Molecular Velcro Boosts Microalgae’s Potential in Biofuel, Industrial Applications
Scientists from Michigan State University have engineered Molecular Velcro into cyanobacteria, boosting this microalgae’s biofuel viability as well as its potential for other research. This research may improve the efficiency of harvesting algae as well as improve the artificial microbial communities for sustainable biofuel production.
In the study, the team focused on surface proteins of cyanobacteria to enable it to bind to specifically engineered surfaces. Results showed that by changing the surface technology, one can program the cyanobacteria for new interspecies and intercellular interactions.
