Money maker? Solazyme has come up with algae-based biodiesel fuel Photo: Werner Braun

The US company, Solazyme (San Francisco, California), has revealed the first-ever algae-derived biodiesel fuel.

Developed through genetically modified strains of algae transformed to produce vastly increased amounts of oil, Soladiesel is produced by feeding the organisms sugar whilst being stored in dark containers, which the algae then convert into various types of oil. These oils are then suitable for further processing in order to produce a number of fuels, including diesel and jet fuel.

Yes, give me a free trial in print and online in PDF and online Name: Surname: Job Title: Company: Address: City: Country: Post/Zip Code: Tel: Email:   Privacy Policy

The research is funded by a late 2007 $2 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, designed to contribute to research into developing a substitute for crude oil based on algae.

Harrison Dillon, Solazyme’s president and chief technology officer, estimates the fuel may be ready for sale within two to three years.

By Rebecca Debens

> Not a subscriber? Subscribe

MORE NEWS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

Moss may hold gene to help modify crops
More Biotech news