The development of sustainable biofuels has gained
significant support because of the prospect of global climate change, energy
shortages, and petroleum supply constraints. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are
efficient at converting solar energy into fuels; however, their potential
biofuel productivity depends on their biomass.
It would be a significant advantage therefore, to have a
cyanobacteria that could continuously secrete free fatty acids. This would avoid
a number of energy-intensive steps in biomass processing.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have developed methods in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis so as to
overproduce and secrete free fatty acids. These methods also improve both the
quantity and quality of fatty acids produced.
Potential Applications
Benefits and Advantages
- The cyanobacteria is not consumed when producing fatty
acids
- Continuous production of fatty acids at a controllable
level
- Cyanobacteria growth is renewable and efficient
- Photosynthetic microorganisms do not compete with the
food industry
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Curtiss' directory webpage
Dr.
Curtiss' departmental webpage
