Team:Lethbridge/HP Manufacturing
Manufacturing Perspective
In an attempt to validate the use of microalgae for manufacturing protein therapeutics, we discussed algal genetic engineering with Dr. Stephen Rader, a professor at the University of Northern British Columbia. Dr. Rader introduced us to Cyanidioschyzon merolae, an extremophilic microalgae and our current chassis of choice. We learned from Dr. Rader, that C. merolae is relatively easy to genetically engineer through PEG mediated transformation, but also that its extremophilic nature makes it more convenient to grow in both a non-laboratory and laboratory setting. This is because the optimal growth at pH 2.5 and 42℃ prevents the growth of unintended microbes. Additionally, by consulting literature, we also learned that C. merolae is an edible food additive, making it safe for consumption (Rahman et al., 2017). Because of our interaction with Dr. Rader, we decided to transition our chassis from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to C. merolae. This was especially serendipitous because C. reinhardtii was not as acid tolerant as we expected (seen on our Results page), making it an ineffectual capsule for transporting protein therapeutics through the digestive system.
Additionally, we had a discussion with a microalgae production manager. He confirmed that C. merolae has desirable traits for protein therapeutic production, especially concerning its extremophilic nature. In fact, he suggested that it would make microalgae based production less expensive and simpler. Additionally, he mentioned to us that some researchers manipulate the photo-light antennas to improve growth and reduce light-related costs. As such, we decided to produce parts that allow us to manipulate the light antenna by constitutive repression of the NAB1 gene which is a post transcriptional repressor of light antenna mRNA by function of mRNA sequestration. For more information on this, please see our Design page.
We are excited to present C. merolae as a convenient manufacturing chassis especially in the realm of value added organisms for direct consumption.
References
Rahman D.Y., Sarian F.D., van Wijk A., Martinez-Garcia M., van der Maarel M.J.E.C. 2017. Thermostable phycocyanin from the red microalga Cyanidioschyzon merolae, a new natural blue food colorant. Journal of Applied Phycology. Volume 29, Issue 3, pp 1233–1239.