Research: Project 3

Lipid metabolism in a model microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The third-generation biofuel production focuses on using microalgae as the vehicle for biofuel production. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a model photosynthetic microalgae with which basic research on lipid metabolism can be applied to other microalgae for biofuel production. Using our expertise and experiences on yeast genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, we collaborate with Dr. Christoph Benning to identify means of increasing the lipid content of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In addition, we also collaborate with Dr. Barry William's group to use evolutionary approach to create yeast strains that are able to express higher amounts of lipids that might be suitable for biofuel use.