Algal oils: Optimization of growth conditions for maximum production of lipids and fatty acids

This proposal describes a new partnership between SabrTech and Budge's laboratory at Dalhousie. SabrTech isdeveloping an algal oil for use as a replacement for petroleum products in jet fuel. A crucial aspect of this workis to optimize the lipid yield of the algae and fatty acid profile of the oil by placing the algae underphysiological stress, in this case, by limiting the availability of nutrients. SabrTech will conduct a number ofgrowth experiments in conditions that mimic SabrTech's commercial operation by limiting nitrogen,phosphorus and trace metals. Budge's lab will then analyze the harvested algae for lipid concentration and fattyacid profile, and evaluate the resulting data to determine the conditions leading to the optimal concentrationsand rates of lipid production, as well as the optimal fatty acid profile.