Photosynthetic bacteria potentially provide a source of
lipids that is relatively easy to harvest and convert into biofuels. To increase
the efficiency of this system it would be beneficial to use a bacterial strain
that produces lipids that are readily converted to biofuels, such as neutral
lipids. Hence, there is a need for a photosynthesizing bacterium that produces
high concentrations of neutral lipids.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have developed a cyanobacterium capable of producing neutral lipids.
The cyanobacterium regulates expression of a nucleic acid encoding a protein
capable of hydrolyzing the lipid membranes. This allows at least one enzyme to
degrade the cellular lipid membranes and the peptidoglycan layer of a bacterial
cell wall. Such degradation allows for ready harvesting of the neutral lipids.
Neutral lipids are more readily converted to biofuels than
are polar lipids contained in membranes. This technology optimizes the neutral
lipid producing capabilities of cyanobacterium and provides a more efficient and
cheaper means of extracting neutral lipids from the organism. This can lead to
an economical fuel for the future while reducing CO2 accumulation.
Potential Applications
Benefits and Advantages
- Increases TAG yields
- Increases the level of acyl-CoA in cyanobacteria
- Contains a nickel inducible lysis, and/or Green Recovery,
and/or stationary-growth-phase autolysis systems.
Download Original PDF
For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Curtiss' directory webpage
Dr.
Curtiss' departmental webpage
