Transformation, Growth, and the Cytoskeleton -- Tools to Study Oil Producing Algae
Transformation, Growth, and the Cytoskeleton -- Tools to Study Oil Producing Algae

Author: Angelo Robert Collatos

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13:

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Abstract: With the current state of climate change and world peak oil on the horizon, it is important to focus our research efforts on alternative sources of energy. Ethanol obtained from the digestion of biomass (bioethanol) and oil harvesting from algae (biodiesel) are two promising fields of study for transportation fuel production. However, in their current state of development, neither option is capable of reasonably replacing the transportation fuel demand for this country. The land demand needed is too large for either process to become a viable option, albeit the land demand for biodiesel is considerably smaller than that of bioethanol. Therefore, when moving forward with alternative transportation fuel, harvesting oil from algae is a more promising option. Therefore, I investigated oil producing green algae to better understand algal growth, the algal cytoskeleton, and tried to establish a methodology to genetically manipulate algae. I developed a microgrowth assay in order to investigate algal growth and proliferation, while at the same time using considerably less material and space. This assay can directly monitor algal growth in response to media contents, and overcomes many of the limitations of existing microassays due to its use of solid media agar and fluorescent imaging. I also investigated algal genetic manipulation with the intention of creating a standard operating procedure, which could lead to further investigation of how to increase lipid output and increase lipid harvesting cycles through studying lipid production and cell division. Electroporation and PEG mediated transformation were the two chief methods investigated for nuclear transformation. Lastly, I performed an algal kinesin phylogenetic study to characterize the currently available algal kinesin superfamily, providing insight to proteins that are important for cell division as well as other functions within this superfamily. Kinesins 5, Kinesin 7s Class II and Class V, and Kinesin 14 Class I were identified to be important for algal cell division, while Kinesin 8, 12, 11, and some orphan kinesins will require further investigation due to their unknown plant function. Overall, this research provides a foundation for future algal studies required for optimal oil production necessary for a more sustainable future.

The Cytoskeleton of the Algae
The Cytoskeleton of the Algae

Author: Diedrik Menzel

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1992-03-04

Total Pages: 490

ISBN-13: 9780849366796

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The Cytoskeleton of the Algae provides a comprehensive examination of the structural features of the cytoskeleton in phylogenetic branches of algae. The book also analyzes the possible functions of cytoskeletal components using structural, physiological, genetic, and molecular approaches. Many taxa are described in detail, mirroring the dramatic progress that has been made in recent years in this new research field. Many unique structural elements and motility phenomena are described for the first time, and other features common to all plant cells, such as cell polarity, cytoplasmic streaming, mitosis, cell wall deposition, and contractile events are analyzed using algae as experimental model systems. The Cytoskeleton of the Algae reflects the enormous impact that research on the algal cytoskeleton has on both phycology and plant cell biology, and it will serve as an excellent reference volume for researchers in this area.

Biofuels from Algae
Biofuels from Algae

Author: Kristian Spilling

Publisher: Humana

Published: 2020-12-11

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781493994182

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This volume provides a comprehensive overview of different ways to grow algae and the techniques used to start algal cultivation, monitor algal growth, environmental impact of growing algae, and various methods for characterizing the biomass. The chapters in this book discuss a range of topics such as step-by-step protocols on how to isolate and grow algae; descriptions on how to use fluorescence to estimate algal biomass and lipid content; and instructions on using advanced techniques to determine the carbohydrates and lipids in algal biomass. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Biofuels from Algae: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for novice and experienced researchers who want to learn more about this impactful and developing field.

Development of Microalgae Tools and Techniques
Development of Microalgae Tools and Techniques

Author: William Shahid Ansari

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 69

ISBN-13:

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Microalgae are drawing increased attention from a variety of fields ranging from nutrition and health care to energy, and deservedly so. The potential of algae is almost unparalleled as a biomanufacturing platform. Microalgae can be used to produce complex human antibodies to target cancerous cells, or as crops for the production of high quality food, or even as sources of lipids for conversion into biofuels. They can grow to tremendous density in bioreactors, or be cultivated in open ponds where their yield per acre dominates that of higher plants. Research in microalgae needs to take it to the next step, to transform potential into reality and make production strains of microalgae into designer products that are custom tailored to suit the needs of the industry. The diversity of microalgae is enormous, and as a result, it is unlikely that the strains we have identified today will be the same we see as ideal production strains tomorrow. So in order to continue advancing the field, techniques for ideal cultivation, genetic modification, and metabolic engineering will need to be developed. This thesis work seeks to do just that by covering cultivation technology, metabolic engineering of lipids, and genetic modification of potential production strains. From a molecular perspective, a broad review of the current state of lipid metabolic engineering in both microalgae and higher plants is provided, covering both the biofuel relevant molecules as well as nutritionally relevant omega-3 fatty acids. New techniques for rapid interrogation of protein, lipid, and dry weight content in microalgae under either indoor or outdoor cultivation techniques are also described herein. These will enable more efficient harvesting and culturing techniques as well as more efficient use of fertilizers and nutrients in cultivation of microalgae. Proof of concept for custom tailoring lipid profile is demonstrated in the manipulation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii lipid metabolism for the production of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which also provides insights into how changes in lipid profile can have unexpected effects and yield new insights on lipid metabolism. Finally, attempts to characterize and transform a variety of potential production species are covered and reveal challenges to the transformation of new microalgae species. Taken together, this work represents significant advances in the field with regard to both cultivation and transformation and metabolic engineering of microalgal species.

Scale-up of Algae Growth System to Cleanse Wastewater and Produce Oils for Biodiesel Production
Scale-up of Algae Growth System to Cleanse Wastewater and Produce Oils for Biodiesel Production

Author: Eric Lannan

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 230

ISBN-13:

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"Biofuels are a currently a very hot topic with significant interest in both ethanol and biodiesel production. These fuels can be used in current internal combustion engines with little or no modification. Biodiesel can be produced from a variety of sources. One of the most promising sources is microalgae. In some species of algae, oil or lipids can account for as much as 70% of their total biomass. Unfortunately, the cost to produce biodiesel from algae is much too high to compete with petroleum-based fuels. To reduce the production cost of algae, wastewater has been discovered to be an excellent growth media. For this study, Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp., and Chlamydomonas sp. were selected to test their ability to grow on wastewater growth media while cleansing the water of contaminants and producing oil. Lab tests in 10L tanks showed that all three species grow well and provide excellent treatment of municipal wastewater by reduction of ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate at levels of 99%, 87%, and 99%, respectively. After successful lab tests, a 230L (60 gal.) pilot tank was constructed to demonstrate scalability of the growth system. Scenedesmus was selected for growth tests at the pilot scale. Six growth tests of one week each were conducted at two light levels and three temperatures to investigate the effects these parameters have on the growth rate and nutrient uptake. In the pilot scale tests, Scenedesmus was shown to cleanse the water as efficiently as at the lab scale achieving nutrient reductions of over 99% for ammonia and phosphate. Biomass production was also shown to be very high at the pilot scale with accumulations of biomass greater than the predicted yield for five of the six tests."--Abstract.

Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products
Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products

Author: Eduardo Jacob-Lopes

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2020-07-23

Total Pages: 938

ISBN-13: 0128185376

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The Handbook of Microalgae-based Processes and Products provides a complete overview of all aspects involved in the production and utilization of microalgae resources at commercial scale. Divided into four parts (fundamentals, microalgae-based processes, microalgae-based products, and engineering approaches applied to microalgal processes and products), the book explores the microbiology and metabolic aspects of microalgae, microalgal production systems, wastewater treatment based in microalgae, CO2 capture using microalgae, microalgae harvesting techniques, and extraction and purification of biomolecules from microalgae. It covers the largest number of microalgal products of commercial relevance, including biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen, single-cell protein, single-cell oil, biofertilizers, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, bioactive proteins, peptides and amino acids, bioactive polysaccharides, sterols, bioplastics, UV-screening compounds, and volatile organic compounds. Moreover, it presents and discusses the available engineering tools applied to microalgae biotechnology, such as process integration, process intensification, and techno-economic analysis applied to microalgal processes and products, microalgal biorefineries, life cycle assessment, and exergy analysis of microalgae-based processes and products. The coverage of a broad range of potential microalgae processes and products in a single volume makes this handbook an indispensable reference for engineering researchers in academia and industry in the fields of bioenergy, sustainable development, and high-value compounds from biomass, as well as graduate students exploring those areas. Engineering professionals in bio-based industries will also find valuable information here when planning or implementing the use of microalgal technologies. Covers theoretical background information and results of recent research. Discusses all commercially relevant microalgae-based processes and products. Explores the main emerging engineering tools applied to microalgae processes, including techno-economic analysis, process integration, process intensification, life cycle assessment, and exergy analyses.

Algae Biotechnology
Algae Biotechnology

Author: Faizal Bux

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-03-09

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 3319123343

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This book examines the utilization of algae for the development of useful products and processes with the emphasis towards green technologies and processes, and the requirements to make these viable. Serving as a complete reference guide to the production of biofuels and other value added products from micro and macro algae, it covers various aspects of algal biotechnology from the basics to large scale cultivation, harvesting and processing for a variety of products. It is authored and edited by respected world experts in the field of algal biotechnology and provides the most up to date and cutting edge information on developments in the field. Over the past decade there has been substantial focus and related literature on the application of algal biomass for the generation of novel processes and products. ‘Algae Biotechnology: Products and Processes’ encompasses a holistic approach to critically evaluating developments in the field of algal biotechnology whilst taking into account recent advances and building on the body of knowledge. Aspects of the effects of harmful algae are also discussed, as well as the potential commercial application of algal biotechnology, the techno-economic feasibility of algal biodiesel production and the use of genetic and metabolic engineering for the improvement of yield. Other bioenergy sources such as alcohol fuels, aviation fuels, biohydrogen and biogas are also covered. This book is intended for postgraduates and researchers working in the biofuels and algal industry; it constitutes ideal reference material for both early stage and established researchers.

Index Medicus
Index Medicus

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 1876

ISBN-13:

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Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.

Algae for Biofuels and Energy
Algae for Biofuels and Energy

Author: Michael A. Borowitzka

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-11

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 9400754795

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Microalgae are one of the most studied potential sources of biofuels and bioenergy. This book covers the key steps in the production of renewable biofuels from microalgae - strain selection, culture systems, inorganic carbon utilisation, lipid metabolism and quality, hydrogen production, genetic engineering, biomass harvesting, extraction. Greenhouse gas and techno-economic modelling are reviewed as is the 100 year history of microalgae as sources of biofuels and of commercial-scale microalgae culture. A summary of relevant basic standard methods used in the study of microalgae culture is provided. The book is intended for the expert and those starting work in the field.​