From lake ecology to biofuels-applications of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to algal research

Researchers from the University of Manchester have been using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to increase their understanding of the physiology and biotech potential of the phytoplankton. Studies conducted include looking at algal monocultures to field-based studies looking at algae within their natural environment. The researchers particularly emphasize on using FT-IR spectroscopy to study the factors influencing how phytoplankton allocate carbon into lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The way in which a cell allocates carbon to each of these groups is dependent on a number of factors such as growth rate, light intensity, and nutrient availability. The researchers present two instances where they apply FT-IR spectroscopy to the study of the phytoplankton, including the use of FT-IR spectroscopy as a high-throughput technique for the rapid assessment of algal cultures for lipid content.