Regulation of the pigment optical density of an algal cell: filling the gap between photosynthetic productivity in the laboratory and in mass culture
Formighieri, C.; Franck, F.; Bassi, R. (2012). Regulation of the pigment optical density of an algal cell: filling the gap between photosynthetic productivity in the laboratory and in mass culture. Journal of biotechnology 162(1): 115-123. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.02.021 In: Journal of biotechnology. Elsevier. ISSN 0168-1656; e-ISSN 1873-4863, more |  |
| Keyword | | | Author keywords | BiofuelsAlgaeLight-harvestingSolar-to-biomass conversionAntenna size mutants |
| Authors | | Top | - Formighieri, C.
- Franck, F., more
- Bassi, R.
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| Abstract | An increasing number of investors is looking at algae as a viable source of biofuels, beside cultivation for human/animal feeding or to extract high-value chemicals and pharmaceuticals. However, present biomass productivities are far below theoretical estimations implying that a large part of the available photosynthetically active radiation is not used in photosynthesis. Light utilisation inefficiency and rapid light attenuation within a mass culture due to high pigment optical density of wild type strains have been proposed as major limiting factors reducing solar-to-biomass conversion efficiency. Analysis of growth yields of mutants with reduced light-harvesting antennae and/or reduced overall pigment concentration per cell, generated by either mutagenesis or genetic engineering, could help understanding limiting factors for biomass accumulation in photobioreactor. Meanwhile, studies on photo-acclimation can provide additional information on the average status of algal cells in a photobioreactor to be used in modelling-based predictions. Identifying limiting factors in solar-to-biomass conversion efficiency is the first step for planning strategies of genetic improvement and domestication of algae to finally fill the gap between theoretical and industrial photosynthetic productivity. |
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