Recombinant Cytochrome c6 Algae for Photosynthetic Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for improving algae biomass production face challenges in overcoming rate-limiting steps in photosynthesis, particularly redox imbalance in the electron transport chain and futile reactions due to excess light or nutrient limitations, which hinder the increase in biomass productivity for biofuel and high-value product production.

Innovation Solution

Genetically modifying algae with a recombinant cytochrome c6 gene from red algae, optimized for codon usage in Chlorella sorokiniana, to enhance electron transfer between cytochrome b6f and photosystem I, improving plastoquinone redox status and resistance to stress conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional photosynthesis improvement methods (antenna truncation, ferredoxin overexpression, RUBISCO enhancement) are applied, then photosynthetic efficiency is improved, but biomass productivity does not increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotosynthetic efficiencyVSAvoidbiomass productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cytochrome c6 as an intermediary electron carrier in the photosynthetic electron transport chain. This mediator facilitates more efficient electron transfer between the plastoquinone pool and photosystem I, addressing the redox imbalance that limits biomass productivity while maintaining improved photosynthetic efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the redox parameters of the electron transport chain by introducing cytochrome c6 with specific redox properties. This changes the electron transport kinetics and redox balance, enabling both improved photosynthetic efficiency and increased biomass productivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If extrinsic cultivation factors are optimized, then biomass production is improved, but intrinsic rate-limiting steps in photosynthesis remain unresolved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomass productionVSAvoidphotosynthetic rate-limiting steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and addresses the intrinsic bottleneck in photosynthesis by introducing a foreign gene (cytochrome c6 from red algae) into green algae. This bypasses the limiting steps in the native electron transport chain, making biomass production less dependent on optimizing extrinsic cultivation factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If excess light is provided to enhance photosynthesis, then photosynthetic rate increases, but photodamage and photoinhibition occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotosynthetic rateVSAvoidphotodamage and photoinhibition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of excess light energy into a benefit by using cytochrome c6 to efficiently shuttle electrons and maintain redox balance. This prevents the accumulation of excess energy that would otherwise cause photodamage, while still allowing high photosynthetic rates under excess light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 genetically modified algae demonstrate significant improvements in biomass productivity and photosynthetic efficiency, with up to 60% increase in biomass and 28% improvement in photosystem II quantum yield, overcoming previous limitations and enhancing the economics of biofuel and high-value product production.

Implementation Method 1

One of the major rate limiting step(s) in the overall process is the redox imbalance in the electron transport chain and re-oxidation of redox carrier plastoquinone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

The photosynthesis process in microalgae is initiated by capture of light or photon, followed by the utilization of the energy of photon and generation of reductants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentUS11566251B2Genetically modified alga, sequences and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 RELIANCE IND LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the fields of biotechnology, molecular biology and genetic engineering. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a genetically modified alga comprising a recombinant cytochrome c6 gene, methods of producing the same and applications thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a codon optimised nucleic acid sequence encoding a cytochrome c6 polypeptide, expression cassette, vectors and host cell thereof. In an embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to a method of increasing biomass and photosynthetic efficiency of algae.