Biofuel: The Algae Alternative The search continues for cheaper
more efficient alternatives to corn and other food substances
used to make gas additives and biofuel. Some researchers believe
the answer to higher fuel prices will come from algae. In her
University of Washington lab, Rose Ann Cattolico has been
working with algae for decades. From single cells, to fields of
kelp, there are many varieties of algae. Cattolico is developing
a process to turn certain algae strains into biofuel. The
research is funded, in part, by the Allied Minds investment
company. “That whole process can be done,” says Erick Rabins,
vice president of Allied Minds. “I wouldn’t say everywhere, but
in many places.” Cattolico is focusing her research on several
types of algae with the greatest potential. Her team grows small
flasks of algae under carefully controlled conditions to extract
the oils, or lipids, from it. “What we are looking for is [the
needle in the haystack], that particular organism that will give
us the highest amou