Reviewer Comments - EERE

2011 Algae Platform Review – Reviewer Comments
Reviewer Comments are direct transcripts of commentary and material provided by the Platform’s
Review Panel. They have not been edited or altered by the Biomass Program.
insights subsequently to other green algal species. We see the potential of transformational discoveries
that allows to overcome the long known principle limitation, that algae typically produce high amounts of
lipid exclusively under nutrient stress.
R6: The reviewer expresses here his negative view on the value of using model organisms. Also a
negative view on Metabolic Flux Analysis (MFA), a method usually applied under well controlled
laboratory conditions.
Our proposal has a focus on the role of carbon partitioning, i.e. central metabolism in oil accumulation.
Please note that in the EERE algal biofuels roadmap the goal to understand carbon partitioning was
emphasized in a paragraph on p. 11.
We disagree with the view that knowledge gained by MFA with the model species Chlamydomonas is
irrelevant for commercial production in ponds. Calvin and coworkers dissected the reaction scheme of
carbon fixation in photosynthesis using green algae under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. Their
findings are the foundation to understand photosynthesis and biomass production in general as well as for
green alga in ponds. In addition to the classical Calvin cycle, some years ago the presenting PI could
describe an important novel functional mode in carbon fixation and oil synthesis (Schwender et al.,
Nature 432: 779–782, 2004). This work was done by the use of MFA and underscores the value of this
approach for improvement of oil production.
Please see citations under “1 Approach”.
Project: 9.1.3.2 INL
Title: Microalgae Harvesting/Dewatering and Drying
Presenter: Deborah Newby
Presentation Date: Friday, April 08, 2011
Criteria Avg Score Std Deviation Count
Approach 4.29 0.70 7
Progress 5.00 0.76 7
Relevance 5.00 1.31 7
Critical Success Factors 4.29 1.67 7
1. Project Approach
The project performers have implemented technically sound research, development, and deployment
approaches and demonstrated necessary results to meet their targets
The project performers have identified a project management plan that includes well-defined milestones
and adequate methods for addressing potential risks.
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 4
The program approach is reasonable with one big question mark. Did anyone perform a simple energy
and cost analysis for this particular filtration technology? The technology must have a chance of
competing with other technologies. The presentation left me with the perception that the technique was
chosen for other reasons, and no simple assessment was done.
Reviewer: 2 Criteria Score: 4
The project aims to lower the cost of harvesting and collecting algae and to recycle the water used by
biomass facilities with new/improved processes. Several problems are apparent, but the project only
began in October 2010, so there is opportunity to improve the project. One problem is that the filter
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