Starch levels in algae biomass

December 2018: Scientists found a new way of controlling the level of starch content in algae. Producing higher levels of algae-derived starch represents a valuable resource for biofuels and the production of other renewable materials such as fuel additives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioplastics.

Information

Scientists found a new way of controlling the level of starch content in algae. Commonly, conversion of biomass to biofuels or biogas requires high starch levels in raw materials. As a raw material, algae grow quickly, with low cultivation costs but have naturally a low level of starch. This has previously hampered the use of algal biomass as a source for biofuel. The study shows that the starch content of algae can be increased through the inactivation of a protein called target rapamycin (TOR). The algae then produce a higher level of starch synthesis, making algae a viable option for biomass conversion.

Implications and opportunities

Producing higher levels of algae-derived starch represents a valuable resource for biofuels and the production of other renewable materials. For example, the findings could accelerate the production of more sustainable fuel additives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioplastics. It offers large opportunities to improve starch biosynthesis technologies that have a large potential to contribute to the SDGs.

Sources

AsianScientist. (2018). Switching on Starch Production in Algae. Retrieved from https://www.asianscientist.com/2018/11/in-the-lab/algae-starch-biofuel-rapamycin/

Imran Pancha, Hiroki Shima, Nahoko Higashitani, Kazuhiko Igarashi, Atsushi Higashitani, Kan Tanaka, Sousuke Imamura. (2018). Target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling modulates starch accumulation via glycogenin phosphorylation status in the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. The Plant Journal. doi: 10.1111/tpj.14136