Optimized Breeding of Microalgae for Biofuels

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Program:
OPEN 2009
Award:
$2,490,248
Location:
Ames, Iowa
Status:
CANCELLED
Project Term:
01/15/2010 - 10/14/2011

Technology Description:

Iowa State University (ISU) is genetically engineering a species of aquatic microalgae called Chlamydomonas for more energy efficient conversion of sunlight and carbon dioxide to biofuels. Current microalgae genetic technologies are imprecise and hinder the rapid engineering of a variety of desirable traits into Chlamydomonas. In the absence of genetic engineering, it remains unlikely that current microalgae technologies for biofuel production will be able to economically compete with traditional fossil fuels. ISU is developing a portfolio of technologies for rapid genetic modification and breeding that will enable greater flexibility for genetic modification on a routine basis. The ISU project will optimize microalgae breeding and genetic engineering to develop efficient, large-scale industrial biofuel production.

Potential Impact:

If successful, ISU would develop a new and enabling biotechnology for the production of biofuels from aquatic microalgae.

Security:

Increasing production of domestic biofuels could help the U.S. cut foreign oil imports by 33% in 15 years.

Environment:

This project could create a carbon-neutral system by recycling carbon dioxide from fuel combustion back into a fuel. It also doesn’t require the arable land or intensive farming practices associated with current biofuel crops.

Economy:

Widespread use of biofuels would help reduce and stabilize gas prices for consumers.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Jonathan Burbaum
Project Contact:
Martin Spalding
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
mspaldin@iastate.edu

Partners

Purdue University

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Release Date:
10/26/2009