Transcript Improving the photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae

Improving the photosynthetic efficiency of
microalgae using high-throughput
screening and next generation
sequencing for increased biofuel yields
Andreas Johansson, Mark Moore and Thomas Bibby,
Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Center
Richard Edwards, Matthew Terry, The Institute for Life
Sciences, University of Southampton
Over absorption of light
Problem:
Solution:
Loss of energy through
fluorescence and heat
due to over absorption
of light by surface cells.
Modify the structure of
the light harvesting
complex (LHC) that
collects photons.
Sunlight
Heat
Thylakoid membrane
Fluorescence
LHC
Lipid
bilayer
Algal cells
Lipid
bilayer
Photosystem
Depth
Contact: [email protected]
Available tools
Why not targeted genetic
engineering?
Alternative approach
A) Knowledge of LHC
gene regulation is
limited.
B) Effective tools only
available in a few
species including C.
reinhardtii.
A) High throughput
based screening of
candidates.
B) Allows us to work
with any species.
Contact: [email protected]
High throughput pipeline
Selection of cells
1) Random mutagenesis
2) High speed sorting
3) Culture selected cells
Chemical agent causes
point mutations in
selected microalgae
Flow cytometry based
selection of cells
Grow selected clonal cells and
measure physiological
properties
6) Measure biomass
5) Data analysis
4) Transcriptomics
Determine if the new lines
of cells are suitable for
biofuel production
Find differentially expressed
genes involved in
photosynthesis
Next generation sequencing
of expressed genes
Contact: [email protected]