Scientists working with the Joint Genome Institute have fully decoded the genome the oil-producing green alga Auxenochlorella, and demonstrated precise gene targeting in the genome. This discovery creates a powerful platform for producing specialty oils, chemical feedstocks and industrial precursors — as well as to better enable the mining of critical minerals and materials. The precise gene-targeting capability for Auxenochlorella means engineers can produce new bioproducts in a more predictable and reliable manner. Because of the ease with which the alga can be genetically engineered, it has the potential to be imbued with effective capabilities needed for biorecovery of critical minerals. Learn more on the JGI’s website.