Isoprenoid/Carotenoid Products

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Increased Isoprenoid and Carotenoid Production from Natural Sources Ref #: 08A0016 Lead Inventor: Juergen Polle Background Isoprenoids and Carotenoids are important metabolites. Given the difficulty in extracting isoprenoids from natural sources, there is a need for increased production of isoprenoids and carotenoids from naturally abundant photo synthetic and micro-organisms. Invention This invention relates to a method for increasing the production level of isoprenoids by increasing the expression of polynucleotide sequence that encodes 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase in an algal cell. This invention also relates to a method for increasing the production level of carotenoids in an algal cell. This method includes increasing expression of polynucleotide sequence that encodes phytoene desaturases (PDS) in the algal cell. Also, disclosed is a method to increase the production of isoprenoids and carotenoids by genetically engineering a polynucleotide sequence in an algal cell. Applications Isoprenoids derived from natural sources are used as nutraceuticals, anti-cancer and anti-malarial drugs, in the production of biofuels and are precursors for the synthesis of carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments used in food supplements, pharmaceuticals, electrooptic applications, animal feed additives, colorants, etc. Biofuels are currently being used in transportation, power generation, and heat. The use of biofuels helps in oil price moderation. It plays an important role in economic security, energy security and to restrict climate change. Advantages This invention recognizes the rate limiting step in the pathway of carotenoid and isoprenoid production and demonstrates the utility in genetic engineering of a poly nucleotide sequence to express a higher level of enzyme. This leads to the increased production of isoprenoids and carotenoids than a corresponding wild algal cell. Market Isoprenoids are industrially relevant and are compounds of high value with global markets in the range of USD 1 billion per annum. The global carotenoids market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.24 Billion in 2016 and projected to reach USD 1.53 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 3.78% from 2016 to 2021. This invention adds incremental value to biofuel/renewable energy. The biofuels production in top and emerging countries is now expected to grow from 24,326.7 million gallons to reach 50,921.4 million gallons by 2019 at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2013 to 2019. TEAM (as during the research) Dr. Juergen Polle, Professor, Brooklyn College Dr. Duc Tran, Research Associate, Brooklyn College (at the time of this research) IP pending. Licensing available.