Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the use of algae as a biofuel source. Led by Amanda Barry, the team published their findings on a freshwater microalgae strain, Auxenochlorella protothecoides, which can directly degrade and utilize non-food plant materials, such as switchgrass, enhancing its growth and lipid production. This discovery highlights the potential for algae to serve as a renewable fuel source by producing compatible diesel and jet fuel precursors. Barry emphasized that the ability of algae to thrive on plant waste not only increases productivity but also offers insights into the unique enzymes and biochemical pathways involved in breaking down complex plant structures. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to engineered algae strains specifically designed for biofuel enhancement. The study represents the first instance of algae successfully using untreated plant substrates for growth, detailing the potential glycosyl hydrolases that may facilitate this process. The paper, titled “Characterization of plant carbon substrate utilization by Auxenochlorella protothecoides,” appeared in Algal Research and was partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office.
