Ultrasound Cavitation of Microbubbles for Algae Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transforming algae are inefficient, have limited applicability, and can be harmful, leading to poor stability of introduced substances and high costs in microalgae aquaculture feeds production.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultrasound-mediated delivery of nucleic acid molecules and proteins into algae through microbubbles, which are cavitated by ultrasound to facilitate the entry of exogenous substances into algal cells, allowing for more efficient and widespread transformation of various algae strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current transformation methods (micro-projectile bombardment, particle gun, electroporation) are used to introduce exogenous substances into algae, then transformation can be achieved, but the efficiency is poor and the stability of transformants is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microbubbles as an intermediary carrier to deliver exogenous substances into algae cells. The microbubbles serve as a mediator that protects the DNA during delivery and facilitates efficient entry into the cell, resolving the contradiction between transformation efficiency and transformant stability by providing a gentle yet effective delivery mechanism that avoids the harsh conditions of electroporation and the mechanical damage of particle bombardment
2Adaptability or versatility
If current transformation methods are used, then some algae can be transformed, but the applicability is limited to certain types of algae
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound-mediated microbubble delivery system is designed to be universally applicable across different algae species. The method uses physical ultrasound waves to cavitate microbubbles, a mechanism that works regardless of the specific biological characteristics of the algae target, thereby achieving both broad applicability and high transformation efficiency across diverse algae types
3Productivity
If current transformation methods are used, then transformation can be achieved, but harm is caused to many targeted algae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of ultrasound into a beneficial delivery mechanism. By using controlled ultrasound to cavitate microbubbles, the energy that could damage cells is instead harnessed to create localized delivery zones where exogenous substances are released directly at the cell surface, achieving high transformation success while minimizing overall cellular damage through precise spatial and temporal control
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
This method enhances the efficiency and stability of introducing exogenous substances into algae, reducing production costs and expanding the applicability to different types of algae, potentially lowering the cost of microalgae aquaculture feeds and enabling the production of biopharmaceuticals and biofuels.
Implementation Method 1
applying ultrasound to the bubbles and algae with sufficient energy to cavitate one or more of bubbles comprising the one or more nucleic acid molecules in proximity to the algae
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provided herein generally relate to methods and materials for ultrasound-mediated introduction of exogenous substances into microorganisms. Some embodiments relate to methods of introducing an exogenous material into a microorganism such as an algae. The methods can include, for example, providing a microorganism (e.g., algae); providing a population of bubbles that comprise one or more nucleic acid molecules and/or one or more polypeptide or one or more protein molecules; contacting the population of bubbles with the algae; applying ultrasound to the bubbles and algae with sufficient energy to cavitate one or more of bubbles comprising the one or more nucleic acid molecules in proximity to the algae; and maintaining the algae and the one or more burst bubbles comprising the one or more nucleic acid molecules in contact for a period of time sufficient to permit entry of at least one nucleic acid molecule into the algae.