Title: Photobiological hydrogen production with switchable photosystem-II designer algae

Abstract

A process for enhanced photobiological H.sub.2 production using transgenic alga. The process includes inducing exogenous genes in a transgenic alga by manipulating selected environmental factors. In one embodiment inducing production of an exogenous gene uncouples H.sub.2 production from existing mechanisms that would downregulate H.sub.2 production in the absence of the exogenous gene. In other embodiments inducing an exogenous gene triggers a cascade of metabolic changes that increase H.sub.2 production. In some embodiments the transgenic alga are rendered non-regenerative by inducing exogenous transgenes for proton channel polypeptides that are targeted to specific algal membranes.

Inventors:

Lee, James Weifu

Issue Date:

2014-02-18

Research Org.:

Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1124781

Patent Number(s):

8653331

Application Number:

12/648,567

Assignee:

ORNL

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

C - CHEMISTRY C07 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY C07K - PEPTIDES

C - CHEMISTRY C12 - BIOCHEMISTRY C12N - MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES

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C - CHEMISTRY C07 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY C07K - PEPTIDES

C07K14/405 - from algae

C - CHEMISTRY C12 - BIOCHEMISTRY C12N - MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES

C12N15/8257 - {for the production of primary gene products, e.g. pharmaceutical products, interferon}

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC05-00OR22725

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES