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.
of the other species we are examining have a similar feature. The sexual cycle could potentially be taken
advantage of (if it was easy to reproducibly induce) because cells would go through a haploid stage which
may facilitate genetic or transgenic approaches to improve productivity.
Success relates to generating strains with improved TAG accumulation. Identifying genes that enable this
without decreasing overall productivity is the challenge.
Response: We believe that identifying and testing multiple gene targets will facilitate achieving that goal.
See Overall Impressions text. The critical success factors were focused on identifying gene targets.
Within this narrow biological focus, the project presentation included adequate plans to address these
factors.
No response. In the context of understanding metabolic synthesis of lipids in diatoms, the PI had done an
excellent job of laying out the appropriate pathways and metabolic markers. There is no doubt the data
produce is and will be high quality.
No response. Critical success factors are clear focus on lipid production and accumulation in a real world
setting
Response: That is the ultimate goal.
5. Technology Transfer and Collaborations
Please comment on the degree to which the project adequately interfaces and coordinates with other
institutions and projects to provide additional benefits to the Biomass Program, such as publications,
awards, or others.
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1
I would like to see this developed in greater detail. There is no doubt that publications will be
forthcoming.
Reviewer: 2
Continued publication and presentations and interactions with more applied groups in the Biofuels'
portfolio are important to transfer scientific advances made here into practical advances toward biofuel
goals.
Reviewer: 3
Future work will be to test the effect of manipulation of specific genes on TAG accumulation. When
successful, the technology of these modifications can be transferred to production systems.
Reviewer: 4
See Overall Impressions text.
Reviewer: 5
Technology transfer will be primarily publications and presentations.
Reviewer: 6
This is mostly a single PI project. The partner identified (Dr. Allen) is appropriate.
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