Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for controlling a density of algae growing in an aquatic environment. Some exemplary methods include applying an effective amount of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) to the density of algae growing in the aquatic environment, wherein the algae includes genus Nannochloropsis. The algae may also include algae of genus Tetraselmis and/or genus Chlorella. Applying the effective amount may result in an approximate concentration of between 100 nanomolar to 1500 nanomolar DCMU in the aquatic environment. Further, the aquatic environment may include seawater, freshwater, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provided herein include novel promoters isolated from the microalgae, Nannochloropsis. These promoters drive gene expression in a bidirectional manner, and are especially useful for the genetic manipulation of Nannochloropsis and other organisms. The inventors herein successfully used these promoters (in both parallel and antiparallel orientations with respect to a Sh ble gene cassette) to impart zeocine-resistance to Nannochloropsis.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary isolated nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having desaturase activity, which utilize fatty acids as substrates.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary vectors for transforming algal cells. In exemplary embodiments, the vector comprises a Violaxanthin-chlorophyll a binding protein (Vcp) promoter driving expression of an antibiotic resistance gene in an algal cell. Embodiments of the invention may be used to introduce a gene (or genes) into the alga Nannochloropsis, such that the gene(s) are expressed and functional. This unprecedented ability to transform Nannochloropsis with high efficiency makes possible new developments in phycology, aquaculture and biofuels applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for production of biomass with a cyanobacterial isolate having auto-flocculation properties. One exemplary method includes isolating a cyanobacterial strain having a 16S ribosomal RNA sequence corresponding to SEQ. ID. NO. 1 herein, inoculating an algae cultivation system with the cyanobacterial strain, growing the cyanobacterial strain, and harvesting the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain. According to a further method, the harvesting of the biomass comprises ceasing agitation of the algae cultivation system, and pooling a slurry of the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain. In a further method, the harvesting of the biomass may comprise ceasing agitation within the algae cultivation system and/or allowing the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain to settle to near or at a bottom of the algae cultivation system. Also provided herein are exemplary cyanobacterial strains having flocculation properties for production of a biomass.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary vectors for transforming algal cells. In exemplary embodiments, the vector comprises a Violaxanthin-chlorophyll a binding protein (Vcp) promoter driving expression of an antibiotic resistance gene in an algal cell. Embodiments of the invention may be used to introduce a gene (or genes) into the alga Nannochloropsis, such that the gene(s) are expressed and functional. This unprecedented ability to transform Nannochloropsis with high efficiency makes possible new developments in phycology, aquaculture and biofuels applications.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provided herein include novel promoters isolated from the microalgae, Nannochloropsis. These promoters drive gene expression in a bidirectional manner, and are especially useful for the genetic manipulation of Nannochloropsis and other organisms. The inventors herein successfully used these promoters (in both parallel and antiparallel orientations with respect to a Sh ble gene cassette) to impart zeocine-resistance to Nannochloropsis.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary isolated nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having desaturase activity, which utilize fatty acids as substrates.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary isolated nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having elongase activity, which utilize fatty acids as substrates.

Abstract: Exemplary methods include a method for transforming an algal cell by preparing a transformation construct, preparing a particle for bombarding the algal cell, adhering the transformation construct to the particle, bombarding the algal cell with the particle, and growing the algal cell into a colony. The transformation construct is replicated within a nuclear genome of the algal cell and the growing of the algal cell is in a nutrient medium. Another exemplary method may include a method for genetically modifying an algal cell, by adding nucleic acid to the algal cell while the algal cell is suspended in a solution of low conductivity, introducing the nucleic acid into the algal cell by application of an electrical pulse resulting in a transformed algal cell, and selecting a colony that includes the transformed algal cell.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary genes, constructs and methods for the formation of triacylglycerols (TAGs). The exemplary genes include a phosphatic acid phosphohydrolase (PA Hydrolase) gene, a diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase (DAGAT2A) gene, and a phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (LROI) gene.

Abstract: Transformation methods are provided for introducing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into the nucleus of an algal cell. A transformation construct may be prepared, with the transformation construct having a first sequence of DNA similar to a corresponding first sequence of nuclear DNA, a second sequence of DNA similar to a corresponding second sequence of the nuclear DNA, and a sequence of DNA inserted between the first and second sequences of DNA of the transformation construct. A target sequence of DNA inserted between the first and second corresponding sequences of the nuclear DNA may be transformed, resulting result in replacement of the target sequence of DNA with the sequence of DNA of interest.

Abstract: Exemplary methods include a method for transforming an algal cell by preparing a transformation construct, preparing a particle for bombarding the algal cell, adhering the transformation construct to the particle, bombarding the algal cell with the particle, and growing the algal cell into a colony. The transformation construct is replicated within a nuclear genome of the algal cell and the growing of the algal cell is in a nutrient medium. Another exemplary method may include a method for genetically modifying an algal cell, by adding nucleic acid to the algal cell while the algal cell is suspended in a solution of low conductivity, introducing the nucleic acid into the algal cell by application of an electrical pulse resulting in a transformed algal cell, and selecting a colony that includes the transformed algal cell.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing purified oil from an organism, whether these organisms are wild type, selectively bred or genetically modified, and are suitable for the large scale production of an oil product. The organism may be an animal, a plant or a microorganism such as yeast, bacteria or algae. The organism is processed to create a biomass which can be extracted to remove the lipids contained within the biomass. The extraction produces a crude extract rich in lipids and containing residual contaminants. These contaminants are removed by contacting the crude extract with a composition that comprises a nanomaterial. Subsequently an oil product is recovered which is substantially free from residual contaminants, such as pigments.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for genetically modifying photosynthetic cells. In some cases, an integrated light harvesting efficiency of photosynthetic cells may be increased by reducing the amount of incident light that is absorbed but not used for photosynthesis. In some cases, an increased transparency may be associated with an increased light harvesting efficiency when absorption due to non-photosynthetic processes is reduced. A reduced capacity of various light-harvesting antenna apparatus may increase transparency. In some cases, a capacity of an organism to adapt to varying light levels may be reduced, and in certain cases, a modified organism may have a reduced ability to acclimate to a low light irradiance.

Abstract: Exemplary transformation methods are provided for introducing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into the nucleus of an algal cell. A transformation construct may be prepared, with the transformation construct having a first sequence of DNA similar to a corresponding first sequence of nuclear DNA, a second sequence of DNA similar to a corresponding second sequence of the nuclear DNA, and a sequence of DNA of interest inserted between the first and second sequences of DNA of the transformation construct. A target sequence of DNA inserted between the first and second corresponding sequences of the nuclear DNA may be transformed, resulting in replacement of the target sequence of DNA with the sequence of DNA of interest.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for increasing TAG production in an algal cell during imbalanced growth conditions are provided. Some methods comprise knocking out an AOX gene, wherein the AOX gene produces an amino acid sequence having substantial similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO. 2. In further methods, the algal cell may be of genus Nannochloropsis. The AOX gene may be replaced by a construct having a nucleotide sequence having substantial similarity to SEQ ID. NOS. 3 through 5 (inclusive), wherein each of the sequences are next to or in close proximity to one another in a linear fashion. In some methods, the AOX gene may be replaced via homologous recombination. As a result, lipid production by the selected recombinant algal cell may be increased over that produced by a wild-type algal cell.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for production of biomass with a cyanobacterial isolate having auto-flocculation properties. One exemplary method includes isolating a cyanobacterial strain having a 16S ribosomal RNA sequence corresponding to SEQ. ID. NO. 1 herein, inoculating an algae cultivation system with the cyanobacterial strain, growing the cyanobacterial strain, and harvesting the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain. According to a further method, the harvesting of the biomass comprises ceasing agitation of the algae cultivation system, and pooling a slurry of the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain. In a further method, the harvesting of the biomass may comprise ceasing agitation within the algae cultivation system and/or allowing the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain to settle to near or at a bottom of the algae cultivation system. Also provided herein are exemplary cyanobacterial strains having flocculation properties for production of a biomass.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for exposing a substance to light. Certain aspects include exposing a suspension of photosynthetic organisms to sunlight, and may include optimizing exposure to improve photosynthesis conditions. Certain embodiments include controlling an opacity or opacity profile of a suspension of algae and/or diatoms. Optimizing exposure may include maximizing growth rate, maximizing photosynthesis efficiency, maximizing lipid production, minimizing damage, minimizing predator growth, maximizing a capacity to grow in suboptimal media (e.g., polluted water, brackish water, or water having a pH outside of a preferable range), minimizing requirements for nutrients, and other features.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provided herein include novel promoters isolated from the microalgae, Nannochloropsis. These promoters drive gene expression in a bidirectional manner, and are especially useful for the genetic manipulation of Nannochloropsis and other organisms. The inventors herein successfully used these promoters (in both parallel and antiparallel orientations with respect to a Sh ble gene cassette) to impart zeocine-resistance to Nannochloropsis.