Ames Lab and Catilin look to capitalize on oil extraction from algae

VentureBeat.com
Camille Ricketts April 7th, 2009

Researchers looking to derive fuel from algae just took a big step forward. The Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, in partnership with Iowa State University, announced a new “nanofarming” technique that would allow people to “harvest” oil from algae while leaving the plants intact to continuously produce more.

Already, they are looking for ways to commercialize their discovery, tapping nanotechnology and biofuel company Catilin to aid them in research, development and eventual marketing plans. The three-year project responsible for developing the nanofarming approach is supported by $885,000 from the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as well as $216,000 from Catilin and $16,000 from the university.

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