FURI | Fall 2025

Optimizing Transformation Conditions for the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901

Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 is a newly discovered cyanobacterial strain for which the transformation protocol is still in its infancy. This research aims to optimize the transformation conditions for introducing foreign plasmids into Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901. The study will evaluate key variables, including culture media, light intensity, temperature, DNA concentration, and incubation time. Optimizing these parameters is expected to increase both the likelihood of successful colony formation after transformation and the total number of transformants per plate, thereby streamlining metabolic engineering efforts in Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901.