Algal Biology and Biotechnology
Our research combines molecular-genetic, biochemical and biophysical techniques to investigate various basic and applied aspects of algal biology. We are particularly interested in the biotechnological applications of microalgae as light-driven cell factories for the synthesis of high-value products such as protein biologics (hormones, vaccines, immunotoxins, anti-microbials, etc.); as oral delivery systems for animal vaccines, particularly in the aquaculture and poultry industries; as systems to deliver bioinsecticides to insect pests; and as platforms for making novel oils for human health (e.g. long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) and for the biofuels sector.
Selected publications
New tools for chloroplast genetic engineering allow the synthesis of human growth hormone in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Wannathong, T., Waterhouse, J.C., Young, R.E.B., Economou, C.K., Purton, S.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (2016) 100 (12):5467-5477
Codon reassignment to facilitate genetic engineering and biocontainment in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Young, R.E.B., Purton, S.
Plant Biotechnology Journal (2016) 14 (5):1251-1260
Algal biomass and diesel emulsions: An alternative approach for utilizing the energy content of microalgal biomass in internal combustion engines
Xu, Y., Hellier, P., Purton, S., Baganz, F., Ladommatos, N.
Applied Energy (2016) 172:80-95