Abstract: Methods for controlling a density of algae growing in an aquatic environment are provided. Exemplary methods include applying an effective amount of glyphosate to a density of algae growing in an aquatic environment. The algae may include genus Nannochloropsis and/or Dunaliella. The algae may also include a glyphosate resistant strain of genus Nannochloropsis. The effective amount may result in an approximate concentration of between 0.1 millimolar to 0.3 millimolar glyphosate in the aquatic environment. Additionally, the aquatic environment may include seawater. The glyphosate may be applied to the aquatic environment before and/or after the aquatic environment is inoculated with algae. Alternative methods include applying an effective amount of glufosinate to a density of algae growing in an aquatic environment.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for the use of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline in conjunction with algae. One exemplary method includes applying an effective amount of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline to algae in an aqueous environment to accelerate creation of a high-cell density of the algae. The effective amount of the 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline may be approximately 0.1 grams per liter of the aqueous environment, or up to approximately 0.1 grams per liter of the aqueous environment. The effective amount of the 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline may be applied to the aqueous environment at or near a same time, or applied to the aqueous environment over a period of time. Exemplary algae cultivation systems are also provided herein. One exemplary system includes an aqueous environment having a pale-green mutant Nannochloropsis, and an effective amount of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline to accelerate creation of a high-cell density of the pale-green mutant Nannochloropsis.

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 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: The present invention provides commercially viable, large-scale methods for concentrating microalgae with an average diameter of about 20 ?m or less. The methods find use in concentrating microalgae with an average diameter of about 5 ?m or less, for example, Nannochloropsis.

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.