Heterotrophic cultivation of hydrocarbon-producing microalgae

摘要

The invention discloses novel methods of producing hydrocarbons through heterotrophic cultivation of Botryococcus braunii. Also provided are novel hydrocarbon compositions. A preferred species for engineering is the microalgae species Botryococcus braunii. Additional methods of cultivation include providing certain nutrient sources.

主权项

1. A culture of Botryococcus braunii microalgae produced according to the method comprising:
providing a culture media medium that includes a fixed carbon source in a fermentor; inoculating the fermentor with a strain of Botryococcus braunii microalgae capable of metabolizing the fixed carbon source; culturing the microalgae in heterotrophic conditions for a period of time sufficient to produce growth and/or propagation of the microalgae, wherein the fermentor does not allow light to strike the microalgae, and wherein the dry cell weight of the microalgae increases by at least 2-fold as a result of the culturing.