Whether brown or red, algae can produce plenty of green fuel

Having studied the physiology of algae for more than 30 years, Rose Ann Cattolico is convinced the plant life found in oceans and ponds can be a major source of environmentally friendly fuels for everything from cars and lawn mowers to jet airplanes.

She’s not the only one. Recently Allied Minds, an investment company that works with universities to commercialize early-stage technology, invested in the University of Washington biology professor’s work, forming a startup company called AXI.

"People don’t realize how many types of algae there are — from single cells to large kelp — and each one develops differently," Cattolico said. "What we’re trying to do is choose the best of the best, the ones that produce the right lipids for a particular type of fuel."

Vince Stricherz [email protected]

Full Story: http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=43454