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Genetic Engineering to Improve Algal Biofuels Production

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Algae for Biofuels and Energy

Part of the book series: Developments in Applied Phycology ((DAPH,volume 5))

Abstract

Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms with considerable potential as a source of bioenergy. Metabolic profiles, product yields, crop protection, and strain optimization influence production costs and therefore the feasibility of algal biofuels. Recent advances in microalgal genetic engineering offers the ability to generate transgenic strains with enhanced profiles for biofuel production. In this chapter we review the molecular tools and techniques developed for algae genetic engineering, including methods for genetic transformation and stable heterologous gene expression. Recent successes in algal genetic engineering to advance algal biofuels production are discussed, as well as potential ways to use molecular genetics for algal biotechnology in the future.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant to SPM from the US Air Force (FA9550-09-1-0336) and a grant to BAR from the San Diego Foundation (C-2008-00296). JAG and MT were supported by Skaggs pre-doctoral fellowships.

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  1. Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 2150C Bonner Hall, MC: 0368, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093-0368, USA

    Beth A. Rasala, Javier A. Gimpel, Miller Tran, Mike J. Hannon, Shigeki Joseph Miyake-Stoner, Elizabeth A. Specht & Stephen P. Mayfield

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Correspondence to Stephen P. Mayfield .

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  1. Murdoch University, Murdoch, West Australia, Australia

    Michael A. Borowitzka

  2. Murdoch University, Murdoch, West Australia, Australia

    Navid R. Moheimani

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Rasala, B.A. et al. (2013). Genetic Engineering to Improve Algal Biofuels Production. In: Borowitzka, M., Moheimani, N. (eds) Algae for Biofuels and Energy. Developments in Applied Phycology, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5479-9_6

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