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Outbreeding enhancement of an elite variety of algae

$4,420
Goal
This project is pending review.
Campaign Cancelled
  • $1,424
    pledged
  • 33%
    funded
  • Private
    Not Launched

About This Project

The domestication of algae is a key requirement for lowering the cost of algae farming in order to make it economical for the production of foods, feeds and biofuels. I have been breeding and developing an elite variety of algae for this very purpose. In this study, I will be outbreeding my current laboratory adapted variety with an outdoor wild strain to provide hybrid vigor for increased productivity with outdoor cultivation.

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What is the context of this research?

Domestication of algae is required for major cost reductions in farming. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamy) has an unmatched capacity for domestication based on its superior sexual capabilities, which I am utilizing to develop key traits for very low cost farming (more details). Although a key shortcoming is that my variety originates from a laboratory adapted strain that has been stocked for extended periods. This leads to losses in vitality and robustness, which can precipitate into decreased productive potential with outdoor cultivation. The goal here is to find and isolate an outdoor wild strain of Chlamy, for subsequent breeding with my current variety in order to rescue its former vitality and robustness, and thus enhance its capability for outdoor farming.

What is the significance of this project?

In response to the oil shocks of the 70’s, the United States Department of Energy initiated an 18-year major study into the feasibility of algae farming for fuels. A major conclusion arising was that in order to get the economics right, the biology needs to be the focus i.e. we need to develop the ideal alga. Breeding and domestication of algae is a research area that has the most potential for bringing home the economics of algae farming, yet it is also one of the most underdeveloped areas. The aim of the specific research experiment presented here would constitute an important milestone for the overall goal of developing an elite variety of algae for very low cost farming of foods, feeds and biofuels.

What are the goals of the project?

I will travel to northern Australia (precise location to be determined) to gather water/soil samples. These will be inoculated in culture media that is conducive for growth of Chlamy. After growth has occurred, successive screening/selection steps will be used to enrich for Chlamy, and eliminate non-Chlamy. This includes enrichment via selective growth in liquid (and solid) media supplemented with (or without) Sodium Acetate, Sodium Chloride or Potassium Nitrate. Morphology and sexual compatibility with “laboratory” Chlamy will confirm the isolation of Chlamy. The new “wild” Chlamy will be bred with my current variety, with hybrids expected to grow in elevated salinity using Nitrate. Outbreeding enhancement will be confirmed by subjecting hybrids to various environmental stressors.

Budget

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Travelling is required to gather samples that may contain the alga of interest. This will include interstate travel to a region where isolation of the right strain is more likely. Costs include return flights, transfers, hire car and accommodation.

Will also need general laboratory consumables for growing, handling and transferring of the algae as well as for screening, isolation and identification. Among other things, this would include various tubes, holding vessels, growth vessels, lab filters, field filters, pipettes, petri dishes, media ingredients etc.

Proper equipment is required for different aspects of the project, such as an incubator for environmental control, a microscope for identification and analysis, an autoclave for sterilizing media, lights and mixer/shaker for algal growth.

Endorsed by

Simon conducted the work for his PhD in my lab. He is a passionate, highly capable and driven researcher. The potential of microalgae is vast, yet mostly untapped. Simon’s project to improve the capability of strains for large-scale deployment using non-GMO techniques is of great importance and promise.
Simon was a highly talented undergraduate in my research group and I am very pleased to see his research reaching this important stage. This is a great opportunity for people to support some cutting edge biological research with potential to change our current approach to a global problem.

Meet the Team

Simon Takouridis
Simon Takouridis
The Algae Breeder

Simon Takouridis

My name is Simon Takouridis (@TheAlgaeBreeder). I am an entrepreneur, innovator and algal biotechnologist with commercial plans for very low cost algae farming of food, feeds and biofuels using an elite variety of algae.

I am a high achiever with first class honours at the top universities in Australia, including a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, an Honours degree in Microalgal Bioinformatics and Physiology at The Australian National University, and the near completion of a PhD on the Selective Breeding and Domestication of Microalgae at The University of Melbourne. I have published in the high-ranking peer-reviewed journal Bioresource Technology, I was the recipient of an Australian Postgraduate Award 2011, a regional finalist in the Hult Prize 2013, shortlisted in The Australian Innovation Challenge 2014, a finalist in the Melbourne Accelerator Program 2014, an AIE Postgraduate Award 2014 recipient and I was a Speaker at All-Energy 2015, Bioenergy Australia 2015 and the Algae Biomass Summit 2016. I am driven by the opportunity to make long and lasting beneficial change for humanity.

I am developing a variety of microalgae that has a unique capability of very low-cost farming. This presents a rare commercial opportunity, for which I have comprehensive plans for the economical and scalable production of feeds, foods and fuels using microalgae, which to date has not been achieved. For more information, please visit my website at www.thealgaebreeder.com


Project Backers

  • 4Backers
  • 33%Funded
  • $1,424Total Donations
  • $306.00Average Donation
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