12-05: Resolving complex microbial interactions for sustainable production of algae

Microscopic algae offer tremendous potential as a new source of clean burning liquid fuels; however comprehensive studies are needed to resolve the biological complexity of the system to advance the science and improve the overall economics of the process.  Micro-algae do not exist in isolation; they are intimately linked to a bacterial flora and the nature of this interaction must be understood in detail for sustainable management of algae for biofuels production.  Furthermore, open pond systems are widely viewed as the only economically viable option for fuel production but these systems are susceptible to microbial contamination, which can have detrimental consequences on production yields.  Our research is focused on resolving the exact nature and significance of the algal - bacterial interactome; that is both positive and negative interactions that have direct bearing on the predictable management and sustainability of algae derived products.  We are keenly interested in the existence of a core microbiome and whether specific taxa or functionalities are necessary for the reliable growth and development of algae, or whether these features occur randomly.  Finally, we want to know how vulnerable these traits are to environmental conditions, water chemistry, and geographic location.  Analysis of over 300 sources of algae combined with physiological experimentation is suggestive of a mutualistic symbiosis with beneficial ‘plant-associated’ bacteria that actively contribute to the cultivation of the algal host.  These results draw clear parallels between the production of algae and agricultural crops; thus expanding opportunities for the application of biological engineering controls for algal biofuels.