Tiny, sun-powered microalgae found in freshwater pools could soon revolutionize Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy landscape, according to a recent report by Maui Now. Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are at the forefront of converting these organisms into a sustainable source for biofuels, medicine, and nutrition, potentially creating a “green gold” reality.
Researchers from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) are exploring the application of cutting-edge synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to advance microalgae production locally and around the world. This research focuses on how to “reprogram” these organisms to efficiently produce more compounds of value. Microalgae have the potential to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into high-value compounds, such as lipids, that can be used to create renewable jet fuel and life-saving medications. Associate Professor in CTAHR's Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) Zhi-Yan (Rock) Du emphasized the benefits by stating, “Microalgae have immense potential because they don't compete with food crops for land or fresh water.”
This initiative has the potential to help Hawaiʻi create a more resilient, energy-independent economy, according to Professor Samir Kumar Khanal of the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Another resource contributing research to this area is the National Center for Biotechnology Information. By integrating microalgae production with wastewater treatment or agricultural byproduct recycling, it can create a system that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Furthermore, the use of “synthetic biology,” which allows scientists to design biological parts that don't exist in nature, could be a contributing factor to pushing the boundaries of what microalgae can produce.
Researchers are also working to optimize the “metabolic superhighways,” which could optimize the oil and health-boosting compounds without slowing growth. The state's year-round sunshine and coastal access provide the ideal environment for algae cultivation. This research aligns with efforts in this field, such as the study that was published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, which emphasized this point. The cultivation of microalgae for biofuels is a potential game changer for Hawaiʻi's entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals.
