Algal Bioengineering

Algal physiology and bioprospecting

This area focuses on improving the capabilities of algae for the production of useful industrial products through bioengineering. Using "-omics" technologies we learn more about how the algal cells regulate their physiology, which can be used in the future to engineer them towards making desired products, such as biofuel. Research in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering looks at the proteomics of model algal species in high lipid producing states to understand pathways to engineer algae to create greater yields of lipid that can be used for biofuel.

A key aspect of algal biotechnology research is the understanding of algae growth, metabolism and molecular biology. Dr Jim Gilmour has over 25 years of experience in microalgae biotechnology. Currently he leads a team of researchers to assess the potential of a number of algal species for biotechnological applications ranging from biofuel production to CO2 sequestration. 

 Algal Bioprocess Engineering

 Algal Ecology

Microbubble generation using a fluidic oscillator is a patented technology developed by Professor Will Zimmerman. With this breakthrough technology Professors Zimmerman's team of researchers are developing a range of promising applications to increase the efficiency of algae cultivation, harvesting and product extraction. The team is also researching the application of microbubbles to aid bioremediation of polluted eutrophic water bodies. 

Algae are a very large and diverse group of organisms capable of transforming light energy into chemical energy and synthesizing various metabolites of commercial value. Their role in the greater microbial food web can be illustrated through the field of synthetic ecology, a branch of synthetic biology. This can provide a further understanding of algae-bacteria interactions and how they are relevant for biotechnology.