Bacterial-Algal Synergism Improves Algal Biomass Production
EMSL Project ID
48636
Abstract
Background: In the proposed work we will use a newly developed experimental system comprised of the alga Chrysochromulina tobin (Haptophyceae) and a bacterial microbiome of limited number (~10 species), to address functional questions concerning algal-bacterial co-dependence.Artificially produced upscale commercial algal cultivation systems almost exclusively focus on analyzing the algal species that are present. Ignored is the fact that these large algal production sites are really comprised of complex microbial communities in which algae and bacterial eco-chorts co-exist. Similar to natural ecosystems, algae have an intimate association with their bacterial biome – often using bacteria as an indispensable source of nutrition. In fact, some algae appear to farm bacteria by releasing organic compounds as substrate into the surrounding waters, thus enhancing bacterial population association. Here we explore the fundamental metabolic processes that determine algal–bacterial population relationships. A newly developed haptophyte model system that has an associated bacterial microbiome of limited number (10 species), provides a tractable experimental system to approach functional questions concerning algal-bacterial interactions. Chrysochromulina tobin is a member of the B2 clade of Prymnesiophytes - a group of algae that contributes more than diatoms to primary production. Select members of this high oil producing clade have been targeted as excellent commercial production systems for addressing energy and food security concerns.
Specific aims: We will use C. tobin and its small bacterial microbiome as a model system to address questions concerning algal-bacterial co-dependence as the algal culture progresses through a synchronous 12 hour light:12 hour dark photoperiod.
Goal 1: Compare the transcriptomic profile of C. tobin when cells are cultured in the presence of: (a.) a maximum bacterial load (Bacterized culture: Acidovorax, Agrobacterium, Blastomonas, Bosea, Hydrogenophaga, Ledbetterella, Methylversatilis, Rhizobium and Sphingobium, Spingopixus); and (b.) a single bacterium (B-1 culture: Spingopixus).
Goal 2: Use HPLC/MS to measure the quantity and type of DOC produced by algal-bacterial cohorts.
EMSL support is necessary to provide extensive transcriptomic assessment that is cost prohibitive to our research group, and to assist in DOC analyses which is beyond the scope of our expertise.
Contribution: The potential for dissecting the role of the players in a very simple algal-bacterial association is excellent and data from this study will have broad application: (a.) We contend that having the right bacterial crop is essential for productive algal husbandry. By exploiting the use of specific bacterial eco-cohorts, growers may lower nutrient input and reduce algal stress responses, which remain key roadblocks in commercial algal production facilities. Potential GMO targets allowing modifications or introduction of key metabolic pathways into algal and bacterial partners for augmenting robust biosynthetic potential may be identified. (b.) By increasing our knowledge of how bacterial consortia impact the increase or decline in benign or noxious algal species, insight to coastal management issues – a critical factor as climate change impacts these ecosystems; (c.) Because algae fix approximately ½ the carbon processed on earth, and produce copious amounts of extruded metabolites as secondary products that serve as substrate for bacterial cohorts, studies such as these will allow a better understanding of global carbon cycling mechanisms.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2014-11-11
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator