A  chemical trigger discovered at Montana State University helps  algal biofuel production  double in yield and in far less time.

The chemical trigger is a well-timed dose of bicarbonate, a low-cost, easy-to-use chemical.  When given to algae during a specific point in its growth cycle, the bicarbonate doubles the rate of production of triacylglycerol, the key precursor to biodiesel. Some cultures have shown nearly three times faster rates of triacylglycerol accumulation, which would result in significant cost savings for biofuel manufacturers. This effect has been shown in both diatoms and in green alga.
The bicarbonate also shortens the time it takes to reach high lipid yields.

The technology is available for licensing to interested companies and entrepreneurs.