Risks of Environmental Releases of Synthetic GEOs

Dr. Allison A. Snow

The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH

Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues

July 8, 2010

Chlamydomonas, green algaeSources: Google Images

Photos: Google Images

Hypothetical scenarios – contained bioreactors and open ponds

Source:1988 DOE Report on choosing locations for open ponds

Algal bloom in Lake Atitlan, GuatemalaSource: Wikipedia

Algal blooms and fish die-offSource: Google Images

Synthetic Genomics Inc and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanySign Exclusive, Multi-Year Agreement to Develop Next Generation BiofuelsUsing Photosynthetic Algae LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA—July 14, 2009— Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI), a privately held company applying genomic-driven commercial solutions to address a variety of global challenges including energy and the environment, announced today a multi-year research and development agreement with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) to develop next generation biofuels using photosynthetic algae. As part of the multi-faceted agreement, SGI will receive milestone payments for achievements in developing biofuel products. (see www.syntheticgenomics.com)

The New Yorker, Sept. 21, 2009

Synthetic Genomics Inc and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanySign Exclusive, Multi-Year Agreement to Develop Next Generation BiofuelsUsing Photosynthetic Algae LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA—July 14, 2009— Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI), a privately held company applying genomic-driven commercial solutions to address a variety of global challenges including energy and the environment, announced today a multi-year research and development agreement with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) to develop next generation biofuels using photosynthetic algae. As part of the multi-faceted agreement, SGI will receive milestone payments for achievements in developing biofuel products. (see www.syntheticgenomics.com)

The New Yorker, Sept. 21, 2009

Weissman’s company –www.aurorabiofuels.com

The Aurora process does not compete for agricultural resources. Aurora has a minimal environmental footprint: the system, which is extremely efficient in terms of land usage, uses salt water in its ponds and can be built on unarable land. Aurora’s algae feed on carbon dioxide and sequester 90 percent of the CO2 fed into their environment.

Enclosed bioreactorsSchenk et al., 2008,Bioenergy Research

Chlamydomonas, green algaeSources: Google Images