Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad

Title: Innovations by Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad: Advancements in Photosynthetic Efficiency

Introduction

Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad, based in Parkville, MD, is an inventive force in the realm of biotechnology, focusing particularly on enhancing the efficiency of photosynthetic microorganisms. With a portfolio that includes two patents, her work is making significant contributions towards more sustainable production methods in the industry.

Latest Patents

Fathabad’s latest patents showcase her innovative approach to improving the growth and productivity of microorganisms. The first patent, titled "Composition and method for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, growth and/or lipid production of microorganisms," focuses on compositions that include metal nano- and/or micro-particles in solution with photosynthetic bioproduct-producing microorganisms. This invention is pivotal as it increases growth rates and photosynthetic efficiency, which either reduces the light required for a specific production level or enhances production at a given light level.

Her second patent revolves around the use of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) in solution with these microorganisms. This innovative approach leads to increased growth, lipid production, and fatty acid production. Furthermore, Fathabad has developed engineered cyanobacteria with enhanced lipid production through the transformation of wild-type strains using a recombinant strain designated B481-SD, which overexpresses the sterol desaturase gene. This strain demonstrates robust growth capabilities even in high-salinity environments, thriving in conditions with up to 50 g/L of NaCl.

Career Highlights

Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad is affiliated with Morgan State University, where she drives research efforts aimed at leveraging biotechnology for industrial applications. Throughout her career, Fathabad has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, focusing on addressing key challenges in the field of photosynthetic efficiency and microorganism growth.

Collaborations

Fathabad collaborates with Viji Sitther, a fellow researcher, who brings additional expertise and insights into their projects. Together, they work on groundbreaking research, blending their knowledge to foster advancements that may ultimately lead to sustainable bioproduction practices.

Conclusion

Somayeh Gharaie Fathabad is an exceptional inventor whose patents represent significant strides in the optimization of photosynthetic microorganisms. Her innovative compositions not only enhance growth and lipid production but also promise to improve the efficiency of bioproduction systems. With ongoing collaborations and research, Fathabad continues to push the boundaries of biotechnology, marking her as a notable figure in the field of sustainable innovations.