A study done on the feasibility of GFP as a reporter gene for use in microalgae chlorella s.p by electroporation genetic transformation method

• Main Author: Loh, Lionel Wei Quan.
• Other Authors: Chen Wei Ning, William
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Chemical engineering::Fuel
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40133
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The global economy literally hinges and runs on energy. A world rising population and sustained economic growth especially in countries such as India and china has led to a steady increase in the global demand for energy. These energy demands are substantial and with its continued increase, the world will require 60% more energy in 2030 than today of which 45% will be accountable by India and China. (Agency 2007) In today’s world, the energy demand is met largely by the burning of fossil fuels. However, this continued usage of fossil fuels is non sustainable as these are finite resources (Antoni, Zverlov and Schwarz 2007). Furthermore, the combustion of these fossil fuels lead to the emission of green house gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) , sulphur dioxide (SO2) as well as nitrogen oxides (NOx) which affects the sustainability of the environment and economy of the world. Hence in order to meet this quantum leap in energy demands, a multi-faceted approach that includes nuclear, solar, wind, hydrogen, fossil fuel as well as biofuel must be adopted. (Hoffart, et al. 2002, Pacala 2004, V. 2007) Biofuel can be broadly defined as a fuel that originates from biomass and at the moment only biodiesel and bioethanol are produced on an industrial scale. In the first generation of biofuel, feed stock crops such as sugar cane, sugar beet, corn (maize) and wheat are used to derive petroleum replacement for internal combustion engines. (Van Der Laaka, Raven and Verbong 2007) Credible studies have also shown that up to 30% of global demand could be met by biofuel without a drastic impact on food production. (Koonin 2006) In recent years, advancement in technology has made it possible to look at generating biofuel from non feedstock such as microalgae and microbial sources. Microalgae usage as a feedstock for generating biofuel will be further discussed in the next chapter under Background of Final Year Project (FYP).