Scientists Screen Ocean-Based Algae for Highest Oil Content

Researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) have discovered a "super-algae" that could provide a source of oil.

Scientists led by Stephen Slocombe of SAMS examined microalgae strains in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, an internationally important algal store based at SAMS in Oban, to see which ocean-based strains had the highest oil content. They discovered two strains, Nannochloropis oceanica and Chlorella vulgaris, both having a dry-weight oil content of more than 50 percent, making them ideal sources of biofuel. Their results have been published in Scientific Reports and are likely to help bring forward research into algae as a source of biodiesel.

Microalgae synthesize high levels of oil, carbohydrates and proteins from sunlight but only a few species are currently grown commercially for health foods. Aside from strains for biofuels, the report also signposts those which could be used as sources of food, Omega-3 oils, or aquaculture feed.

Their shortlist of "super-algae" will give researchers a head start when investigating which strains to produce, or genetically engineer, for mass culture.