GE algae can be successfully cultivated outdoors while maintaining engineered traits and without adversely affecting native algae populations.

May 9, 2017

2 Min Read
First EPA-approved outdoor field trial for GE algae completed

Researchers at the University of California-San Diego and Sapphire Energy have successfully completed the first outdoor field trial sanctioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for genetically engineered (GE) algae.

In a series of experiments funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the researchers tested a GE strain of algae in outdoor ponds under real-world conditions. As reported in the journal Algal Research, the researchers concluded that GE algae can be successfully cultivated outdoors while maintaining engineered traits and, most importantly, without adversely affecting native algae populations.

“Just as agricultural experts for decades have used targeted genetic engineering to produce robust food crops that provide human food security, this study is the first step to demonstrate that we can do the same with genetically engineered algae,” said Stephen Mayfield, a biology professor and algae geneticist at the University of California-San Diego.

Under EPA’s purview during a 50-day experiment, the scientists cultured strains of the algae species Acutodesmus dimorphus — genetically engineered with genes for fatty acid biosynthesis and green fluorescent protein expression — in parallel with non-GE algal species.

Testing both algae strains in water samples taken from five regional lakes showed strikingly similar levels of growth in the tests, and the genetic modification did not change the impact of the cultivated strains on native algae communities.

“This study showed the framework for how this type of testing can be done in the future,” said study co-author Jonathan Shurin, an ecologist in the university's Division of Biological Sciences. “If we are going to maintain our standard of living in the future, we are going to need sustainable food and energy and ways of making those that do not disrupt the environment. Molecular biology and biotechnology are powerful tools to help us achieve that. Our experiment was a first step towards an evidence-based evaluation of genetically engineered algae and their benefits and environmental risks.”

“Progress made in the lab means little if you can’t reproduce the phenotype in a production setting,” said study lead author Shawn Szyjka, formerly of Sapphire Energy.

Future testing will include additional gene types in experiments that run for several months, allowing the researchers to further evaluate influences from weather, seasonal shifts and other environmental factors.

“Algae biomass can address many needs that are key to a sustainable future,” said Mayfield, director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology and the Food & Fuel for the 21st Century initiative. “This is the first of many studies testing this technology in field settings.”

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Engineered strains of algae were tested in outdoor ponds.

Engineered strains of algae were tested in outdoor ponds. Photo: University of California-San Diego.
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