Neutral Lipid Producing Cyanobacteria

Arizona State University (AzTE)
posted on 06/03/2009

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Invention Description
The search for alternative fuel sources continues to be a high priority. Photosyntheszing bacteria, such as cyanobacteria, provide a potential source of lipids that are relatively easy to harvest. These lipids are then converted to biofuels via a simple chemical modification. In order for biofuels derived form cyanobacteria to be fiscally competitive with conventional fuels sources, bacterial strains and growth conditions need to be optimized for maximal lipid content and streamlined harvesting processes.
Drs. Xinyao Liu and Roy Curtis of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute have developed and Cyanobacterium that can produce neutral lipids at a dry weight yield of 81.9% of total mass. The conversion of neutral lipids to biofuel is less complex than the conversion of polar lipids of wild type cyanobacteria. Additionally, the bacterium has been engineered for self lysis upon the addition of Ni+, thus streamlining the process for lipid recovery.

Potential Applications

Biofuel Bioplastics and Biopolymers

Benefits and Advantages

Production of neutral lipids allowing less complex conversion to biofuel Significantly higher yield of lipid dry weight relative to wild type Nickle induced self-lysis Higher yield per acre; an estimated hundred-fold increase over current biofuels Does not compete with food or commodity crops Requires less water than plant-based biofuels Does not require fertilizer, so eliminates soil depletion/contamination concerns Has a simpler genetic structure than plants, resulting in more more fuel and less waste Allows less costly processing