Integrated approach to cost effective production of biodiesel from photosynthetic microbes

Development of Renewable Fuels is an important consideration in terms of replacing fossil fuels, such as mineral oils and coals, as well as reducing the level of CO2 emissions associated with them. In this project we will develop two micro-algae to fix atmospheric CO2 and convert it using sunlight into raw material for biodiesel production. The main obstacles which have to be overcome are to develop strains of algae which can grow at high temperature [as flue gasses are going to be used as the source of CO2] as well as efficiently converting the CO2 into carbon compounds which can be used as raw materials for Biodiesel production. The work is being undertaken with a major Biofuels manufacturer and the knowledge gained should advance us both scientifically and industrially.

Nannochloropsis and Synechocystis will be engineered to accumulate lipids in the form of triacylglycerols [TAGs] as feedstocks for biodiesel production. The end objective is to sequester CO2 from flue gasses , so reducing CO2 output, and converting this into storage lipids and reducing the demand for fossil based fuels. The projects will use both acclimation , random mutagenesis and targeted gene expression to achieve this goal. In Nannochorposis initial considerations will be on increasing the temperature at which the organism can be grown. EST sequencing will be performed to identify genes involved in TAG biosynthesis and altering their expression so that TAG biosynthesis is maximal during the exponential stage of growth. Manipulation of the fatty acid profile will be undertaken to increase the level of saturated fatty acids. In Synechocystis genes will be introduced to divert metabolism from MGDG and DGDG synthesis towards TAG as well as optimise the flow of metabolites towards fatty acid biosynthesis. The fatty acid profile will be manipulated to favor a profile best for biodiesel production. Considerations will be made on the best way to harvest and process both organisms for lipid extraction.

This research is aimed at sequestering CO2 and using light energy to make raw materials for biodiesel production. It is in conjunction with a major Industrial player in Biodiesel production. The impact which this will have is as follows: It will increase our understanding of how to direct light energy to industrially useful products by adjusting the metabolic pathways. It will allow the development of a new Biofuels raw material input base It will reduce overall carbon emissions in line with Government and EU policies It will increase the UK competitive base industrially It will generate new patent to harness and translate basic research into commercial products It will raise UK science base internationally