Western Researchers Unveil Breakthrough in Algae Biofuel Production

A recent study from researchers at Western University has revealed a groundbreaking method for genetically engineering diatoms, a type of single-celled algae that could pave the way for cheaper and cleaner biofuels and nutraceuticals. The innovative approach, led by Emma Walker, who recently completed her PhD, and Bogumil Karas, a professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, was published in the journal Nature Communications in March 2023.

This new technique enables the efficient delivery of DNA into diatoms, which are known for their ability to store energy in the form of natural oils. With this advancement, researchers are optimistic about developing sustainable fuels and health supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. “People have long been interested in genetically modifying diatoms to make medicines, biofuels and other valuable compounds,” said Walker.

Diatoms possess a protective silica shell known as a frustule, which complicates genetic engineering by making the process slow and unreliable. Walker’s research focused on overcoming this barrier, leading to significant breakthroughs in DNA delivery methods. During her experiments, Walker discovered that using an electroporation technique—where cells are temporarily permeabilized using electric pulses—could be enhanced by treating the diatoms with alcalase, an enzyme that breaks down the cell wall.

“I started the synthetic diatom project to develop tools that enable the delivery or replacement of individual genes,” explained Karas. Initially, Walker’s results yielded only a few colonies of modified cells, but with adjustments including the use of older diatom cultures, she dramatically increased the yield to over 20,000 colonies in a single trial.

This advancement holds promise for the future of biofuels and health foods. “This widens our ability to engineer the organism,” Walker noted, emphasizing the goal of eventually creating diatom strains that are controlled by synthetically constructed genomes. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that once the cell wall was compromised, a low-cost method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) significantly improved DNA insertion. This makes the technique more accessible to laboratories that may not have access to expensive electroporation equipment.

The implications of this research extend beyond local laboratories. The techniques developed have already been adapted for other diatom species through collaboration with Dr. Thomas Mock at the University of East Anglia in the UK. This international effort brings scientists closer to synthesizing DNA that can be utilized for greener energy technologies and new health solutions.

Karas highlighted the efficiency of the new method:

“Instead of spending weeks moving DNA through bacteria before it reaches a diatom, we can now introduce the synthetic DNA directly. This saves a lot of time, a lot of effort, reduces errors and opens up new possibilities.”

Walker’s research illustrates the importance of curiosity and observation in scientific advancement. “Sometimes the biggest advances come from noticing something unexpected and asking why,” she reflected, underscoring the significance of innovative thinking in tackling global challenges.

As researchers at Western University continue to explore the capabilities of diatoms, the potential for these organisms to contribute to sustainable energy and health solutions becomes increasingly tangible.