580 California St., Suite 400
San Francisco, CA, 94104
Key research themes
1. How can molecular identification methods improve species-level resolution in Chlorella Protothecoides and related green microalgae?
This research area focuses on overcoming limitations of traditional morphological identification of Chlorella and Protothecoides by employing molecular markers such as rbcL and 18S rDNA genes. Accurate species-level identification is crucial for strain selection, ecological assessment, biotechnological applications, and ensuring reproducibility in algal research and commercial production.
Key finding: This study demonstrated that the rbcL gene provides higher discriminatory power than 18S rDNA for differentiating local Indonesian green microalgae strains, including Chlorella, allowing more precise species-level... Read more
Key finding: Using PCR amplification and sequencing of the rbcL gene, the study revealed 88–99% similarity with known Chlorella sequences, confirming the local isolate as C. vulgaris STB01. The study highlighted rbcL gene as an effective... Read more
Key finding: This work combined microscopic morphological analysis with molecular identification (PCR and sequencing) to characterize a native microalgae strain, confirming it as Chlorella volutis. The integrated approach validated the... Read more
2. What genomic and evolutionary insights reveal the transition from photoautotrophic to heterotrophic lifestyles in Chlorella Protothecoides and related algae?
Research comparing plastid genomes of Chlorella-related species sheds light on the mechanisms and evolutionary pathways underlying the loss of photosynthesis and adaptation to heterotrophy. This is significant for understanding algal diversity, organelle genome reduction, and metabolic flexibility, influencing biotechnological exploitation of algae.
Key finding: The study provided complete plastid genome sequences for A. protothecoides and P. wickerhamii, revealing severe genome reduction and loss of photosynthesis genes in P. wickerhamii. Phylogenetic analyses showed these species... Read more
Key finding: This work described a novel green alga originated from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont, highlighting an evolutionary transition involving de novo organelle biogenesis. It structurally resembles Chlorella vulgaris but shows... Read more
Key finding: Through morphological and ecological characterization, this study identified a new Trebouxiophyceae species in environments exhibiting specific adaptations, supporting diversity and evolutionary nuances within related green... Read more
3. How does Chlorella protothecoides biomass processing impact bioenergy production and microbiome dynamics in anaerobic digestion systems?
This research theme investigates the anaerobic digestion (AD) of Chlorella protothecoides biomass as a substrate for biogas/methane production. It emphasizes how cultivation methods (autotrophic vs heterotrophic), biomass pretreatment, and microbial community shifts influence methane yields and system performance, relevant for sustainable bioenergy generation and waste management.
Key finding: The study demonstrated autotrophic Chlorella biomass (AA) yields higher methane (279 L CH4/kg VS) than heterotrophic biomass, but pretreatment of heterotrophic biomass (enzymatic, autoclave, ultrasound) improved methane... Read more
Key finding: This work developed a novel pH-shock treatment (pH 3.5 for 15 minutes with acetate) to selectively control the predatory bacterium V. chlorellavorus that causes algal culture crashes. The treatment reduced bacterial counts by... Read more
Key finding: This study identified a predatory protozoan, Vahlkampfia sp., as a contaminant negatively affecting Chlorella biomass productivity by grazing on algal cells. Optimization of cultural conditions minimized protozoan impact,... Read more