Comments on Cleantech Blog: A Quick Take on Joule Biotechnologies

I would agree with Gypsy Achong's statement that E...

2009-12-01T08:35:47.079-08:00

I would agree with Gypsy Achong's statement that E coli is easier to genetically engineer than algae. The genetic code is better understood and more work has been done on it. It is unusual that a bacteria could be an autotroph, but that appears to be the case. Also, from what I can recall of my biochemistry and microbiology, blue green algae are cyanobacteria, so the lines are blurred here as to whether its a plant or a bacteria.

The patent filing for Joule BioTechnologies says: ...

2009-11-22T14:21:20.720-08:00

The patent filing for Joule BioTechnologies says: "The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer photoautotrophic properties to a heterotrophic organism" (link provided in Gypsy Achong's original post). This blog has accurately characterized their technology objective.

Last time I checked, E. coli was NOT a photosynthe...

2009-08-31T15:26:48.490-07:00

Last time I checked, E. coli was NOT a photosynthetic organism. If there is any truth to Joule's claims, they have not only done the impossible for biofuels, but also for life itself. Only autotrophs can convert CO2 into energy. E. coli cannot! Please check your facts next time. Ridiculous claims such as these only hurt the biofuel industry.

Also, this statement is completely ridiculous:

"E. coli is significantly easier to genetically engineer than algae. Thus, Jouleʼs culture will allow greater flexibility in output of fuels / chemicals as policies and product prices change"

This implies that the process of genetically engineering complex traits (like photosynthesis?!?! seriously?!) into an organism is remotely easy and/or quick (it's not).