https://www.massey.ac.nz/~ychisti/Biodiesel.pdf

Biodiesel from microalgae.

Microalgae represent an exceptionally diverse but highly specialized group of micro-organisms adapted to various ecological habitats. Many microalgae have the ability to produce substantial amounts (e.g. 20-50% dry cell weight) of triacylglycerols (TAG) as a storage lipid under photo-oxidative stress or other adverse environmental conditions. Fatty acids, the building blocks for TAGs and all other cellular lipids, are synthesized in the chloroplast using a single set of enzymes, of which acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) is key in regulating fatty acid synthesis rates. However, the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis is poorly understood in microalgae. Synthesis and sequestration of TAG into cytosolic lipid bodies appear to be a protective mechanism by which algal cells cope with stress conditions, but little is known about regulation of TAG formation at the molecular and cellular level. While the concept of using microalgae as an alternative and renewable source of lipid-rich biomass feedstock for biofuels has been explored over the past few decades, a scalable, commercially viable system has yet to emerge. Today, the production of algal oil is primarily confined to high-value specialty oils with nutritional value, rather than commodity oils for biofuel. This review provides a brief summary of the current knowledge on oleaginous algae and their fatty acid and TAG biosynthesis, algal model systems and genomic approaches to a better understanding of TAG production, and a historical perspective and path forward for microalgae-based biofuel research and commercialization.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2008.03492.x

Microalgal triacylglycerols as feedstocks for biofuel production: perspectives and advances

Cyclodextrins and their uses: a review

https://www.massey.ac.nz/~ychisti/EPA%20Review.pdf

Recovery of microalgal biomass and metabolites: process options and economics

http://www.unece.lsu.edu/biofuels/documents/2008oct/bf08_15.pdf

Biodiesel from microalgae beats bioethanol.

https://www.massey.ac.nz/%7Eychisti/Lipases.pdf

Production, purification, characterization, and applications of lipases.

Therapeutic effects of ablative radiation on local tumor require CD8+ T cells: changing strategies for cancer treatment

Botryococcus braunii, a green colonial microalga, is an unusually rich renewable source of hydrocarbons and other chemicals. Hydrocarbons can constitute up to 75% of the dry mass of B. braunii. This review details the various facets of biotechnology of B. braunii, including its microbiology and physiology; production of hydrocarbons and other compounds by the alga; methods of culture; downstream recovery and processing of algal hydrocarbons; and cloning of the algal genes into other microorganisms. B. braunii converts simple inorganic compounds and sunlight to potential hydrocarbon fuels and feedstocks for the chemical industry. Microorganisms such as B. braunii can, in the long run, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and because of this B. braunii continues to attract much attention.

/pdf/botryococcus-braunii-a-renewable-source-of-hydrocarbons-and-3wovul86cz.pdf

Botryococcus braunii: A Renewable Source of Hydrocarbons and Other Chemicals

Biotechnological applications of cyclodextrins

Nitrile-converting enzymes are becoming commonplace in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and commodity chemicals. These versatile biocatalysts have potential applications in different fields including synthetic biocatalysis and bioremediation. This review attempts to describe in detail the three major classes of nitrile-converting enzymes, namely nitrilases, nitrile hydratases and amidases. Various aspects of these enzymes including their occurrence, mechanism of action, characteristics and applicability in different sectors have been elaborately elucidated. Cloning of genes related to nitrile-converting enzymes is also discussed.

Rohit Sharma

Papers

Production, purification, characterization, and applications of lipases.

Therapeutic effects of ablative radiation on local tumor require CD8+ T cells: changing strategies for cancer treatment

Botryococcus braunii: A Renewable Source of Hydrocarbons and Other Chemicals

Biotechnological applications of cyclodextrins

The nitrile-degrading enzymes: current status and future prospects.