Pond slime to the rescue: Using algae to capture CO2
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Plant Sciences
Abstract
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Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Alison Smith (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Abalde-Cela S
(2015)
High-throughput detection of ethanol-producing cyanobacteria in a microdroplet platform.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Adesanya VO
(2014)
Kinetic modelling of growth and storage molecule production in microalgae under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions.
in Bioresource technology
Cooper MB
(2019)
Cross-exchange of B-vitamins underpins a mutualistic interaction between Ostreococcus tauri and Dinoroseobacter shibae.
in The ISME journal
Croze OA
(2013)
Dispersion of swimming algae in laminar and turbulent channel flows: consequences for photobioreactors.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Davey MP
(2014)
Triacylglyceride production and autophagous responses in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii depend on resource allocation and carbon source.
in Eukaryotic cell
Helliwell KE
(2014)
Unraveling vitamin B12-responsive gene regulation in algae.
in Plant physiology
Kazamia E
(2012)
Synthetic ecology - A way forward for sustainable algal biofuel production?
in Journal of Biotechnology
Kazamia E
(2010)
Keeping a clear head with vitamin B12
in The Biochemist
Kazamia E
(2013)
Biofuels from algae untapped
in Microbiology Today
Lea-Smith DJ
(2014)
Phycobilisome-Deficient Strains of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Have Reduced Size and Require Carbon-Limiting Conditions to Exhibit Enhanced Productivity.
in Plant physiology
| Description | This initial exhibit has provided the basis for many others since, including public engagement activities (eg Science Festivals), and establishment of the Algal Innovation Centre in Cambridge, a facility that allows showcasing of technologies and know-how for algal cultivation and exploitation. As a result several research grants have been obtained from UK research councils (BBSRC, EPSRC) and Innovate UK, as well as EU FP7 & H2020. And interactions with companies including on collaborative projects and providing training to company employees to exchange know-how. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Energy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
| Description | Agri-Inno: Stimulating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Egypt's Agricultural Sector |
| Amount | £28,520 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 01/2017 |
| Description | Algal Biorefinery: routes for energy and nutrient recovery. |
| Amount | £9,966 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 12/2015 |
| Description | Batch scale cultivation of non-UK native tropical marine diatoms |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2017 |
| End | 11/2018 |
| Description | Business Interaction Voucher |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | PHYCBIV-23 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Department | Networks in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (NIBB) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 10/2018 |
| Description | Developing a Lab-scale method for measuring biogas potential from microalgae |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2014 |
| End | 02/2015 |
| Description | Expanding the range of algal species suitable for membrane harvesting |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2018 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Exploring and exploiting metabolic diversity in polar algae - Innovation Centre for the Environment. |
| Amount | £39,634 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2013 |
| End | 03/2014 |
| Description | GCRF-IAA Agri-Inno: Stimulating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Egypt's Agricultural Sector |
| Amount | £28,520 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | Growth optimisation in next generation algal bioreactors for bioactive compounds |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Implementing Algebra guidelines to risk assessments of scale-up of non-native species |
| Amount | £9,500 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2017 |
| End | 10/2017 |
| Description | Metabolic characteristics of terrestrial algae and plants in Antarctica - research visit to Antarctica |
| Amount | £74,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Antarctic Survey |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2014 |
| End | 03/2015 |
| Description | NIBB-BIV Expanding the range of algal species suitable for membrane harvesting |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Phyconet BIV-22 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2018 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | NIBB-BIV Growth optimisation in next generation algal bioreactors for bioactive compounds |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Phyconet BIV-23 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Playground to Polar - how do we measure Antarctic and UK biodiversity? |
| Amount | £3,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2017 |
| End | 06/2018 |
| Description | Research Grade Algae - a supply bottleneck in algal research and development. |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 04/2016 |
| Description | Royal Society Research Grant |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2016 |
| End | 02/2017 |
| Description | Scoping a new collaborative and training networks in microbial and invertebrate biotechnology and 'omics' in Malaysia. |
| Amount | £4,064 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2017 |
| End | 05/2017 |
| Description | Undiscovered High Value Products from Polar Algae. |
| Amount | £19,961 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Unilever |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2014 |
| End | 03/2015 |
| Description | Agritech East - outreach evening to algal innovation centre by those interested in and working in farming sector |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This is the text from the Agritech East Report after the event: Sainsbury Lab and Algal Innovation Centre - Cambridge University At the end of January we hosted a Young Innovators' Forum (YIF) visit to the Sainsbury Lab and Algal Innovation Centre, Cambridge University. This was visit as part of YIF programme which aims to bring together early career entrants from across farming, science and technology at innovative agri-business and research facilities. On the night we were joined by farmers, scientists, researchers and engineers who were all interested to find out about the work happening in the lab. The Sainsbury Lab is a world class research facility which opened in 2011. The group found out that the research which is carried out is exploring the regulatory systems which control growth and development in plants. We were able to get an insight into the labs as we walked through the building due to the open plan nature of the space. Unlike some research facilities, the Sainsbury Lab is unusual in having individuals from different research groups sat on the same benches, which encourages more conversation and collaboration across different research strands. We heard about the findings of some of the research and particularly enjoyed finding out about the most unusual discovery which was made totally by accident when a plant was found to produce minerals that were previously only believed to be found in asteroids! We then moved onto the Algal Innovation Centre which sits within the Botanic Gardens. A purpose built facility, the AIC provides a secure environment to carry out research into the uses and behaviour of algae. Matt Davey, Senior Research Associate, talked us through some of the different work which has been carried out within the lab. This includes working with a local water company on growing algae on waste nitrate which can then be used to produce energy by putting it into an anaerobic digester. We learnt about other research linked to the health food sector due to the fact that Omega oils, which in the past have been extracted from fish, an actually be captured from the algae which produces it. Some of the work that Matt and his team have been carrying out is how to optimise growing conditions and nutrient supply, especially understanding how different algal strains survive in different climates. It was a surprise to learn that algal pigments can be found in everyday products such as Smarties and wine gums! Finally, we were shown around the Plant Growth Facility. In this building there are lots of separate chambers in which all factors needed for plant growth can be controlled, such as humidity and light. This enables researchers to be able to drill down into the specific variables that might influence or affect a particular result. As we walked around the facility, we saw a range of plant species being tested on including wheat, potatoes and rice. These secure, air tight chambers also allow tests into plant pathogens to happen as they can be contained and assessed within a rigorous framework. We were really lucky to be able to explore the Sainsbury Lab and Algal Innovation Centre. It was so interesting to hear about all the research that is going on which could impact the agricultural industry in the future. As with all of our YIF events, attendees then had the opportunity to discuss the tours as well as talk about their experience and knowledge in the area. We chatted to some of the attendees to see what they got from attending the event, here is what they had to say: Matt White, Engineer, Cambridge Consultants The YIF visit was an excellent opportunity for industry members like ourselves to learn about the cutting-edge research being carried out in agricultural sectors. Having the opportunity to speak with leading researchers in algae growth and cultivation was fascinating and highly valuable for expanding our knowledge in this area! These events are great at increasing links between academia and industry to help us develop agricultural technology together more effectively. Pamela Ribone, Researcher, Sainsbury Lab The reason for attending the YIF visit was that I really wanted to try and apply what I have done so far with my research to a more applied science, and this was an incredible opportunity to know more about what is in between really basic science and the final application to a product. The Algal Innovation Centre looks like the kind of things I would like to go for the next step. From the visit I understood that they do laboratory research, but focusing on solving problems. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=23903&qid=1491603 |
| Description | Authentic Biology Symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Authentic Biology programme, funded by the Wellcome Trust, enables post 16 students to carry out real research in their schools. They then get to present their work at the symposium in London. I was invited to speak to them about my work on algal bioenergy, and then to engage with them about studying science at university. Several of the students (the majority from state schools) were encouraged to make applications to Oxbridge as a result. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.authentic-biology.org/ |
| Description | BBC Radio 4 Frontiers - What ever happened to biofuels? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was one of 4 invited participants in this programme, broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and available as a podcast. I had many emails and contacts from the wider public, including at the Festival of Plants exhibit, generally indicating that this had increased people's awareness of the possibility to use solar energy with algae, not just for biofuels, but also for other 'green tech'. Their attitude to biofuels per se was also more positive. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/b02ykygv |
| Description | Festival of Plants, Botanical Garden, Cambridge |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Exhibit at the Festival of Plants (was called Fascination of Plants in 2012) in Cambridge University Botanic Garden. It provided basic information about algae, showcased our scientific work, and then explained how we were using this in collaboration with companies to carry out remeidation of waste water. There were activities such as viewing microalgae with microscopes and observing algae phototaxis. Children could handcraft their own algae using pipe cleaners or take part in an interactive algae quiz to win prices. Several members of the public asked for additional information. Interest from several visitors about how to incorporate algal growth in their activities, eg anaerobic digestion or green energy generally |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015 |
| URL | http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Event.aspx?p=27&ix=351&pid=2718&prcid=0&ppid=2718 |
| Description | IntoBiology resource |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A final year undergraduate student in Plant Sciences produced a webpage describing work on algae in Plant Sciences and Biochemistry. The webpage is part of the programme established by IntoBiology, aimed at encouraging school children to consider studying plant biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://intobiology.org.uk/unlocking-the-potential-of-algae-how-the-green-stuff-in-your-pond-might-go... |
| Description | Pint of Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I presented a talk on the potential uses of algae for bioenergy production as part of the Pint of Science festival in Cambridge, where scientists engage with people having a drink in a local pub. This takes place in London, Cambridge, Bristol and other university towns each year. As result of my talk and questions afterwards, although most people were not aware initially what algae were, nor how they could be used to generate energy, their opinions became more positive and optimistic towards biofuels generally. Pint of Science was awarded "Points of Light" by the Prime Minister David Cameron in November 2015 and the founders were interviewed about it on London Live TV. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
| URL | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pint_of_Science |
| Description | Public outreach event at International Fasination of Plants Day, Cambridge University Botanic Garden |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a stand highlighting the work of our algal biotechnology research, and showcasing the exciting range of opportunities algae offer for our future. We specifically showcased our involvement with EIT Food (an EU initiative looking at producing food and ingredients in a more sustainable way) and other grants I am involved on concerning algal biotech. Algae are a promising renewable source of nutrients, and hold great potential in helping to address issues of food security given our growing global population. Can we use components from algae as the basis for innovative food products of the future? We also showcased our work with feeding algae to insect larvae - again, possible food for the future! |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/whats-on/cambridge-botanic-garden-holds-well-attended-festiva... |
| Description | SRA Payam Mehrshahi presented a talk at the University of Cambridge Global Food Security - Food for Thought - Coffee Break Talks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Payam's talk titled "Algae: towards a more nutritious and sustainable future kitchen" gave an overview of the research in our group and how we think algae is a solution to address deficiencies in food sustainability and nutrition. The 15 minute talk was followed by 45 minutes of Q&A. The audience was extremely diverse with all but one participant being from the algae for food sector. This diversity made for an excellent back and forth on how algae can gain greater foothold in our future kitchen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/repres/food-thought-coffee-break-talks |
| Description | SRA Payam Mehrshahi presented at the EIT food workshop ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020 - TECHNIQUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | In 2020 due to the COVID restrictions, the EIT Food professional development course ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY - TECHNIQUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY was held as a hybrid course. This course was developed and led by colleagues at The University of Cambridge (UK), Matis (Iceland) and Fraunhofer (Germany). The course attendees were graduate, postgraduate and industry professionals who are interested in gaining exposure to the latest insight into technical, commercial and policy concepts that impact algal biotechnology. Payam's talk titled "Genetic Engineering Approaches For Algal Biotechnology" was followed by a Q&A session. The range of questions was testament to the diversity of interests and stage in career of those in attendance. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/algal-biotechnology-techniques-and-opportunities-for-the-sustainable... |
| Description | Science on Saturday, part of SET week in Cambridge |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We had a stand in the science tent outside Dept of Plant Sciences. We demonstrated what algae are, what we use for now and how they might be used in the future for energy production. There were activities such as viewing microalgae with microscopes, extracting different light-harvesting pigments, and observing algae phototaxis. Children could handcraft their own algae using pipe cleaners or take part in an interactive algae quiz to win prices. School asked for visit to talk to years 10-13. Established the material to mount a Royal Society Summer Science Exhibit |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2015,2016 |
| Description | Science on Sunday |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An exhibit showcasing the biology, diversity and uses of algae, with hands on activities for children and adults. Taking advantage of a 3-D printed microscope it was possible to engage people in (a) microscopic world (b) characteristics of algae and (c) use of 3-D printing. Children often could relate the hands-on activities as related to their Science Week in school the previous week. Adults reported feeling more informed about subjects that they had heard of (eg aquatic food chains, bioenergy) but did not have good grasp of the details. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/NewsItem.aspx?p=27&ix=196 |
| Description | Science on Sundays |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Short talk and Q&A on the nature of algae and how their characteristics could be used for sustainable energy, water remediation, or other green tech solutions. Held in the Cambridge Botanic Garden, the audience were interested in plants, and so this was an opportunity to provide information on what algae are, and how they might be used in novel ways. The audience fed back that they felt much better informed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/NewsItem.aspx?p=27&ix=196 |
| Description | Science with Impact at SEB annual meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited to present overview of using algae to capture CO2 and generate energy in "Science with Impact" session at Society for Experimental Biology (SEB) annual conference in Prague. Media interest on this session at the time, and session report published in SEB magazine (Autumn 2015, pp 50-51), prompting requests from schools and other science engagement organisations to speak. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.sebiology.org/meetings/Past_Meetings/Prague2015/education.html |
| Description | The Life Scientific on BBC Radio 4 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was interviewed by Jim Al-Khalili about my scientific career and interest in algae and vitamins. The programme "The Life Scientific" was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and was also available on BBC iPlayer and as a podcast. As a result I have had numerous contacts about possible scientific and industrial collaborations, as well as enquiries from the general public about the various topics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08bzl8y |