CREST PhaseIII
Takahiro Ishikawa Team
- Takahiro Ishikawa
- Professor,Shimane University
Basic technology development for biofuel production from Euglena using genetic transformation
The microalga, Euglena gracilis, produces a large amount of medium-chain wax esters (mainly myristyl myristate) under anaerobic conditions from the storage polysaccharide b-1,3-glucan (paramylon). This process is known as wax ester fermentation. The aim of the study is to identify the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of wax ester fermentation and to generate, by genetic transformation, a 'super Euglena' with increased photosynthesis and wax ester yield.
Yutaka Nakashimada Team
- Yutaka Nakashimada
- Professor,Hiroshima University
Development of key technologies for complete utilization of macroalgae as energy and material resources with unique metabolism of marine microorganisms
The effective use of marine algae has been extensively anticipated as a renewable and sustainable resource because of global concern for the use of fossil resources and nuclear energy. In this study, therefore, we aim to develop elemental technologies for biorefinery of macroalgae involving 1) high rate methane fermentation in combination with effective pretreatment and marine microbial consortia with unique properties such as high salt tolerance and particular metabolism of algae-specific sugars, 2) production of more valuable products from algal sugars, and 3) recovery of valuable metals from fermentation residue.
Taizo Hanai Team
- Taizo Hanai
- Associate Professor,Kyushu University
Bioalcohol production using synthetic pathway in cyanobacteria
Our goal is to develop key technologies for the continuous production of bioalcohol in cyanobacteria by introducing a synthetic pathway (enzymatic chain reactions). Our research makes it possible to realize low emission and sustainable society by producing bioalcohols as an alternate fuel and a chemical from carbon dioxide.