Biotech Updates

Transformed Microalgae Possesses Improved Lipid Synthesis Pathway for Biofuel Production

September 3, 2014
http://www.biofueljournal.com/article_6166_542.html

Microalgae are regarded by many as the best choice for the production of biofuels. Hence, Semnan University's Ahmad Farhad Talebi, Meisam Tabatabaei and their team now aim to enhance lipid biosynthesis pathway in the microalgae Dunaliella salina for better biodiesel production.

ME and AccD genes from Brassica napus were transferred into the chloroplast genome of D. salina through the particle bombardment. The lipid content and quality parameters of the resultant biodiesel were then evaluated.

The ME/AccD genes were overexpressed in the transgenics and resulted in a 12% increase in total lipid content as well as improvements in biodiesel properties such as algal oil oxidation stability. The success of this study in manipulating the lipid production pathway of microalgae could be helpful for large scale biodiesel production.