From 2011.igem.org

Growth Optimization

Using our initial, non-optimized growth conditions, we were able to obtain alkane/ene yields of approximately 2 mg/L. However,(reference) reported that they were able to obtain yields of as high as 300 mg/L, though growth and media conditions for obtaining this high yield was not given in either the paper, or supplementary materials. Therefore, we thought that by varying media and growth conditions, we would be able to dramatically increase yield. This page summarizes our optimization tests, and shows how we were able to improve yields to over 100mg/L.

• Total Alkane Production
• C16 Alcohol Observed

Effect of Trace metals on yield

We had suspected that the trace metals in the original media may be inhibiting alkane production. We analyzed alkane production of cells transformed with the basic Petrobrick in medias of varying trace metal concentration.

Trace metals inhibit alkane production.

Based upon this test, we determined that trace metals have a negative effect on alkane yield, and that all future tests would be conducted in an M9 media without additional trace metals. Glass vs Plastic

MG vs XL

Covered vs Open

Aerobic vs Microaerobic

1C3 vs 3D4R

TB vs M9

Trace Metals Titration

and more...