Integrated approach to cost effective production of biodiesel from photosynthetic microbes

Lead Research Organisation: Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Department Name: Plymouth Marine Lab

Abstract

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.

Technical Summary

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.

Planned Impact

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
 
Description WE developed a generic method for transforming a range of marine microalgae (phytoplankton) using a soil bacterium to transfer modified DNA into the target microalga. The method was applied to a number of different microalga of commercial or environmental value.
Exploitation Route The finding could be applied to the genetic modification of marine microalgae for the production of fine chemicals and biofuels.
Sectors Chemicals

Energy

Healthcare

 
Title General method for genetic transformation of marine microalgae 
Description We have recently adapted Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation for a range of marine microalgae and applied this successfully to modify 4 species of microalgae for the first time. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This is permitting us to explore the development of new model systems for the study of marine microalgae in both an industrial and environmental context. this forms the basis of two grant applications and ne publication (submitted). 
 
Description Durham 
Organisation Durham University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Parallel research into lipid biosynthetic pathways in microalgae (eukaryote) to compliment research in cyanobacteria (prokaryote) in Durham
Collaborator Contribution Parallel research into lipid biosynthetic pathways in cyanobacteria (prokaryote) to compliment research in marine microalgae (eukaryote)
Impact Exchange of information on lipid biosynthesis in different organisms and advice on performing appropriate molecular biology. Sharing of resources, and techniques including reagents.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Microalgal genetics for biofuel production 
Organisation Harvest Energy
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Development of genetically-modified strains with altered lipid profiles and isolation of algal oil from a mutant strain.
Collaborator Contribution Advice on the needs of the market on biofuel composition. Input on lipid profiles and bioreactor design, etc. Testing of effects of flue gas on algal growth.
Impact Provision of strains for assessment of tolerance to different CO2 inputs for growth.
Start Year 2009
 
Description Aqaba International Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact A mixed audience of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional scientists from the Middle-East attended a marine sciences conference where I presented a keynote address on marine biotechnology and its applications for commercial science.

Potential development of new collaborations with Scientists in Jordan and Tunisia.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://www.mesp.org/mesp_news/aqaba-international-conference-2014
 
Description Bioenergy as a renewable resource 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Participatoion in a film funded by the EU Energy Directorate examining different aspects of renewable energy aimed at high school students. Involved explaining algal biofuels to 6 high school students and demonstrating some of the techniques involved in algal propagation and oil extraction. Filiming with 6 high school students of short film on different renewable energy resources. The focus of this segment was algal biofuels. film

The resultant movie was highlighted by recognised media outlets including the Guardian website.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
URL http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2012/dec/14/biofuels-fuelling-future-video