Microalgae are possible source of biodiesel'' fuel
Researchers interested in developing renewable energy resources are investigating the use of single-celled algae--microalgae--as a potential source of lipids that could be converted into a diesel fuel substitute known as biodiesel. Progress in this effort was described at a symposium on photobiological and photochemical formation of fuels and chemicals sponsored by the Biotechnology Secretariat. The aim of NREL's Biodiesel from Aquatic Species Project is to develop the technology for large-scale production of oil-rich microalgae as well as methods to convert the microalgal lipids into liquid fuels needed for industry and transportation. A major goal is to use genetic engineering techniques to control the lipid production of microalgae. By manipulating culture conditions, researchers already can increase the lipid content of the microalgae cell from the 5 to 20% found in nature to more than 60% in the laboratory and more than 40% in outdoor culture.
- OSTI ID:
- 7040282
- Journal Information:
- Chemical and Engineering News; (United States), Vol. 72:14; ISSN 0009-2347
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ALGAE
GENETIC ENGINEERING
PRODUCTIVITY
DIESEL FUELS
BIOSYNTHESIS
LIPIDS
AQUACULTURE
BIOTECHNOLOGY
DISTILLATES
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GAS OILS
LIQUID FUELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES
PETROLEUM FRACTIONS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANTS
SYNTHESIS
090900* - Biomass Fuels- Processing- (1990-)
550400 - Genetics