Introduction

This patent has incremented the production of lipids from unicellular algae, without modifying environmental growth conditions. The production of lipids, proteins or carbohydrates from algae find use in biodiesel and neutraceuticals.

Technical features

Microalgae can produce great quantities of lipids, but only under specific environmental conditions, such as lack of nutrients or exposure to  strong light. Environmental stress on the other hand causes a reduction in growth, therefore reducing the overall biomass. On an industrial scale, inducing environmental stress results uneconomical. The genetic modification of the microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana has resulted in an increase of lipid production, especially triacylglycerol (TAG), without modifying standard environmental conditions. The advantages in economic terms are evident, since the production at standard conditions increases, maintaining the same total biomass.

Possible Applications

• Lipid and algae production for neutraceuticals;
• Sustainable production of lipids for biodiesel.

Advantages

• Increase of lipid production from microalgae;
• Environmental conditions do not need to change;
• Production requires less energy for greater sustainability;
• Economic convenience for production at standard conditions.