CD Biosynsis offers specialized Phaeodactylum tricornutum Strain Development and Screening Services, providing a high-throughput pipeline to create, isolate, and validate superior diatom variants for industrial and academic applications. As a model marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a cornerstone for the production of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA), high-value pigments like fucoxanthin, and biofuels. However, moving from a laboratory model to a robust industrial production strain requires overcoming challenges such as genetic drift, metabolic bottlenecks, and environmental sensitivity. Our services integrate precision genome editing with automated screening platforms to deliver algal strains with optimized growth kinetics, enhanced metabolic flux, and verified genetic stability.
Our comprehensive strain development program utilizes a data-driven approach to bypass the limitations of traditional random mutagenesis. By combining site-specific CRISPR-Cas9 engineering with advanced single-cell isolation techniques, we significantly accelerate the development timeline for customized diatom chassis. We provide end-to-end support, from the initial computational design of metabolic pathways to the long-term stability testing of the final production clones. Whether you are developing a strain for carbon sequestration research or a high-titer cell factory for nutraceuticals, our services ensure that your Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains are genetically defined, monoclonal, and fully characterized for performance in scaled-up photobioreactors.
Get a QuoteSuccessful strain development in Phaeodactylum tricornutum requires a systematic "Design-Build-Test-Learn" cycle that accounts for the diploid nature of the genome and the complex regulatory networks of marine algae. Our platform addresses these complexities by utilizing episomal and RNP-based editing tools to achieve biallelic modifications without unintended genomic scarring. We emphasize the importance of the "Test" phase, employing automated screening systems that can evaluate thousands of monoclonal candidates for biomass productivity, lipid accumulation, and photosynthetic efficiency under simulated industrial conditions.
Our analytical team focuses on the quantitative characterization of selected leads. By integrating transcriptomic and lipidomic data, we help researchers understand the mechanistic basis for the improved performance of a particular strain. This "Learn" phase allows for iterative refinement of the engineering strategy, such as fine-tuning promoter strength or knocking out inhibitory regulatory nodes. This holistic approach ensures that the final delivered strain is not only productive but also resilient and stable across dozens of generations, minimizing the risk of phenotypic reversion during commercial production.
We provide a diversified suite of technologies to build and screen high-performance Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains tailored to your specific bioproduct goals.
Precision Editing
Utilizing biallelic CRISPR-Cas9/Cas12a for targeted knockouts, knock-ins, and base editing to create specific metabolic phenotypes.
Regulatory Parts
Application of validated diatom-specific promoter and terminator libraries to drive stable and predictable transgene expression.
Automated Isolation
Single-cell isolation via FACS or microfluidics to establish pure monoclonal lines from large edited populations.
Phenotypic HTS
Microplate-based screening for growth kinetics, chlorophyll fluorescence (PAM), and lipid content (Nile Red) under varying light and nutrient conditions.
Metabolic Profiling
Full characterization of biomass composition, including GC-MS for fatty acids (EPA) and HPLC for pigment (fucoxanthin) yield.
Stability Testing
Verification of genotype and phenotype stability over 30 to 50 generations to ensure industrial readiness.
Our systematic workflow ensures high-precision engineering and data-driven selection of lead strains.
1. Computational Design
2. Genetic Build & Delivery
3. HTS & Monoclonal Selection
4. Scale-up & Stability
Establishing target strain profiles and performing metabolic modeling. Codon optimization and gRNA design for the Phaeodactylum nuclear and chloroplast genomes.
Transformation via biolistic bombardment (gene gun), bacterial conjugation, or electroporation. Delivery of RNPs or episomal vectors for precise genomic modification.
Evaluation of lead clones in laboratory photobioreactors. Verification of growth and metabolic stability under environmental stress. Delivery of cryopreserved Master Cell Banks and technical data packages.
Industrial Relevance
Our screening protocols simulate industrial stresses, ensuring that strains are optimized for performance in large photobioreactors, not just laboratory flasks.
Biallelic Precision
Guaranteed bi-allelic modifications in the diploid host ensure 100% phenotypic expression and genetic definition of the resulting strain.
Multi-Omics Validation
Lead strains are characterized with deep metabolic and lipidomic profiling (GC-MS/HPLC) to confirm specific bioproduct titers and rates.
Stability Assurance
Rigorous long-term stability testing (up to 50 passages) ensures that the genetic modifications remain intact and the phenotype does not drift over time.
1. How do you ensure the monoclonality of the developed strains?
We utilize automated single-cell isolation via FACS or serial dilution combined with agar plating. Monoclonality is further verified through junction PCR and targeted sequencing of the edited loci.
2. Can you perform strain development on industrial P. tricornutum isolates?
Yes. While we often work with model strains like Pt1 or CCMP2561, we can optimize our transformation and screening protocols for custom industrial isolates provided by the client.
3. What is the benefit of high-throughput PAM screening?
Pulse-Amplitude-Modulation (PAM) fluorometry allows us to non-invasively monitor the photosynthetic health and efficiency (Fv/Fm) of thousands of clones, identifying those with superior energy utilization.
4. Do you provide strains for both EPA and fucoxanthin production?
Yes, we have specialized metabolic engineering strategies and screening assays for both Omega-3 lipid pathways and carotenoid biosynthetic routes in diatoms.
5. How is "genetic drift" managed during development?
We use stable episomal or site-specific integration methods to minimize genomic instability and conduct extensive subculturing stability tests to confirm phenotypic consistency.
6. Is the screening performed under specific light conditions?
We can simulate various light regimes, including fluctuating industrial light cycles or specific wavelengths, to identify clones that perform best in your specific production environment.
7. What type of reporting is provided with the final strain?
A comprehensive report is provided, including genomic sequencing data, growth curve analysis, lipid/metabolic profiles, and the results of stability trials.
8. What is the typical lead time for a custom strain development project?
Depending on the number of genetic modifications and the complexity of the screening parameters, projects typically range from 18 to 24 weeks.
CRISPR-Cas9 technology represents a transformative advancement in gene editing techniques. The main function of the system is to precisely cut DNA sequences by combining guide RNA (gRNA) with the Cas9 protein. This technology became a mainstream genome editing tool quickly after its 2012 introduction because of its efficient, simple and low-cost nature.
The CRISPR gene editing system with its Cas9 version stands as a vital instrument for current biological research. CRISPR technology enables gene knockout (KO) through permanent gene expression blockage achieved by sequence disruption. Various scientific domains including disease modeling and drug screening employ this technology to study gene functions. CRISPR KO technology demonstrates high efficiency and precision but requires confirmation and verification post-implementation because unsatisfactory editing may produce off-target effects or incomplete gene knockouts which impact experimental result reliability. For precise and efficient Gene Editing Services - CD Biosynsis, Biosynsis offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your research needs.
The CRISPR-Cas9 knockout cell line was developed using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to allow scientists to remove genes accurately for research on gene function and disease models and pharmaceutical discovery. Genetic research considers this technology essential due to its high efficiency together with simple operation and broad usability.
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CD Biosynsis is a leading customer-focused biotechnology company dedicated to providing high-quality products, comprehensive service packages, and tailored solutions to support and facilitate the applications of synthetic biology in a wide range of areas.