such as in soil.

In experiments to increase algae's biomass, Spalding first tested lCIA and LCIB separately, proving a 10 to 15 percent increase in biomass. But when the genes were expressed together, he was surprised to see a huge increase of 50 to 80 percent.

"Somehow these two genes are working together to increase the amount of carbon dioxide that's converted through photosynthesis into biomass by the algae under conditions where you would expect there would already be enough carbon dioxide," said Spalding.

Furthermore, Spalding can direct the algae to make oil instead of starch, using some existing mutated genes. The result is around a 50 percent increase in oil biomass, opening up the possibilities for affordable, domestic biofuel development.

 

DOWNLOAD THE ENERGY DIGITAL IPAD APP

Share

Featured Articles

Why is Equinor Halving Renewables Spend & Growing Oil & Gas?

Equinor is halving its investment in renewable energy over the next two years in favour of increasing oil and gas production

Could Trump's Tariffs Trump's Spark an Energy Trade War?

Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports and suspended duties on Canada and Mexico raise fears of a global trade war, with climate tech supply chains at risk

Q&A with Michael Deighton, SVP Operations at Kent

Michael Deighton, SVP Operations at Kent, discusses how the company leverages its century-long experience to power the world efficiently and sustainably

Chevron and GE Vernova: Tackling AI's Energy Challenges

Technology & AI

What Does Court Ruling Mean for Shell and Prized Oilfields?

Oil & Gas

What Rachel Reeves’ Speech Means for Energy in the UK

Sustainability