Algae Crop Protection via Exogenous Terpene Synthase Expression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale microalgae cultivation faces challenges such as pond crash events, which significantly impact the economics and feasibility, due to predation by organisms like rotifers, and existing methods for crop protection are not effective in stabilizing algal cultures.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of genetically modified organisms expressing exogenous fungal terpene synthases that produce terpenoid compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, into algal cultures to act as biocides, providing protection against predators and stabilizing the culture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If algae are cultivated in large-scale ponds, then biomass yield is improved, but vulnerability to predation and pond crash events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terpene synthase genes into algal cells before cultivation, enabling them to pre-produce protective terpenoid compounds. This preliminary genetic modification ensures that algae are already protected against predation when exposed to predators in large-scale ponds, resolving the contradiction between high productivity and culture stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables algae to produce their own protective terpenoid compounds through introduced terpene synthase genes. The algae serve themselves by synthesizing anti-predator chemicals internally, eliminating the need for external protection methods and maintaining culture stability while scaling up biomass production.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional crop protection methods are used, then some protection is provided, but they are not effective in stabilizing algal cultures against predation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of algal cells by introducing terpene synthase genes, enabling them to produce terpenoid compounds with specific anti-predator properties. This parameter change in cellular composition provides effective protection against predation and stabilizes algal cultures, overcoming the inadequacy of conventional protection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses terpenoid compounds as intermediary substances that mediate protection between algae and predators. These naturally produced chemicals act as a biochemical barrier, effectively reducing predation pressure and stabilizing cultures without requiring external intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If terpene synthases are introduced into algal cells, then predation resistance is improved, but genetic modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terpene synthase genes that serve multiple functions: they enable algae to produce various terpenoid compounds that provide protection against different types of predators, and they can be applied across different algal species. This multi-functionality justifies the genetic modification complexity by providing broad-spectrum protection and culture stabilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of terpene synthases in algal cultures increases predation resistance and stability, as demonstrated by up to 50% increased survival rates in the presence of rotifers, effectively preventing pond crash events and enhancing crop protection.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a transformed organism to the algal culture, wherein the transformed organism includes an exogenous fungal terpene synthase
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to terpene synthases capable of producing terpenoids. In one instance, a transformed organism can include terpene synthases or vectors encoding such synthases. One method of employing such synthases and organisms includes protecting an algal culture, in which the produced terpenoid can act as a biocide.