1. Regulation of algae metabolism
Our research dissects the intricate metabolic pathways of the oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis to improve growth and synthesis of high-value products. We apply advanced genetic tools to redesign microalgae for industrial use, focusing on three key areas:
- Optimization of light use efficiency: We aim to improve photosynthetic efficiency by modulating mechanisms for regulation of photosynthesis, ensuring high productivity even during the intense fluctuations found in outdoor bioreactors. This involves also investigating molecular details of mechanisms for photosynthetic regulation including xanthophyll cycle, non-photochemical quenching, Linear and cyclic Electron Flow
- Carbon Fixation and Photorespiration: Our research aims at optimizing the Calvin-Benson cycle and suppress photorespiration, a metabolically expensive process that occurs when O2 is fixed instead of CO2. This is critical when CO2 availability becomes limiting in high density cultures, as it prevents energy loss and accelerates the conversion of carbon into metabolic precursors for bioproducts
- Nitrogen Metabolism: We characterize the transmembrane membrane transporters responsible for ammonium and nitrate uptake (AMTs and NRTs). Because nitrogen availability dictates the switch between cell proliferation and the accumulation of lipids or stress defense compounds such as carotenoids, understanding these pathways allows us to engineer strains with optimized nutrient partitioning for enhanced biomass and energy storage
2. Recombinant Protein Production
We use Nannochloropsis as a sustainable, low-cost bioreactor for the production of complex biopharmaceuticals, such as enzymes.
We focus specifically on utilizing the algal secretory pathway, the system responsible for protein folding, modification, and export, to achieve high-yield accumulation of the protein into the culture medium. Directing proteins to the culture medium simplifies the purification process and enhances volumetric productivity. This platform offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative to traditional mammalian cell cultures for manufacturing high-value therapeutics