Enhanced Lipid Production in Algae

University of Georgia Research Foundation
posted on 07/12/2010

Algae are considered among the best potential candidates for production of advanced biofuels in view of growing golabl energy concerns. They are an attractive option over terrestrial crops due to their ability to grow fast, produce large quantities of lipids, carbohydrate and proteins, thrive in poor quality waters, sequester and recycle carbon dioxide and remove pollutants from industrial, agricultural and urban wastewaters. Microalgae, in special, offer great promise to contribute a significant portion of the renewable fuels that will be required to meet the US biofuel production target of 36B gal by 2022, out of which 21B gal should be of advanced biofuels. In order to meet 100% of that mandated requirement, 4.3 M ha of algal ponds are needed. To circumvent this demand for high area, Dr. Das at UGA has devoted the past few years developing technologies to enhance biomass productivity per unit of area. Algal lipids are of central importance to the production of biofuels, either by their extraction or by pyrolysis of whole biomass. Their concentration in biomass is directly proportional to the yield of combustible (e.g. biodiesel) and/or unsaturated oils that can be produced from algae. Therefore, methods that increase lipid production by microalgae will lead to concomitant reduction of the need for production area.

Suggested Uses

High-volume algal growth and harvest, for the production of bio-oils, esters and commodity chemicals and biochemicals, as well as nutritional supplements and animal feed

Advantages

Inexpensive easily implemented
Compatible with any species of microalgae (Chlorella, Anabaena, Spirulina, etc.)
Elicits a fast response through over-production of lipids and slow-response through increased growth rate
Can be used throughout the entire depth, width and length of a raceway
Compatible with use of nutrients and growth stimulants

Innovation Details

Detailed Description

Dr. Das group at UGA has developed a method to induce a specific stress into microalgae, which in turn responds through increased production of lipids. Lipid productivity increased in the 70% – 336% over control. This would correspond to a 70% to 336% increase in the production of bio-oils per unit of area of growth pond. The induced stress has also led to increased growth (after adaptation) of certain microalgae (over control), pointing to a definitive improvement of overall productivity of stressed ponds and raceways.

Limitations

Use may require EPA clearance.

File Number: 1549

Other Information:

(patent pending)

IP Protection

License Online

This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact Gennaro Gama at University of Georgia Research Foundation for more information.

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