Optimization of Biofuel Production From Transgenic Microalgae.

摘要

We have compared the proteomes and transcriptomes of Chlorella induced to produce oil in the presence of glucose at various time points. These results lead to the identification of several proteins when over-expressed in transgenic algae enhance photosynthesis by up to 80%. We have also completed the proteome analysis for the diatom Cyclotella when induced to accumulate oil after silicon starvation. The results of these studies are currently being analyzed. We have completed generation of Chlamydomonas transformants expressing carbonic anhydrase to increase the CO2 concentration near the active site of Rubisco so as to inhibit photorespiration. These transgenics have on average a 30% increase in photosynthetic rates. We have also show that by reducing chlorophyll b levels we can tune the light harvesting antennae size for increased photosynthetic efficiency and growth (30% increase) in algal monocultures. Finally, we have demonstrated that the biocompatible solvent, decane, rapidly induces oil accumulation in Chlorella shortening the time to produce oil with a glucose boost from 24 to 2 hours. This process also elevates oil accumulation in single cells in addition to autospores. As a result oil accumulation is increased 10X relative to glucose alone within the first 4 hours after treatment.