The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is a major contributor to climate change, necessitating innovative solutions such as carbon sequestration. Our project explores the potential of flavodiiron protein 3 (FLV3), known for regulating oxidative stress and oxygen levels during photosynthesis, by enhancing CO2 fixation in Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). Previous research has demonstrated FLV3’s role in facilitating photosynthetic pathways in other bacterial species, but its impact in Spirulina remains unexplored. We hypothesize that FLV3 expression in Spirulina will accelerate photosynthesis by maintaining oxygen balance, potentially increasing carbon capture efficiency.
Our designed organism will express the FLV3 gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 into Spirulina, utilizing both a basic expression system and an overexpression model with a stronger promoter. This ensures that FLV3 elevates light reaction output to enhance the Calvin cycle. Through biochemical and molecular analyses, we will assess the impact of FLV3 on oxygen regulation, oxidative stress response, and overall efficiency of CO2 capture during photosynthesis. Spirulina was selected because it had a significant potential for genetic manipulation within the FLV3 gene, while being highly accessible.
Our study provides insights into the mechanisms of FLV3 in Spirulina and its potential application in bioengineering efforts aimed towards reducing CO2 in the atmosphere. By fully optimizing photosynthetic carbon fixation, this novel approach could contribute to scalable solutions for mitigating climate change. Future efforts include refining the plasmid design, selecting better promoters, and further investigating oxidative stress in Spirulina.