A collective study from the researchers of Tohoku University and Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan showed that algae-based starch is ready to start at a large-scale. The algae-derived starch is an important bioresource for the fuel such as biofuels and renewable materials which have the potential to replace the fossil fuel and account a share in the development of wearable systems.
This study was published in The Plant Journal that discussed the unicellular named Cyanidioschyzon merolae. The scientists found that starch content has increased in Cyanidioschyzon merolae by activating through TOR (target of rapamycin), this protein is likely to have a key role in the cell growth. It is a switch which can control the level of starch in algae has revealed by Sousuke Imamura. The Sousuke Imamura one of the authority at the Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology.
The researchers have observed that the level of starch increases within 12 hours after the addition of TOR due to the presence of rapamycin and it rose to ten-times after 48 hours.
Algae is compared with plants which are appealing for its high photosynthetic efficiency and relatively easy cultivation. The biomass ingredients are promising options to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations.
The research team found that exploring more studies on the algal species and other plants including Arabidopsis thaliana. This can improve yield and information about the important molecular mechanism. The information on the algae can support to develop technologies for improving biosynthesis productivity of starch, Imamura added.
