Production of Biofuel-Related Isoprenoids Derived from Botryococcus braunii Algae

The colony algae Botryococcus braunii produces large amounts of C30+ triterpene hydrocarbons. Recent discovery of the associated biosynthetic genes has facilitated the metabolic engineering of these triterpene hydrocarbons in alternative hosts– where squalene has served as an analytical standard and a closely associated model hydrocarbon biosynthetic pathway. An extraction and analysis method is provided for both the native and heterologous systems. In the case of the native algae, the hydrocarbons are tightly associated with a complex wall matrix. In addition to quantification of extracted triterpenes by GC-FID, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has also provided an assessment from“in vivo” samples at room temperature. For heterologous expression of the triterpene pathway in alternative hosts, the hydrocarbons are found both intracellularly and extracellularly. The highly hydrophobic nature of these triterpenes provides for relatively straightforward recovery by extraction into an organic phase. The methylation of the Botryococcus braunii race B hydrocarbons (which enhances its fuel precursor value) is readily resolved by GC-FID methods for routine analysis.

Source: Springer protocols feed by Microbiology - December 9, 2016 Category: Microbiology Source Type: news