HomeISF-DUIRI: Enhancing Algal Biofuel Production through Viral Lysis and Targeted Lipid Analysis DUIRI - Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship Fall 2025 Accepted Global Sustainability Background. Algal biofuel holds promise as a sustainable energy source, yet high production costs, particularly associated with cell disruption, remain a significant hurdle. Viral infection offers a natural, low-energy alternative for cell lysis. Our previous research has demonstrated that algal virus PBCV-1 infection of algal species Chlorella leads to a significant increase in lipid yield comparable to ultrasonic disruption, without compromising lipid quality. To further elucidate the mechanisms behind this enhanced lipid accumulation and develop more practical downstream processes, this proposal outlines molecular and purification-focused investigations. Objective. This overall research objective is to further investigate the effectiveness of using algal viruses in promoting lipid extraction from algae for cost-effective algal biofuel production. Building upon previous findings that viral infection significantly reduces algal mechanical strength and increases lipid yield, this proposal outlines two complementary approaches: (1) molecular validation of virus-induced lipid accumulation using quantitative real-time PCR and (2) development of a lipid purification and quantification strategy for enhanced downstream processing. Two specific research tasks will be performed on this project. (1) To validate the impact of PBCV-1 infection on key lipid synthesis genes in Chlorella sp. using qPCR. The working hypothesis is that viral infection with PBCV-1 will upregulate the expression of genes associated with lipid synthesis, particularly those involved in the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to triacylglycerol (TAG), such as diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT). Chlorella sp. will be cultured under controlled conditions and split into two groups: PBCV-1 infected and uninfected controls. qPCR will be performed to quantify the expression levels of selected lipid synthesis genes, including DGAT and, if possible, transcription factors like basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and myeloblastosis (MYP) that are known to promote lipid synthesis in microalgae. (2) To develop and optimize a purification process for lipids extracted from PBCV-1 infected Chlorella sp. cells. The working hypothesis is that a robust purification method can effectively separate lipids from cellular debris and viral particles, yielding a pure lipid product quantifiable by simpler, more cost-effective methods. Chlorella sp. cells will be infected with PBCV-1 to induce lysis and lipid release. Various lipid extraction and purification techniques will be explored and optimized, including solvent-based extraction, centrifugation, and filtration. The purity of the extracted lipids will be assessed to confirm the absence of cellular and viral contaminants. Quantification of purified lipids will be performed using colorimetric assays and compared against results from established lipid quantification methods (e.g., gravimetric analysis). This research is expected to provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms by which PBCV-1 enhances lipid accumulation in Chlorella sp., specifically confirming its impact on lipid synthesis pathways through qPCR. Furthermore, the development of an effective lipid purification process will significantly advance the practical application of viral lysis for biofuel production by offering a method for obtaining clean, quantifiable lipid products. The successful completion of this research will contribute to the development of a highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to algal biofuel production. Alignment with SDGs. This project directly aligns with several of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), as the primary objective of this research is to develop a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for producing algal biofuel. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By reducing energy consumption and chemical usage associated with cell disruption, this project directly contributes to expanding affordable and clean energy sources, lessening reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon energy system through reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Interdisciplinary Nature. This research proposal is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing upon complementary expertise from both Dr. George Zhou from the College of Engineering and Dr. Paul Brown from the College of Agriculture. Dr. Zhou has over 20 years of experience applying biotechnology in engineering systems, with recent projects focusing on using viruses to improve algal lipid extraction efficiency. Dr. Brown has over 40 years of experience in aquaculture and aquaponics, with recent projects focused on incorporating algae into cost-effective aquaponics systems. Zhi Zhou Zhi Zhou The student will be a key part of our lab, supporting ongoing algae research and tackling specific research tasks. This involves hands-on wet-lab experiments, data collection and analysis, and writing comprehensive summary reports. They'll also design a poster to showcase their findings. https://environbiotechnology.com/research/#:~:text=of%20engineering%20testing.-,Bioenergy,-Nature%2Dinspired%20cost We're looking for a student with a strong academic background (GPA >3.5) and foundational knowledge in biology. Prior research experience in algae and molecular microbiology would be a significant advantage. 2 10 (estimated)
This project is not currently accepting applications.