Morgan State University

Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad

Viji Sitther

Compositions including metal nano- and/or micro-particles in solution with photosynthetic bioproduct producing microorganisms. These light harvesting complexes increase growth rates and photosynthetic efficiency of the constituent microorganisms, reducing the light required for a specific production level, or increases production for a specific light level. Compositions including zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) in solution with photosynthetic bioproduct producing microorganisms. The nZVIs cause increased growth, lipid production and fatty acid production.

Composition and method for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, growth and/or lipid production of microorganisms

A recombinant strain ofwas made by transforming wild typewith a pGEM-7Zf (+) plasmid containing sterol desaturase gene (SD) via electroporation. The recombinant strain was designated B481-SD and overexpressed the sterol desaturase gene to result in enhanced lipid production. Selection made on NaCl enabled growth of the transformant to thrive up to 50 g LNaCl. This strain was designated B481-SDH.

Growing community of inventors

Parkville, MD, United States of America

Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad