FURI | Summer 2024

Enhancing Cyanobacterial L-Alanine Production via Nutritional and Process Optimization

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Cyanobacteria utilize CO2, light, and a nitrogen source to produce biochemicals.  Genetic engineering can improve this, but nutritional and process conditions must also be optimized. This research aims to improve cyanobacterial production of L-Alanine, a proteinogenic amino acid and nutritional supplement. Through the testing of different nitrogen sources like Urea, Sodium Nitrate, and Ammonium Sulfate, the amount of L-Alanine produced can be maximized to create a more sustainable pathway for its production without the use of petrochemical derivatives.

Student researcher

Collin Travis

Chemical engineering

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Graduation date: Spring 2026