Scientists Use CRISPR to Modify Euglena for Biofuel Production
September 18, 2024| |
A research team from Osaka Metropolitan University was able to develop mutants of Euglena gracilis which produce wax esters with shorter carbon chains compared to wild-type species. This study opened new avenues for biofuel and chemical production development.
Microalgal oil production represents great potential as a viable source of renewable energy that produces oils and wax esters. Previous studies have investigated the environmental impact of genetically engineered plants to reduce petroleum dependence. However, studies exploring the use of gene editing in modifying wax ester composition remain limited.
In this study, the researchers targeted two enzymes in the fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway to modify E. gracilis through CRISPR-Cas9 to produce genetic mutations that shortened the distribution of wax ester compositions. “This achievement is expected to serve as a fundamental technology for replacing some petroleum-based production of wax esters with biological sources,” said Dr. Masami Nakazawa from the Graduate School of Agriculture's Department of Applied Biochemistry.
For more information, read the article from Osaka Metropolitan University or the study from Bioresource Technology.
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