Cited by 813Algal biology and biofuel productionMicrobial Metabolic Engineering and BioproductionBioenergy crop production and management

Biofuels from algae: Challenges and potential

Open access
Hannon, Michael, Gimpel, Javier, Tran, Miller, Rasala, Beth, Mayfield, Stephen·2010·Biofuels

Abstract

Algae biofuels may provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels; however, this technology must overcome a number of hurdles before it can compete in the fuel market and be broadly deployed. These challenges include strain identification and improvement, both in terms of oil productivity and crop protection, nutrient and resource allocation and use, and the production of co-products to improve the economics of the entire system. Although there is much excitement about the potential of algae biofuels, much work is still required in the field. In this article, we attempt to elucidate the major challenges to economic algal biofuels at scale, and improve the focus of the scientific community to address these challenges and move algal biofuels from promise to reality.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Algal biofuels could offer a sustainable liquid-fuel alternative, but the paper argues they must overcome major economic, biological, and engineering hurdles before broad deployment. It reviews these challenges and suggests co-product development and strain improvement are essential to close the cost gap with petroleum.

Key findings

  • Current algae-based fuel costs are estimated at US$300–2600 per barrel, compared with $40–80 (2009) for petroleum, though some regional estimates reach as low as $84; this excludes algal oil from the current liquid fuel market.
  • Microalgae have advantages: they are responsible for more than 40% of global carbon fixation, some species double in as few as 6 h, many exhibit two doublings per day, and some *Botryococcus* spp. store up to 50% of dry mass as long-chain hydrocarbons.
  • Nutrient supply is a major constraint: phosphorus makes up slightly less than 1% of algal biomass and is required at approximately 0.03–0.06% in the medium; fully replacing US petroleum with algal biofuels would require an additional 53 million tons of phosphate annually, against estimated US total phosphate reserves of about 2.8 billion tons.
  • In the paper’s simplified model, *Scenedesmus* spp. producing 0.21 g/l/day biomass with 21% lipid content would require petroleum at about $710 per barrel for economic viability; a hypothetical strain with 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil would yield algae oil at approximately $310 per barrel, with growth density improving viability more rapidly than growth rate.

Methods

  • Review/perspective article synthesizing literature on algal biofuel challenges and potential; it is not a primary experimental study.
  • Includes a simplified economic analysis using *Scenedesmus* spp. at 0.21 g/l/day biomass and 21% lipid content, plus a hypothetical strain at 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil content.
  • Draws on cited literature, prior techno-economic estimates, and examples from algal biology, genetics, and engineering.

Limitations

  • Stated: the authors note there is no way to validate their model, since several implicit costs are estimates based on previous work and extrapolated from traditional agriculture data.
  • Stated: there is no guarantee a strain with 0.3 g/l/day growth and 40% oil content will be identified, owing to the complex interaction between growth rates and oil accumulation; final large-scale algae oil prices are difficult to extrapolate from small production facilities.
  • Evident: as a review, the paper relies on cited estimates and hypothetical scenarios rather than new experimental data, and it states that little fundamental data exist to base crop-protection cost-benefit analysis on.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.4155/bfs.10.44

Cites

185 of 185 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 133 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    In the authors' model, petroleum-based oil would have to cost approximately $710 per barrel for Scenedesmus spp. with 0.21 g/l/day biomass and 21% lipid content to be economically viable using existing production technologies.

    “In our model, petroleum-based oil would have to cost approximately $710 per barrel for this organism to be economically viable at these growth and lipid accumulation rates using existing production technologies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Rodolfi L Chini Zittelli G Bassi N Microalgae for oil: strain selection, induction of lipid synthesis and outdoor mass cultivation in a low-cost photobioreactor Biotechnol Bioeng 102 1 100 112 2009 18683258 ▪ Strain selection is of major importance for commercial biofuel production. The authors provide a solid foundation for comparing potential producitivity of multiple species. This area is under-represented in biofuels literature and the authors should be commended. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingown data

    If a species with a growth rate of 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil content can be identified, the resulting price of algae oil would be approximately $310 per barrel.

    “If we assume that, with thorough characterization of extant species, we can identify a species that has a growth rate of 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil content, then the resulting price of algae oil would be approximately $310 per barrel.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: A species with a growth rate of 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil content can be identified through thorough characterization of extant species.
  • Findingown data

    The authors' model predicts that higher growth densities improve economic viability more rapidly than a proportional increase in growth rate, because the expense of harvesting and fuel extraction outweighs the capital expense of building a larger facility to get the same overall total production.

    “our model predicts that higher growth densities improve economic viability more rapidly than a proportional increase in growth rate, since the expense of harvesting and fuel extraction outweighs the capital expense of building a larger facility to get the same overall total production.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisecitation

    Some Botryococcus spp. have up to 50% of their dry mass stored as long-chain hydrocarbons.

    “some Botryococcus spp. have been identified that have up to 50% of their dry mass stored as long-chain hydrocarbons [19].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Kojima E Zhang K Growth and hydrocarbon production of microalga Botryococcus braunii in bubble column photobioreactors J Biosci Bioeng 87 6 811 815 1999 16232559 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation

    Algae require nitrogen to be fixed into ammonia, nitrates and similar molecules in order to be used as a nutrient source.

    “Algae require nitrogen to be fixed into ammonia, nitrates and similar molecules, in order to be used as a nutrient source [43].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Ryther JH Dunstan WM Nitrogen, phosphorus, and eutrophication in the coastal marine environment Science 171 3975 1008 1013 1971 4993386 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 52
  • May combine two claims. 70
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The challenges to algal biofuels include strain identification and improvement in oil productivity and crop protection, nutrient and resource allocation and use, and production of co-products to improve the economics of the entire system.

    “These challenges include strain identification and improvement, both in terms of oil productivity and crop protection, nutrient and resource allocation and use, and the production of co-products to improve the economics of the entire system.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Algae biofuels may provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels, but the technology must overcome a number of hurdles before it can compete in the fuel market and be broadly deployed.

    “Algae biofuels may provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels; however, this technology must overcome a number of hurdles before it can compete in the fuel market and be broadly deployed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Estimated costs of a barrel of algae-based fuel using current technology are US$300-2600, compared with $40-80 (2009) for petroleum.

    “estimated costs of a barrel of algae-based fuel using current technology is US$300–2600, compared with $40–80 (2009) for petroleum [9–12].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [9] Dismukes GC Carrieri D Bennette N Ananyev GM Posewitz MC Aquatic phototrophs: efficient alternatives to land-based crops for biofuels Curr Opin Biotechnol 19 3 235 240 2008 18539450 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] Borowitzka MA Algal biotechnology products and processes – matching science and economics J Applied Phycology 4 267 279 1992 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Chisti Y Biodiesel from microalgae Biotechnol Adv 25 3 294 306 2007 17350212 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Alabi AO Tampier M Bibeau E Microalgae Technogies and Processes for Biofuels/Bioenergy Production in British Columbia The BC Innovation Council BC, Canada 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Iron is required for electron transport in all known photosynthetic organisms and is typically found in iron-sulfur clusters in a variety of photosynthetic proteins.

    “Biologically, iron is required for electron transport in all known photosynthetic organisms, including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and is typically found in iron-sulfur clusters in a variety of photosynthetic proteins [50].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50] Godman J Balk J Genome analysis of chlamydomonas reinhardtii reveals the existence of multiple, compartmentalized iron-sulfur protein assembly machineries of different evolutionary origins Genetics 179 1 59 68 2008 18493040 PMC2390635 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Providing a cheap source of fixed nitrogen will be important for algae biofuel production, and nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria may help minimize these costs.

    “Providing a cheap source of fixed nitrogen will be important for algae biofuel production, and the possibility of using nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria to supply this nitrogen may help minimize these costs [46].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] Berman-Frank I Lundgren P Falkowski P Nitrogen fixation and photosynthetic oxygen evolution in cyanobacteria Res Microbiol 154 3 157 164 2003 12706503 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Algae require sources of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, which are major components of agricultural fertilizers, and large-scale aquaculture will impact these already limited supplies.

    “Algae, similar to plants, require sources of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, which are the major components of agricultural fertilizers, and large-scale aquaculture will impact these already limited supplies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Crude algae oil is chemically similar to crude fossil fuel oil, so the engineering challenges associated with algae oil conversion to usable liquid fuels are similar to those already managed by petroleum companies, although improved catalysts will be required to improve gasoline production from bio-oil.

    “Once extracted, because crude algae oil is chemically similar to crude fossil fuel oil, the engineering challenges associated with algae oil conversion to usable liquid fuels are similar to those already well managed by petroleum companies, although improved catalysts will be required to improve gasoline production from bio-oil [31].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] Maher KD Bressler DC Pyrolysis of triglyceride materials for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals Bioresour Technol 98 12 2351 2368 2007 17166713 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Algae grown in open ponds have water requirements per unit area similar to cotton or wheat, but less than corn, to replenish water lost in evaporation.

    “Perhaps surprisingly, algae grown in open ponds have water requirements per unit area similar to that of cotton or wheat, but less than that of corn, to replenish the water lost in evaporation (for an overview of water requirements of terrestrial plants used in biofuel production see [33]).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] Gerbens-Leenes W Hoekstra AY Van Der Meer TH The water footprint of bioenergy Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106 25 10219 10223 2009 19497862 PMC2690604 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Sulfur is required for protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, in addition to its key role in the electron transport chain.

    “Sulfur, in addition to its key role in the electron transport chain, is also required for protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Iron in its oxidized form is not optimal for uptake, and most algae prefer chelated iron.

    “Iron in its oxidized form is not optimal for uptake, and most algae prefer chelated iron.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Photobioreactors have advantages over open systems in that they can more easily maintain axenic cultures and more controlled growth environments, which may lead to increases in productivity; however, contained systems are challenged by efficiencies in gas exchange and a requirement for supplemental cooling.

    “PBRs have advantages over open systems in that they can more easily maintain axenic cultures, and can maintain more controlled growth environments, which may lead to increases in productivity; however, contained systems are challenged by efficiencies in gas exchange and a requirement for supplemental cooling [28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] Chisti Y Biodiesel from microalgae beats bioethanol Trends Biotechnol 26 3 126 131 2008 18221809 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Algae can produce biomass very rapidly, with some species doubling in as few as 6 h, and many exhibiting two doublings per day.

    “Algae can produce biomass very rapidly, with some species doubling in as few as 6 h, and many exhibiting two doublings per day [16,17].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [16] Sheehan J Dunahay T Benemann J Roessler P A Look Back at the U S Department of Energy's Aquatic Species Program – Biodiesel from Algae National Renewable Energy Laboratory CO, USA 328 1998 ▪ ▪ Outlines some of the early successes and challenges faced by groups currently addressing algae biofuels. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [17] Huesemann MH Hausmann TS Bartha R Aksoy M Weissman JC Benemann JR Biomass productivities in wild type and pigment mutant of Cyclotella sp. (diatom) Appl Biochem Biotechnol 157 3 507 526 2009 18597048 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Micro- and macro-nutrient supplements, or fertilizer, account for significant costs in the current terrestrial agriculture industry, and biofuels are not expected to be an exception.

    “Micro- and macro-nutrient supplements, or fertilizer, account for significant costs in the current terrestrial agriculture industry [38], and biofuels are not expected to be an exception.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] US Department of Agriculture Farm Production Expenditures 2008 Summary US Department of Agriculture DC, USA 80 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some estimates for a barrel of algae oil in specific regions reach as low as $84.

    “Although some estimates for a barrel of algae oil in specific regions reach as low as $84 [13].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Huntley ME Redalje DG CO2 mitigation and renewable oil from photosynthetic microbes: a new appraisal Mitigat Adapt Strategies Global Change 12 573 608 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Production of algae biofuels would minimize land use compared with biofuels produced from terrestrial plants, and waste streams can be remediated during culturing of the microalgae.

    “Thus, not only would production of algae biofuels minimize land use compared with biofuels produced from terrestrial plants but, in the process of culturing these microalgae, waste streams can be remediated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Algae can be grown on land that would not be used for traditional agriculture.
    • Rests on an assumption: Algae are very efficient at removing nutrients from water.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Optimal growth of many algal species requires chelated iron and sulfur.

    “In addition, optimal growth of many algal species requires chelated iron and sulfur.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Algae efficiently use CO2 and are responsible for more than 40% of global carbon fixation, with the majority of this productivity coming from marine microalgae.

    “Algae efficiently use CO2, and are responsible for more than 40% of the global carbon fixation, with the majority of this productivity coming from marine microalgae [14,15].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [14] Falkowski PG Barber RT Smetacek VV Biogeochemical controls and feedbacks on ocean primary production Science 281 5374 200 207 1998 9660741 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Parker MS Mock T Armbrust EV Genomic insights into marine microalgae Annu Rev Genet 42 619 645 2008 18983264 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Many nonarable regions have substantial alkaline or saline water reservoirs beneath them, providing a significant source of nonpotable water suitable for growth of many algal species.

    “Expansion of algal growth into nonarable land will require water; fortunately, many of these regions have substantial alkaline or saline water reservoirs beneath them, providing a significant source of nonpotable water that is suitable for growth of many algal species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Terrestrial models for large-scale algal aquaculture use land that is not presently used for food agriculture and has minimal known environmental or other significant economic utility.

    “The terrestrial models use land that is not presently used for food agriculture, and has minimal known environmental or other significant economic utility.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These oil extraction technologies have all been successfully demonstrated but are relatively expensive in terms of equipment needed or energy required to extract the oil.

    “These technologies have all been successfully demonstrated but are relatively expensive, either in terms of equipment needed or energy required to extract the oil.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Krichnavaruk S Shotipruk A Goto M Pavasant P Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis with vegetable oils as co-solvent Bioresour Technol 99 13 5556 5560 2008 18068354 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Some cyanobacteria can fix nitrogen, while almost all algal species identified to date require an exogenous source of fixed nitrogen, and most prefer ammonia.

    “Some cyanobacteria also have the ability to fix nitrogen, while almost all algal species identified to date require an exogenous source of fixed nitrogen, and most prefer ammonia, as it is less energetically demanding than nitrate or nitrite [45].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] Inokuchi R Kuma Ki Miyata T Okada M Nitrogen-assimilating enzymes in land plants and algae: phylogenic and physiological perspectives Physiol Plant 116 1 1 11 2002 12207656 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Potential waste streams for algal culture include municipal wastewater to remove nitrates and phosphates before discharge, and flue gas of coal or other combustible-based power plants to capture sulfates and CO2.

    “Potential waste streams include municipal wastewater to remove nitrates and phosphates before discharge, and flue gas of coal or other combustible-based power plants to capture sulfates and CO2 [22–24].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [22] He P Xu S Zhang H Bioremediation efficiency in the removal of dissolved inorganic nutrients by the red seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis, cultivated in the open sea Water Res 42 4–5 1281 1289 2008 17959220 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23] Fierro S Sanchez-Saavedra Mdel P Copalcua C Nitrate and phosphate removal by chitosan immobilized Scenedesmus Bioresour Technol 99 5 1274 1279 2008 17531478 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [24] Douskova I Doucha J Livansky K Simultaneous flue gas bioremediation and reduction of microalgal biomass production costs Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 82 1 179 185 2009 19096837 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Addition of iron to induce an algal bloom has been considered and tested as a strategy to sequester CO2.

    “Interestingly, the addition of iron to induce an algal bloom has been considered and tested as a strategy to sequester CO2 [47–49].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [47] Coale KH Johnson KS Chavez FP Southern ocean iron enrichment experiment: carbon cycling in high- and low-si waters Science 304 5669 408 414 2004 15087542 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] Boyd PW Law CS Wong CS The decline and fate of an iron-induced subarctic phytoplankton bloom Nature 428 6982 549 553 2004 15058302 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [49] Coale KH Johnson KS Fitzwater SE A massive phytoplankton bloom induced by an ecosystem-scale iron fertilization experiment in the equatorial pacific ocean Nature 383 6600 495 501 1996 18680864 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Higher dollar estimates for algae fuel are more common and similar to the authors' own estimates, and exclude algal oil from the current liquid fuel market.

    “The higher dollar estimates are more common and similar to our own estimates, and exclude algal oil from the current liquid fuel market.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Algae production strains have the potential to be bioengineered, allowing improvement of specific traits and production of valuable co-products, which may allow algal biofuels to compete economically with petroleum.

    “Algae production strains also have the potential to be bioengineered, allowing improvement of specific traits [25,26] and production of valuable co-products, which may allow algal biofuels to compete economically with petroleum.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [25] Rosenberg JN Oyler GA Wilkinson L Betenbaugh MJ A green light for engineered algae: redirecting metabolism to fuel a biotechnology revolution Curr Opin Biotechnol 19 5 430 436 2008 18725295 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Zaslavskaia LA Lippmeier JC Shih C Ehrhardt D Grossman AR Apt KE Trophic conversion of an obligate photoautotrophic organism through metabolic engineering Science 292 5524 2073 2075 2001 11408656 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Nitrogen is not limited in supply but is often a limiting macronutrient for plant and algae growth.

    “Nitrogen, unlike phosphorous, is not limited in supply but is often a limiting macronutrient when it comes to plant and algae growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Large algal monocultures will be invaded by pests and pathogens, so crop protection is a major challenge to algal pond sustainability.

    “Much like terrestrial monocultures, large algal monocultures will be invaded by pests and pathogens, and therefore, crop protection is a major challenge to algal pond sustainability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Chlorella ellipsoidea nuclear genome was engineered to produce rabbit neutrophil peptide-1, which proved to be effective against human pathogens in vitro.

    “The Chlorella ellipsoidea nuclear genome was engineered to produce rabbit neutrophil peptide-1, which proved to be effective agent against human pathogens in vitro [79].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Chen Y Wang Y Sun Y Zhang L Li W Highly efficient expression of rabbit neutrophil peptide-1 gene in chlorella ellipsoidea cells Curr Genet 39 5 365 370 2001 11525411 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The aforementioned proteins might be effective against microorganisms, but aquatic invertebrates could still feed freely on these algae.

    “The aforementioned proteins might be effective against microorganisms but aquatic invertebrates could still feed freely on these algae.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Insecticidal proteins similar to those from Bacillus thuringensis and Bacillus sphaericus have been expressed in plants and cyanobacteria and shown to be detrimental towards aquatic insects, aquatic larvae and daphnids.

    “These proteins have already been expressed in plants and cyanobacteria, and shown to be detrimental towards aquatic insects, aquatic larvae and daphnids [73,83–85].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [73] Berry JP Gantar M Perez MH Berry G Noriega FG Cyanobacterial toxins as allelochemicals with potential applications as algaecides, herbicides and insecticides Mar Drugs 6 117 146 2008 18728763 PMC2525484 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [83] Kuci Ska J Lonc E Rydzanicz K Transgenic bioinsecticides inimical to parasites, but imical to environment Wiadomo Ci Parazytologiczne 49 1 11 2003 16889013

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [84] Rosi-Marshall Ej Tank Jl Royer Tv Toxins in transgenic crop byproducts may affect headwater stream ecosystems Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104 41 16204 2007 17923672 PMC2042185 source

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    • cites [85] Bøhn T Primicerio R Hessen DO Traavik T Reduced fitness of Daphnia magna fed a bt-transgenic maize variety Arch Environment Contamin Toxicol 55 4 584 592 2008 18347840 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Transformed Chlamydomonas reindhartii chloroplast accumulated 5% total soluble protein of the mammary-associated serum amyloid A3 peptide, but its antimicrobial activity was not tested.

    “Transformed Chlamydomonas reindhartii chloroplast accumulated 5% total soluble protein (TSP) of the mammary-associated serum amyloid A3 peptide, but its antimicrobial activity was not tested [80,81].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [80] Manuell AL Beligni MV Elder JH Robust expression of a bioactive mammalian protein in chlamydomonas chloroplast Plant Biotechnol J 5 3 402 412 2007 17359495 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [81] Molenaar AJ Harris DP Rajan GH The acute-phase protein serum amyloid a3 is expressed in the bovine mammary gland and plays a role in host defence Biomarkers 14 1 26 37 2009 19283521 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Outdoor pond systems have lower initial capital costs, but historically these open pond systems have relied mainly on outcompeting contaminating organisms by using densely grown axenic or nearly axenic starter cultures.

    “Outdoor pond systems have lower initial capital costs, but historically these open pond systems have relied mainly on outcompeting contaminating organisms by using densely grown axenic (or nearly axenic) starter cultures [58,59].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [58] Lebeau T Robert JM Diatom cultivation and biotechnologically relevant products. Part I. Cultivation at various scales Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 60 6 612 623 2003 12664139 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [59] Matsudo MC Bezerra RP Sato S Perego P Converti A Carvalho JCM Repeat fed-batch cultivation of Arthrospira (spirulina) patensis using urea as nitrogen source Biochem Engineer J 43 1 52 57 2008 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Expression of bovine lactoferricin was achieved in nuclear transformants of Nannochloropsis oculata, and algal extracts from strains expressing this protein were effective against Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahemolyticus.

    “Recently, expression of bovine lactoferricin was achieved in nuclear transformants of Nannochloropsis oculata. Algal extracts from strains expressing this protein were effective against Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahemolyticus [82].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [82] Li SS Tsai HJ Transgenic microalgae as a non-antibiotic bactericide producer to defend against bacterial pathogen infection in the fish digestive tract Fish Shellfish Immunol 26 2 316 325 2009 18691655 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dunaliella salina and Arthrospira can withstand up to 35% salinity and pH 10, respectively.

    “This would be the case with Dunaliella salina and Arthrospira, which can withstand up to 35% salinity and pH 10, respectively [59–61].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [59] Matsudo MC Bezerra RP Sato S Perego P Converti A Carvalho JCM Repeat fed-batch cultivation of Arthrospira (spirulina) patensis using urea as nitrogen source Biochem Engineer J 43 1 52 57 2008 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Ginzburg M Ginzburg BZ Interrelationships of light, temperature, sodium chloride and carbon source in growth of halotolerant and halophilic strains of Dunaliella Eur J Phycology 16 3 313 324 1981

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [61] Dubinsky Z Rotem J Relations between algal populations and the pH of their media Oecologia 16 53 69 1974 28308951 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Closed systems such as photobioreactors have the potential to minimize contamination but at a high capital expense.

    “Closed systems, such as PBRs, have the potential to minimize contamination, but this comes at a high capital expense.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The majority of antibiotic extracts studied so far have been from marine macro- and micro-algae, but they are also present in many freshwater species.

    “The majority of antibiotic extracts studied so far have been from marine macro- and micro-algae [65–67]; however, they are also present in many freshwater species [67–69].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [65] Bhadury P Wright PC Exploitation of marine algae: biogenic compounds for potential antifouling applications Planta 219 4 561 578 2004 15221382 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [66] Pesando D Antibacterial and antifungal activities of marine algae Intro Applied Phycol 3 26 1990

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [67] Gupta AB Shrivastava GC On antibiotic properties of some fresh water algae Hydrobiologia 25 1 285 288 1965 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [68] Chu CY Liao WR Huang R Lin LP Haemagglutinating and antibiotic activities of freshwater microalgae World J Microbiol Biotechnol 20 8 817 825 2004 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [69] Santoyo S Rodríguez-Meizoso I Cifuentes A Green processes based on the extraction with pressurized fluids to obtain potent antimicrobials from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae LWT Food Science Technol 42 7 1213 1218 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Some algal chemicals accumulate within cells so they only act after the algae is damaged or ingested; in other species, toxins are secreted into the media by the algae to avoid negative interactions.

    “Some of these chemicals accumulate within cells so they only act after the algae is damaged or ingested. In other species, toxins are secreted into the media by the algae to avoid negative interactions [70].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [70] Wolfe GV The chemical defense ecology of marine unicellular plankton: constraints, mechanisms, and impacts Biological Bull 198 2 225 2000 10786943 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Not all production strains can survive in extreme conditions, and there is still the possibility for an extremophile contamination to arise.

    “Unfortunately, not all production strains can survive in extreme conditions, and there is still the possibility for an extremophile contamination to arise [62].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [62] Borowitzka MA Culturing microalgae in outdoor ponds Algal Culturing Techniques Andersen RA Academic Press NY, USA 218 2005 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Anaerobic digestion produces methane gas while keeping the majority of nutrients in a bacterial slurry that can be used for algal fertilizer.

    “This bacterial process produces methane gas, while keeping the majority of the nutrients in a bacterial slurry that can be killed and the mix used for algal fertilizer.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [53] Sialve B Bernet N Bernard O Anaerobic digestion of microalgae as a necessary step to make microalgal biodiesel sustainable Biotechnol Advances 27 4 409 416 2009 19289163 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Production estimates to date, primarily based on laboratory conditions in enclosed photobioreactors, will need to be recalculated for industrially scalable systems before they can be considered meaningful for biofuel production.

    “production estimates to date, which are primarily based on laboratory conditions in enclosed photobioreactors, will need to be recalculated for industrially scalable systems before they can be considered meaningful for biofuel production”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Green algae have been used extensively in aquaculture, mainly for production of secondary metabolites such as β-carotene and astaxanthin.

    “Green algae have been used extensively in aquaculture, mainly for the production of secondary metabolites, such as β-carotene and astaxanthin.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The US government-sponsored Aquatic Species Program provided initial characterization of a few hundred species from the 1970s through to the mid-1990s.

    “The US government-sponsored Aquatic Species Program (ASP) provided initial characterization of a few hundred species, from the 1970s through to the mid-1990s [16].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [16] Sheehan J Dunahay T Benemann J Roessler P A Look Back at the U S Department of Energy's Aquatic Species Program – Biodiesel from Algae National Renewable Energy Laboratory CO, USA 328 1998 ▪ ▪ Outlines some of the early successes and challenges faced by groups currently addressing algae biofuels. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Botryococcus spp. produce triterpenoid botryoccenes, a potential fuel molecule that requires minimal refining.

    “Botryococcus spp. that produce the triterpenoid botryoccenes, a potential fuel molecule that requires minimal refining [103].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [103] Metzger P Largeau C Botryococcus braunii: a rich source for hydrocarbons and related ether lipids Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 66 5 486 496 2005 15630516 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium cocultured with a lipid-rich alga may form a synergistic relationship that allows total biomass density to expand above current estimates while minimizing the cost of adding nitrates.

    “it is possible that a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, cocultured with a lipid-rich algae, may form a synergistic relationship, allowing the total biomass density to expand above current estimates, while minimizing the cost of adding nitrates to the system”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Some cyanobacteria have the ability to fix nitrogen.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Algae are an extremely diverse group that contains many thousands of known species, and potentially hundreds of thousands.

    “Algae are an extremely diverse group that contains many thousands of known species, and potentially hundreds of thousands.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Diatoms have more than 100,000 estimated species and are currently one of the most prolific primary marine producers.

    “This diverse group, with more than 100,000 estimated species, is currently one of the most prolific primary marine producers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Algal growth in open pond systems has produced 0.06-0.231 g/l/day of biomass, and nearly 3 g/l/day in bioreactors.

    “To date, algal growth in open pond systems have been able to produce 0.06–0.231 g/l/day of biomass [16,106,107] and nearly 3 g/l/day in bioreactors [108].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [16] Sheehan J Dunahay T Benemann J Roessler P A Look Back at the U S Department of Energy's Aquatic Species Program – Biodiesel from Algae National Renewable Energy Laboratory CO, USA 328 1998 ▪ ▪ Outlines some of the early successes and challenges faced by groups currently addressing algae biofuels. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [106] Moheimani NR Borowitzka MA Limits to productivity of the alga Pleurochrysis carterae (haptophyta) grown in outdoor raceway ponds Biotechnol Bioeng 96 1 27 36 2007 16948168 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [107] Blanco AM Moreno J Del Campo JA Rivas J Guerrero MG Outdoor cultivation of lutein-rich cells of Muriellopsis sp. in open ponds Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 73 6 1259 1266 2007 17033775 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [108] Doucha J Livansky K Productivity, CO2/O2 exchange and hydraulics in outdoor open high density microalgal (Chlorella sp.) photobioreactors operated in a middle and southern european climate J Applied Phycology 18 6 811 826 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Nuclear transformation has been achieved in a number of other green algae species, such as members of the Chlorella and volvox genuses.

    “while nuclear transformation has been achieved in a number of other green algae species, such as members of the Chlorella and volvox genuses [99,100].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [99] Lerche K Hallmann A Stable nuclear transformation of Gonium pectorale BMC Biotechnol 9 64 2009 19591675 PMC2720962 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [100] Hawkins RL Nakamura M Expression of human growth hormone by the eukaryotic alga, Chlorella Curr Microbiol 38 6 335 341 1999 10341074 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In silica-limited environments, diatoms have been found to accumulate lipids, but growth is reduced.

    “In silica-limited environments, diatoms have been found to accumulate lipids; however, growth is reduced [88].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [88] Roessler PG Changes in the activities of various lipid and carbohydrate biosynthetic enzymes in the diatom Cyclotella cryptica in response to silicon deficiency Arch Biochem Biophys 267 2 521 528 1988 2905594 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Renewed interest in cyanobacteria as a biofuel source exists because some species can grow in extreme environments and because they have potential to be rapidly engineered.

    “renewed interest in cyanobacteria as a potential biofuel source because of the ability of some species to grow in extreme environments, and the potential to rapidly engineer these species”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Cyanobacteria may be manipulated to secrete biofuel molecules.

    “Cyanobacteria may also be able to be manipulated to secrete biofuel molecules.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    The diatom sexual lifecycle is poorly understood, making diatoms recalcitrant to traditional forward genetic exploration.

    “Although other diploid species have become foundational model organisms (e.g. Arabidopsis, Drosophila and mice), the diatom sexual lifecycle is poorly understood, making them recalcitrant to traditional forward genetic exploration.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    It is believed that some oil deposits originated from diatom biomass.

    “Furthermore, it is believed that some oil deposits originated from diatom biomass [87].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [87] Armbrust EV The life of diatoms in the World's oceans Nature 459 7244 185 192 2009 19444204 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    One reason for the focus on green algae is their shared common ancestry with vascular plants.

    “One reason for this focus on green algae is their shared common ancestry with vascular plants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Whole-genome sequences have been released for Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and stable nuclear transformation has been shown for these two species and a few other diatoms.

    “Whole-genome sequences have been released for two species, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and recent work has shown stable nuclear transformation of these two species and a few other diatoms [91–94].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [91] Apt KE Kroth-Pancic PG Grossman AR Stable nuclear transformation of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Mol Gen Genet 252 5 572 579 1996 8914518

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [92] Dunahay TG Jarvis EE Roessler PG Genetic transformation of the diatoms Cyclotella cryptica and Navicula saprophila J Phycol 31 6 1004 1012 1995 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [93] Poulsen N Kroger N A new molecular tool for transgenic diatoms: control of mrna and protein biosynthesis by an inducible promoter-terminator cassette FEBS J 272 13 3413 3423 2005 15978046 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [94] Falciatore A Casotti R Leblanc C Abrescia C Bowler C Transformation of nonselectable reporter genes in marine diatoms Mar Biotechnol (NY) 1 3 239 251 1999 10383998 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    These biomass numbers may improve through genetics and breeding, as has been accomplished in crop species.

    “These numbers may improve through genetics and breeding, as has been accomplished in crop species”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The extant green algae consist of approximately 8000 species, found throughout freshwater and marine habitats, and a few species such as D. salina have been shown to survive in high or saturated saline solutions.

    “The extant green algae consist of approximately 8000 species, and member species can be found throughout freshwater and marine habitats, and a few species (e.g., D. salina) have been shown to survive in high/saturated saline solutions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Optimizing the growth of algae in open ponds is a key component of reaching economic viability and remains a major challenge for the industry.

    “Optimizing the growth of algae in open ponds is a key component of reaching economic viability, and remains a major challenge for the industry.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The genomes of a number of green algae have been sequenced, and molecular tools are in place to transform both the chloroplast and nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii.

    “The genomes of a number of green algae have been sequenced, and molecular tools are in place to transform both the chloroplast and nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii [96–98].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [96] Boynton JE Gillham NW Genetics and transformation of mitochondria in the green alga Chlamydomonas Methods Enzymol 264 279 296 1996 8965701 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [97] Boynton JE Gillham NW Chloroplast transformation in Chlamydomonas Methods Enzymol 217 510 536 1993 8474349 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [98] Kindle KL Schnell RA Fernandez E Lefebvre PA Stable nuclear transformation of Chlamydomonas using the Chlamydomonas gene for nitrate reductase J Cell Biol 109 6 Pt 1 2589 2601 1989 2592399 PMC2115893 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Lipid production in cyanobacteria may never reach that of eukaryotic algae.

    “Although lipid production in cyanobacteria may never reach that of the eukaryotic algae”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A diatom species has been characterized that has endosymbiosed a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, suggesting such relationships are beneficial to at least one of the two species.

    “recently, a diatom species has been characterized, which has endosymbiosed a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, suggesting that such relationships are indeed beneficial to at least one of the two species [104,105]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [104] Kneip C Voss C Lockhart PJ Maier UG The cyanobacterial endosymbiont of the unicellular algae rhopalodia gibba shows reductive genome evolution BMC Evol Biol 8 30 2008 18226230 PMC2246100 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [105] Carpenter EJ Janson S Intracellular cyanobacterial symbionts in the marine diatom Climacodium frauenfeldianum (bacillariophyceae) J Phycol 36 3 540 544 2000 29544002 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    For true economic viability to be assessed, all aspects of algal physiology must be assessed under real-world conditions rather than theoretically achievable results under idealized conditions.

    “in order for true economic viability to be assessed, and for algae to move forward from the bench to the pond, all aspects of algal physiology must be assessed under real-world conditions, rather than the theoretically achievable results under idealized conditions”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    Green algae are the most heavily studied algal groups, primarily owing to the establishment of C. reinhardtii as an algal model organism.

    “These green algae are the most heavily studied algal groups, primarily owing to the establishment of the chlorophyceae, C. reinhardtii, as an algal model organism.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The main producer of astaxanthin is the freshwater algae Haematococcus pluvialis, which can accumulate up to 4% of its dry weight as this pigment.

    “The main producer of astaxanthin is the freshwater algae, Haematococcus pluvialis, which can accumulate up to 4% of its dry weight as this pigment [178]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [178] Eonseon J Lee CG Polle JEW Secondary carotenoid accumulation in Haematococcus (chlorophyceae): biosynthesis, regulation, and biotechnology J Microbiol Biotechnol 16 6 821 831 2006

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    More than 20 different algae have now been transformed in either the nucleus or plastid, with all major classes having at least one report of foreign gene expression.

    “more then 20 different algae have now been transformed in either the nucleus or plastid, with all major classes having at least one report of foreign gene expression”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Both the movement towards a hydrogen economy and the ability to engineer algal species to produce substantial amounts of hydrogen in a regulated manner have moved forward at a slower rate than once predicted.

    “both the movement towards a hydrogen economy and the ability to engineer algal species to produce substantial amounts of hydrogen in a regulated manner have moved forward at a slower rate than once predicted”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    C. reinhardtii can and often does efficiently silence or downregulate nonrequired heterologous genes when expressed at high levels, perhaps as a defense against viral infection.

    “C. reinhardtii can and often does efficiently silence or downregulate nonrequired heterologous genes when expressed at high levels, perhaps as a defense against viral infection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Traits from different species, when engineered into a single strain, may be sufficient to result in an economically viable production strain.

    “These traits, when engineered into a single strain, may be sufficient to result in an economically viable production strain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Not all algae appear to show aggressive silencing of heterologous genes; the diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira pseudonana have shown stable integration and expression of marker genes, including GFP.

    “not all algae appear to show this aggressive silencing of heterologous genes. The diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira pseudonana have both shown stable integration and expression of marker genes, including genes that do not necessarily impart a significant advantage (e.g., GFP)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    If infrastructure for algae fuel production is in place, expansion of facilities to include protein or other coproduct purification can be added at a fraction of total cost.

    “If the infrastructure for algae fuel production is in place, expansion of these facilities to include protein or other coproduct purification can be added at a fraction of total cost.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    'Omic fields will play a vital role when characterizing new species as researchers expand beyond classical model organisms.

    “these 'omic fields will play a vital role when characterizing new species, as researchers expand beyond classical model organisms”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Directed and successful breeding of some species of microalgae is possible, but little is known about the sexual lifecycle of the vast majority of species.

    “Directed and successful breeding of some species of microalgae is possible, but little is known about the sexual lifecycle of the vast majority of species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Many co-products will be coextracted with lipids using current strategies, decreasing their value as a coproduct.

    “many of these co-products will be coextracted with the lipids using current strategies, decreasing their value as a coproduct”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Identification of an ideal, unmodified biofuel organism that fits established infrastructure and is economically viable is a possibility; however, a more likely scenario is identification of a variety of species each with one or a few desirable traits.

    “Identification of an ideal, unmodified biofuel organism that fits into the established infrastructure for harvesting, extraction and purification, and is economically viable, is a possibility; however, a much more likely scenario is the identification of a variety of species that each have one or a few of these desirable traits.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Chloroplast transformation occurs through homologous recombination rather than random integration and does not show gene silencing.

    “chloroplast transformation occurs through homologous recombination rather than random integration and does not show gene silencing”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    The primary traits of interest for algal biofuels are growth rates, growth density, lipid accumulation, resistance to predators and harvestability.

    “The primary traits of interest are growth rates, growth density, lipid accumulation, resistance to predators and harvestability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    β-carotene is produced by the marine algae D. salina, which can accumulate up to 14% of its dry weight as this pigment under stress conditions.

    “β-carotene is produced by the marine algae D. salina, which can accumulate up to 14% of its dry weight as this pigment under stress conditions [175]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [175] Ye ZW Jiang JG Wu GH Biosynthesis and regulation of carotenoids in Dunaliella: progresses and prospects Biotechnol Advances 26 4 352 360 2008 18486405 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Adding a reduced carbon source to algae cultures will increase the presence of unwanted pests, potentially making scale-up to volumes required for significant biofuel production problematic.

    “adding a reduced carbon source to algae cultures will increase the presence of unwanted pests, potentially making the scale-up to the volumes required for significant biofuel production problematic”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The literature on algal strain improvements is minimal; however, extrapolation from successes in other systems may provide a blueprint for some improvements.

    “In general, the literature on algal strain improvements is minimal; however, extrapolation from successes in other system may provide a blueprint for some of these improvements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    These natural co-products have potential to provide a bridge while the economics of algal biofuels improve.

    “These natural co-products have potential to provide a bridge while the economics of algal biofuels improve.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Many of these traits are probably multigene traits, and species with sequenced genomes will offer significant advantages to those without.

    “Many of these are probably multigene traits, and species with sequenced genomes will offer significant advantages to those without.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Modified quantitative trait loci strategies can be applied across species to identify orthologs that regulate similar traits in other species.

    “there is potential to use modified quantitative trait loci (QTL) strategies, and apply these across species to identify orthologs that regulate similar traits in other species [113]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [113] Borevitz JO Maloof JN Lutes J Quantitative trait loci controlling light and hormone response in two accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana Genetics 160 2 683 696 2002 11861571 PMC1461994 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    There is potential to improve algae for biofuels by developing tools for selective breeding and using these to move traits that impact biofuels between closely related species or to improve specific strains of one species.

    “There is potential to improve algae for biofuels by developing the tools for selective breeding and using these to move traits that have an impact on biofuels between closely related species, or to improve specific strains of one species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Improving extraction techniques or dedicating a percentage of the algal crop to higher value products depending on demand may further close the economic gap between petroleum and algae biofuels.

    “Improving extraction techniques or dedicating a percentage of the algal crop to these higher value products depending on demand (e.g., with terrestrial agriculture) may further close the economic gap between petroleum and algae biofuels (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The plastid genome of Chlamydomonas has been successfully transformed and has become a consistent method for heterologous protein expression.

    “the plastid genome of Chlamydomonas has been successfully transformed and has become a consistent method for heterologous protein expression [117,118]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [117] Mayfield SP Manuell AL Chen S Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplasts as protein factories Curr Opin Biotechnol 18 2 126 133 2007 17317144 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [118] Purton S Tools and techniques for chloroplast transformation of Chlamydomonas Adv Exp Med Biol 616 34 45 2007 18161489 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Algae produce hexose sugars, which can be fermented to produce ethanol, butanol and potentially longer chain hydrocarbons.

    “algae produce hexose sugars, which can be fermented to produce ethanol, butanol and potentially longer chain hydrocarbons”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The enzymes involved in oil production may be manipulated to increase oil production, and the resulting oil can be used after transesterification as diesel or undergo carbon cracking to produce biogasoline or biojet fuels.

    “The enzymes involved in oil production may be able to be manipulated, thus increasing the oil production of these species, and the resulting oil can be used after being transesterified as diesel or undergo carbon cracking to produce biogasoline or biojet fuels [161]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [161] Benson TJ Hernandez R White MG Heterogenous cracking of an unsaturated fatty acid and reaction intermediates on H+ZSM-5 catalyst Clean 36 8 652 656 2008

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The economic impact from these strain improvements will allow for decreased operational costs.

    “The economic impact from these improvements will allow for decrease operational costs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Once extracted, the chemical profile of algal fatty acids is not expected to be substantially different from the chemical mixes currently found in sweet light crude oil.

    “once extracted, its chemical profile is not expected to be substantially different from the chemical mixes currently found in sweet light crude oil”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Microalgae are amenable to many of the 'omic techniques developed for bacteria and single-celled eukaryotes, such as S. cerevisae.

    “microalgae are amenable to many of the 'omic techniques developed for bacteria and single-celled eukaryotes, such as S. cerevisae”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid commercially produced by Crypthecodinium and Schizochytrium for infant formulas and aquaculture feeds.

    “Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid commercially produced by Crypthecodinium and Schizochytrium for infant formulas and aquaculture feeds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Arthrospira (Spirulina) has a 60-71% dry-weight protein content and is widely used as a food supplement for humans and animals.

    “The cyanobacteria Arthrospira (i.e., Spirulina) has a 60–71% dry-weight protein content, and is widely used as a food supplement for humans, cattle, poultry, aquarium fish, ornamental birds and horses [168]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [168] Becker W Microalgae in human and animal nutrition Handbook of Microalgal Culture: Biotechnology & Applied Phycology Richmond A Blackwell Oxford, UK 312 351 2003 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    An alternative coproduct strategy is to genetically engineer algae to produce higher value proteins, specifically industrial enzymes and animal feed supplements.

    “An alternative coproduct strategy is to genetically engineer algae to produce higher value proteins, specifically industrial enzymes and animal feed supplements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Different methods of lipid extraction from hexane extraction to pressing extract lipids with different efficiencies and can yield different lipid profiles and returns.

    “Different methods of lipid extraction from hexane extraction to pressing strategies extract lipids with different efficiencies and can yield different lipid profiles and returns.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Early on, diverse coproduct-producing strains will most likely be used rather than an optimal single strain.

    “Early on, owing to the large market for fuels and companies establishing niches, it is most likely that diverse coproduct-producing strains will be used, rather than an optimal single strain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Other strain-specific improvements being considered include crop protection, salt tolerance, growth at high pH, improved nutrient utilization and traits for more efficient harvesting such as flocculation.

    “other strain-specific improvements are being considered, including crop protection, salt tolerance, growth at high pH, improved nutrient utilization and traits that lead to more efficient harvesting, such as flocculation”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The ability to secrete lipids may improve efficiency in harvesting and nutrient utilization, as well as provide some protection from contamination.

    “The ability to secrete lipids may improve efficiency in harvesting and nutrient utilization, as well as provide some protection from contamination.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Flocculation will allow improved harvesting by making it easier to concentrate algae, decreasing the cost of water extraction.

    “flocculation will allow improved harvesting by making it easier to concentrate algae, decreasing the cost of water extraction”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Fuel production from algae can be cost competitive and widely scalable and deployable in the next 7-10 years, but only if understanding of algae and ability to engineer them continue to expand.

    “Even given these uncertainties, we believe that fuel production from algae can be cost competitive and widely scalable and deployable in the next 7–10 years”
    • Also stated in: § Future perspective · plain
      “but only if we continue to expand our understanding of these amazing organisms as we expand our ability to engineer them for the specific task of developing a new energy industry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Subsequent genetic engineering and breeding will be required to bring these strains to economic viability.

    “and subsequent genetic engineering and breeding will be required to bring these strains to economic viability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The most likely scenario is that bioprospecting will not identify algal species that are cost competitive with petroleum.

    “Despite the potential of this strategy, the most likely scenario is that bioprospecting will not identify species that are cost competitive with petroleum”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Many industrial enzymes can be produced with values ranging between $25 and $50 per kg, and large markets currently exist for them.

    “there are many industrial enzymes that can be produced, with values ranging between $25 and $50 per kg, and for which large markets currently exist [25]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25] Rosenberg JN Oyler GA Wilkinson L Betenbaugh MJ A green light for engineered algae: redirecting metabolism to fuel a biotechnology revolution Curr Opin Biotechnol 19 5 430 436 2008 18725295 source

      Not checked in the free run.

102 of 102
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    A species with a growth rate of 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil content can be identified through thorough characterization of extant species.

    “If we assume that, with thorough characterization of extant species, we can identify a species that has a growth rate of 0.3 g/l/day and 40% oil content”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Algae can be grown on land that would not be used for traditional agriculture.

    “They can be grown on land that would not be used for traditional agricultural”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Thirty million acres will be required to meet US oil demand from algae or any other biofuel feedstock.

    “with estimates suggesting that 30 million acres will be required to meet US oil demand”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Algae require nutrients, light, water and a carbon source, most often CO2, for efficient growth.

    “Algae require nutrients, light, water and a carbon source, most often CO2, for efficient growth.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The major nutrients required by most algae include phosphorous, nitrogen, iron and sulfur.

    “The major nutrients required by most algae include phosphorous, nitrogen, iron and sulfur.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Phosphorous makes up slightly less than 1% of total algal biomass and is required at approximately 0.03–0.06% in the medium to sustain algal growth.

    “Phosphorous makes up slightly less then 1% of total algal biomass and is required at approximately 0.03–0.06% in the medium to sustain algal growth.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Presently, less than 40 million tons of phosphate is mined from the USA annually, and maximum phosphate production from this mining peaked in the late 1980s.

    “Presently, less than 40 million tons of phosphate is mined from the USA annually, and the maximum phosphate production from this mining peaked in the late 1980s.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The total amount of phosphate in the USA is estimated to be approximately 2.8 billion tons.

    “the total amount of phosphate in the USA is estimated to be approximately 2.8 billion tons.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    All algae have the capacity to produce energy-rich oils.

    “All algae have the capacity to produce energy-rich oils”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Algae are very efficient at removing nutrients from water.

    “are very efficient at removing nutrients from water”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Some cyanobacteria have the ability to fix nitrogen.

    “Another potential advantage of some cyanobacteria is their ability to fix nitrogen.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The vast majority of reduced carbon sources are derived from photosynthesis.

    “since the vast majority of reduced carbon sources are derived from photosynthesis”
12 of 12

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • First chloroplast transformation dated after its cited publication

    Minor

    The text says Boynton and co-workers first accomplished stable chloroplast transformation in 1989, but the cited paper reporting that transformation is dated 1988. The reported work could not first have occurred in 1989 if it was published in 1988.

1 of 1

Cites

1 retracted

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Funderberg E. Why are nitrogen prices so high? Pasture Range5 (2009).
  2. Pesando D. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of marine algae. Intro. Applied Phycol.3–26 (1990).
  3. 10.1007/pl00006813 · DOI · Paper page
  4. Materna AC. Development of molecular tools in the diatom Phaedactylum tricornutum. Fachbereich Biologie126 (2006).
  5. 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.03.001 · DOI · Paper page
  6. 10.1016/j.biochi.2004.09.017 · DOI · Paper page
  7. Stolz P, Obermayer B. Manufacturing microalgae for skin care. Cosmetics Toiletries120(3),99–106 (2005).

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Hannon, M., Gimpel, J., Tran, M., Rasala, B., & Mayfield, S.
Affiliations
University of California San Diego (US)
Venue
Biofuels
Published
2010-09
Volume
1
Issue
5
Pages
763-784
ISSN
  • 1759-7269 (ISSN-L)
  • 1759-7277
OpenAlex
W2040026440
Cited by
813
References
184
Citations by year
2026: 21 · 2025: 45 · 2024: 45 · 2023: 64 · 2022: 82 · 2021: 72 · 2020: 56 · 2019: 83 · 2018: 63 · 2017: 86 · 2016: 58 · 2015: 55 · 2014: 42 · 2013: 23 · 2012: 14
FWCI
6.11
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Biofuels (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences (R01GM054659)
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01AI059614)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Bioenergy crop production and management
Keywords
algal biofuels, microalgae, strain improvement, oil productivity, nutrient partitioning, resource allocation, coproducts, economic feasibility, scale-up, alternative fuels

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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