Genetically modified marine algae for enhanced carbon capture and biofuel production
Innovative marine algae engineered to thrive in CO2-rich environments, producing 4x biomass and converting it into bio-Naphtha and biochar. These algae are designed for high-efficiency carbon capture and sustainable biofuel synthesis, with potential applications in energy and agriculture.
Overview
This advanced biotechnology solution involves genetically modified marine microalgae capable of thriving in high CO2 environments, such as flue gas. These algae achieve a fourfold increase in biomass production compared to wild types, facilitating efficient carbon capture. The technology enables the production of biofuels, specifically bio-Naphtha, and biochar. Beyond fuel production, biochar offers environmental benefits, such as cleaning industrial waste and enhancing soil fertility, making this a multifaceted solution for energy and agricultural sectors.
Technical specifications
- Genetic modifications: Utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) to enhance carbonic anhydrase activity, enabling algae to prosper in 15% CO2 environments, while traditional strains fail above 3%.
- Biofuel production: Algae are engineered with alkane synthase and specific thioesterases to convert fatty acids into hydrocarbons efficiently, yielding bio-Naphtha at a rate of 1g/L.
- Biochar applications: The process includes hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of algae biomass to produce biochar, which can clean up to 97% of contaminants in industrial waste and serve as a soil amendment.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in relevant environments but still requires further development and testing for commercial deployment. Future plans include scaling up production in semi-open photobioreactors and exploring additional genetic modifications for pharmaceutical applications.
About International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is an intergovernmental, non-profit research and training organization operating laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi, and Cape Town. Its campuses provide co-located labs and shared core facilities that enable collaborative R&D, while training and fellowship programs create sustained talent pipelines for partners. Proximity to innovation parks and leading universities at each site, plus biosafety and policy advisory services, helps industry navigate translation and regulatory contexts across regions. Research is supported by member-state contributions and competitive grants from national and international agencies. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and commercialization across sites.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.