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Development of an efficient algal H{sub 2}-production system

Conference ·
OSTI ID:305597
; ; ;  [1]
  1. National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
Two major problems facing the development of a commercial photobiological algal H{sub 2}-producing system are the low rates of H{sub 2} evolution and the sensitivity of the H{sub 2}-evolving enzyme system to O{sub 2}, a by-product of the photosynthetic water-splitting process. The objective of this project is to generate O{sub 2}-tolerant mutants from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that are high producers of H{sub 2} for use in a photobiological water-splitting, H{sub 2}-producing system that is cost effective, renewable, scalable, and non-polluting. The authors are currently employing a dual approach to address the O{sub 2}-sensitivity problem. The first approach, based on classical mutagenesis and selection procedures, depends on the ability of a mutagenized population of algal cells to survive under conditions that require them to either produce (H{sub 2}-production selection) or consume (photoreductive selection) H{sub 2} in the presence of controlled amounts of O{sub 2}. The second approach, based on molecular genetic strategies, involves the cloning of the hydrogenase gene from C. reinhardtii and identification of expression factors required for optimal H{sub 2}-evolution activity. The latter approach will complement the first in the future goal of generating a commercial organism suitable for use in the private sector.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
OSTI ID:
305597
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP--570-25315-Vol.1; CONF-980440--Vol.1; ON: DE98007507
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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