Biofuels are a promising substitute for standard gasoline and other energy sources. These fuels are made from renewable resources and are available in a wide variety; scientists have even experimented with turning unexpected energy sources such as coffee grounds and urine into fuel. However, a new study shows that we could one day use microorganisms to power our cars. All they need is a little sunshine and genetic modification.
Recently, researchers revealed that they had produced a new strain of cyanobacteria (sometimes mistakenly called blue-green algae although it is a bacteria). According to their findings, published in Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, this “cyanobacterial mutant” secretes free fatty acids (FFA) in abundance via photosynthesis. Additionally, this new breed of cyanobacteria increases FFA production at “suboptimal” temperatures (around 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Now you’re probably wondering, “What are FFAs?” » Well, FFA is a form of fatty acid that serves as an energy source for most life forms, including humans. It is therefore not surprising that FFA can be converted into biofuels, making these cyanobacteria ripe for biofuel cultivation. The researchers believe their study has “potential benefits for industrial applications” and could lead to efficient and prolific production of biofuels.
Why is this cyanobacteria so promising?
Certainly, any progress likely to resolve the oil crisis deserves to be discussed. For example, we hope that China’s breakthrough in reverse combustion can help alleviate gas shortages. However, the crux of the cyanobacteria study is not that they can create a biofuel precursor – that’s important, don’t get me wrong – but that researchers have also solved the problem of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
GMOs are a delicate subject in many regions because they can cross-breed with other crops, producing unexpected results. And yes, these cyanobacteria have been genetically modified. The researchers replaced a specific gene (the as gene, which forces cyanobacteria to recycle FFA instead of secreting it), with another that encourages FFA production. However, according to the research paper, the method used to create the modified cyanobacteria left no “residual foreign DNA,” meaning it cannot contaminate other species. The researchers believe this characteristic makes the hypothetical cyanobacterial FFA culture ideal for regions with strict GMO regulations.
Additionally, cyanobacteria can potentially revolutionize the biofuel industry because they secrete their FFAs. Normally, extracting materials from microorganisms requires a lot of time and energy: the cells must be harvested and dried before the resource is collected. However, this new strain of cyanobacteria removes most of these needs, reducing both the energy investment and the biomass left behind. Finally, we can’t forget that since FFA cyanobacteria production increases at lower temperatures, scientists can use it to create biofuel farms in areas where “sunlight intensity and temperature fluctuate.” Of course, this cyanobacteria is just one of many alternatives to gas – Aircela creates an alternative to the “air-based” fuel system that doesn’t use oil – so it’s a race to see if it can compete with potential rivals.
