Kentucky Researchers Unlock Promise of Ancient Algae Strain

Algae/Other Aquatic Organisms/Seaweed, Feedstock, Kentucky, R & D Focus, University/College Programs

July 14, 2011

Print This Article Share it With Friends

by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) Botryococcus braunii, an ancient strain of algae more than 500 million years old that researchers say is responsible for creating oil and coal shale deposits, may not grow fast enough for advanced biofuels consideration, but its genetic blueprints still have a high value. Joe Chappell, an agriculture professor from the University of Kentucky, has teamed up with several of his doctoral students at UK, along with members of other schools and even Sapphire Energy, to study the strain of algae.

The most recent work by the team has uncovered and isolated the genes responsible in the strain that help it to produce high quantities of lipid oil.

…Tim Devarenne, a graduate of UK who is currently a professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Texas A&M University, helped Chappell and his team on the work. According to Devarenne, “this study identifies a very remarkable molecular mechanism for the production of hydrocarbons that,” he said, “as far as we can tell, is not found in any other organism. Thus,” he added, “it offers a unique insight into how hydrocarbons were produced hundreds of millions of years ago.” READ MORE and MORE (October 2011 update)

Advanced BioFuels USA