A model-based investigation of genetically modified microalgae strains

Genetic modification of microalgal strains can be an effective tool to close the gap between the theoretical and realised quantum efficiency in industrial scale photobioreactors. In this paper, we want to propose a model-based approach to compare different mutants using fast and accurate fluorescence measurements along with some photosynthesis rate measurements, in order to develop a methodology to rapidly assess the performances of different mutants in a way limiting long experimental campaign. A model developed by the authors, able to reproduce fluorescence fluxes and photosynthesis rate measurements for the wild type, will be used to: (i) predict the behaviour of an ideal NPQ-less mutant based on the wild type data and (ii) predict the photosynthesis rate of a real mutant, in which the NPQ mechanisms have been inhibited, using fluorescence data to calibrate the NPQ-related parameters. Furthermore, the performances of the mutants will be tested considering the light profiles of a summer and a winter month of a Mediterranean country.