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Nannochloropsis spp. Genome Editing Services

CD Biosynsis offers a premier, integrated platform for Nannochloropsis spp. Genome Editing Services, providing researchers with advanced tools to manipulate this industrial powerhouse of the microalgal world. Nannochloropsis species, including N. oceanica and N. gaditana, are globally recognized for their extraordinary lipid accumulation capacity and high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content. Our services are specifically engineered to navigate the unique challenges of the Nannochloropsis genome, such as its robust cell wall and efficient gene silencing mechanisms. By utilizing site-specific nucleases and optimized delivery systems, we empower our clients to transform these oleaginous microalgae into high-performance cell factories for biofuels, nutraceuticals, and carbon capture applications.

Our expert team delivers end-to-end support for Nannochloropsis engineering, moving beyond traditional random mutagenesis toward rational, precision-based design. We utilize various delivery modalities—including high-voltage electroporation and DNA-free Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes—to ensure high editing efficiency across the nuclear genome. Our workflow integrates sophisticated codon optimization and regulatory element selection, ensuring that every engineered strain maintains optimal growth kinetics and genetic stability. Whether you are conducting fundamental research into algal physiology or developing industrial strains for sustainable biomanufacturing, our platform provides the precision and reliability needed to achieve your goals.

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Service Overview Core Technologies Technical Workflow Key Advantages FAQs

Precision Engineering for High-Lipid Algal Chassis

Optimizing Nannochloropsis spp. involves addressing its highly efficient carbon partitioning and its dense cellular structure. Our genome editing solutions prioritize the development of high-fidelity strains that allow for the quantitative study of lipid metabolism. We employ advanced CRISPR-based systems to achieve precise modifications, ensuring that the desired phenotype is fully expressed in the haploid host.

Our strategic approach focuses on the rational redistribution of carbon resources. By applying systems biology principles, we identify specific genetic targets that, when modified, can redirect photosynthetic energy away from storage carbohydrates toward the synthesis of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and EPA. This targeted strategy ensures that engineered strains achieve high specific productivity while remaining resilient under the variable light and nutrient conditions of large-scale industrial photobioreactors, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and commercial application.

Comprehensive Nannochloropsis Engineering Solutions

Core Editing Services Functional Modifications Advanced Genetic Tools

Core Editing Services

Optimized nuclease platforms (Cas9/Cas12a) tailored for the high-efficiency modification of Nannochloropsis species.

Functional Modifications

Permanent disruption of target genes to eliminate metabolic competitors or study essential gene function in oleaginous algae.

Site-specific integration of exogenous pathways or metabolic enzymes into validated safe harbors for stable expression.

Advanced Genetic Tools

Non-mutagenic, tunable transcriptional silencing for balancing metabolic networks without lethal effects.

Precise single-nucleotide conversion (C>T or A>G) for targeted protein engineering and "scarless" point mutations.

Technical Workflow for Algal Engineering

Our pipeline is optimized to address the specific genetic and physiological constraints of Nannochloropsis species to ensure high-fidelity edits.

1. Computational Design

2. Build & Transformation

3. Monoclonal Screening

4. Validation & Delivery

Selection of target loci and bioinformatic gRNA design. Full codon optimization of Cas nucleases and regulatory parts to match the specific bias of the host species.

Preparation of high-purity RNP complexes or specialized algal vectors. Transformation via optimized electroporation or biolistic bombardment.

  • Isolation: Monoclonal isolation via FACS or selective agar plating to ensure genetic purity.
  • HTS: High-throughput screening of clones for growth kinetics and metabolic yield (e.g., lipid profiling).

Verification: Genotype confirmation via Sanger or NGS sequencing. Phenotypic Analysis: Verification of bioproduct levels and long-term stability testing. Delivery of cryopreserved strains.

Superiority in Nannochloropsis Engineering

Haploid Precision

Nannochloropsis species are typically haploid, ensuring that genetic modifications manifest phenotypic changes immediately and clearly.

DNA-Free RNP

Expertise in RNP delivery prevents foreign DNA integration, producing "cleaner" mutant backgrounds ideal for industrial and regulatory standards.

High Lipid Yields

Our strategies are optimized to maximize triacylglycerol (TAG) and EPA production while maintaining robust growth kinetics.

Verified Stability

All delivered strains undergo rigorous trials over 30+ generations to ensure that the genetic modifications remain fixed and active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical insights for your Nannochloropsis project.

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1. How do you address the robust cell wall of Nannochloropsis during transformation?

We utilize specialized, high-voltage electroporation protocols and specific buffer systems proven to facilitate the entry of RNP complexes or plasmids into Nannochloropsis cells with high survival rates.

2. What is the advantage of using RNP delivery for Nannochloropsis?

RNP delivery provides transient Cas activity and avoids the integration of foreign DNA. This minimizes off-target effects and satisfies the stringent requirements for industrial bioproduction strains.

3. Can you target the chloroplast genome in Nannochloropsis?

Yes, we offer specialized chloroplast engineering protocols using biolistic transformation, which is essential for projects targeting the photosynthetic apparatus or high-level protein expression.

4. How is the monoclonality of the final strain ensured?

We employ automated single-cell isolation (FACS) followed by selective plating. Every delivered strain is verified as monoclonal through genomic junction analysis and targeted sequencing.

5. Do you provide help with codon optimization for transgenes?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive codon optimization using proprietary Nannochloropsis-specific matrices to ensure maximal translational throughput and prevent mRNA instability.

6. What is the typical turnaround time for a knockout project?

A standard single-gene knockout project from computational design to the delivery of a verified monoclonal strain typically takes 14 to 18 weeks.

7. Can you perform multiplexed editing for metabolic pathways?

Yes, we can deliver multiple gRNAs simultaneously to target redundant enzymes or several steps within a single metabolic route, such as the EPA biosynthetic pathway.

8. Is it possible to generate marker-free modified strains?

Yes. By utilizing RNP delivery or episomal vectors that can be cured after the edit is confirmed, we can provide modified strains that are free of permanent antibiotic resistance markers.