FURI | Spring 2020

Health Optimization of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Mutant for Microbial Electro-Photosynthesis

The primary objective of this research is to optimize the cell health of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant lacking photosystem II used in Microbial Electro-photosynthesis (MEPS), where electrons are delivered to photosystem I via an electrode. Currently, high-intensity light exposure is suspected of affecting cell viability, and the utilization of glucose as an organic carbon source promotes glycogen storage, inhibiting the uptake of electrons. Research will focus on identifying the ideal organic carbon source to be used in culturing the Synechocystis using Joliot-type spectrometry and quantifying the impact of high-intensity light exposure on the organism’s photosystem I using flow cytometry.