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CRISPR-cas9 and its biofuel potential to solve the future energy crisis

CRISPR-cas9 and its biofuel potential to solve the future energy crisis

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Many nations employ a combination of energy sources, including nuclear, renewable, and fossil fuels. Nevertheless, oil still makes up a sizable portion of the energy mix in most countries, at least for the time being, despite a global move toward renewables. Energy production, vital infrastructure, industry, and transportation depend on oil (and its derivatives). The use of coal is quickly declining as alternative fuels, most notably natural gas, is replacing it. The worldwide natural gas supply issue shows how vulnerable our energy supply is.

Companies are not financially motivated by the current low oil prices, and political conflicts of interest and the lengthy implementation of laws that will help address climate change are also present. The future contributions of microbial biotechnology to the energy industry depend on convincing businesses and governments of their potential advantages. CRISPR-Cas9 has made it possible for biofuel production to develop significantly. Every stage in biofuel manufacturing uses enzymes made by bacteria, algae, and fungus, and gene editing is a very helpful tool. The majority of organisms utilised in the production of biofuels have undergone some form of genetic modification.

The Market Will Grow Due To The Need For Greener Fuel Alternatives:

The usage of third-generation biofuels is expanding due to the global hunt for cleaner, renewable alternatives to biofuels. Algae biofuel has distinguished itself as a viable option by outperforming second-generation biofuels made from crops. Biofuel is produced using algae such as Chlorella species, Botryococcus braunii, Crypthecodinium cohnii, and Nitzschia. A strong technological basis has been created for modern biochemical engineering approaches due to their implementation. As a result of on-going research and commercialization efforts, algae biofuel production is becoming economically and environmentally viable.

  • University of Edinburgh researchers have created a novel technique for editing genes in algae. They introduced new genes to algae or changed existing ones using CRISPR molecules, which can "cut" DNA. Compared to earlier methods, the process is 500 times more efficient and has a higher level of specificity. This makes it possible to alter the genetic code precisely.
  • The yeasts that convert plant sugars into fuel are poisoned by the chemicals used to hasten the breakdown of plants for the creation of biofuels. University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have discovered two modifications to a single gene to let yeast handle the pre-treatment chemicals. A strain of yeast vulnerable to ionic liquids was modified using CRISPR's gene-editing technique by modifying just two single nucleotides in its DNA. Companies that produce biofuels may now examine certain genes in their strains and change them to make them acceptable for use in fuel production.
  • The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia has researched sugarcane gene editing for bioplastics and renewable energy. Professor Robert Henry, head of the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, said: "The sector must look beyond only producing sugar, to also creating power, biofuels for transportation, and oils to replace old plastics."

Long-term, renewable energy sources will predominate, but this calls for technology that optimises recovery from scarce resources while simultaneously minimising global warming. One of the most important challenge faced by humanity in the twenty-first century is ensuring global energy security while reducing environmental damage. In this new era, inventive technologies that improve resource management will be essential.

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