Photosynthetic biomass conversion using chlorella for glucose production
Holocyte Pty Ltd presents a cost-effective method for converting photosynthetic biomass into glucose using chlorella in closed freshwater systems, minimizing environmental risks and costs. This technology leverages chlorella's high solar energy conversion rate and rapid growth.
Overview
Holocyte Pty Ltd has developed an innovative approach to photosynthetic biomass conversion focusing on chlorella, a type of algae with exceptional photosynthetic efficiency. By cultivating chlorella in closed freshwater systems, the technology mitigates environmental risks and reduces costs associated with traditional open-water cultivation. This method capitalizes on chlorella's rapid growth and its ability to efficiently convert solar energy into biomass, positioning it as an ideal candidate for glucose production.
Technical specifications
- Organism: Chlorella, chosen for its high photosynthetic efficiency (14-17% solar energy conversion rate) and fast maturation.
- Cultivation system: Closed freshwater streams to prevent ecological risks and minimize costs.
- Biomass conversion process: Hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol is achieved using Ni/Cu-based single-atom catalysts and ethanol as a hydrogen donor, with a yield of over 50%.
- Future developments: Plans to optimize the hydrogenation reaction to occur at room temperature and ambient pressure using enzyme catalysis, and further conversion of sorbitol to hexane using non-precious metal catalysts.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it has been validated through experimental proof of concept. Further development and optimization are ongoing, with potential collaboration opportunities for advancing downstream processing and applications.
About General Molecular Expression Service Pty Ltd (GMES))
General Molecular Expression Service Pty Ltd (GMES), known as GMExpression, is a biotechnology company incorporated in 2021 and based at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus. The company specializes in the development of cell-free protein expression systems, including its proprietary CFPS+ platform. This technology is designed as a low-cost, efficient, and scalable solution for the production of proteins and functional macromolecules. GMES offers a range of services from lab-scale synthesis to large-scale industrial production, supporting complex processes such as codon optimization, protein folding prediction, and purification. Their technological approach integrates advanced metabolic subsystems, including artificial mitochondria and nucleotide anabolic pathways, to enable dynamic and continuous flow production.
The company provides critical infrastructure and materials for researchers, medical applications, and material science, including the synthesis of toxic or difficult-to-express proteins. Beyond its core protein expression services, GMES maintains an online shop supplying laboratory reagents, specialized culture media, and kits such as its Pichia pastoris expression system. Through research collaborations, the company is also expanding into iPSC-derived therapies, organoids, and innovative cultivation protocols. GMES leverages its own commercial profits to support research and development initiatives, often partnering with academic institutions and scholars to advance biotechnological innovation.
delivered to your inbox.