Colorado School of Mines researcher gets five-year DOE grant to develop predictive metabolic models for algae

July 16, 2018 |

In Colorado, Nanette Boyle, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering at Colorado School of Mines, has been awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Program.

Boyle will receive $750,000 over five years to develop predictive metabolic models for algae – work that could help speed up the commercialization of strains that produce renewable biodiesel.

Boyle’s research will focus on Chromochloris zofingiensis, which is valued for both its ability to accumulate a large amount of lipids, the precursor of biodiesel, as well as astaxanthin, a high-value antioxidant that is used as a nutraceutical.

The metabolic model for C. zofingiensis will be developed using a systems biology approach, in hopes of predicting ways to engineer around one of the biggest challenges in growing algae compared to other organisms: changes in light when grown outside.

Category: Research

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