A team of 11 undergraduate students from the University of Rochester, called Team CyanoVolt, has developed a carbon-negative energy source that uses bacteria to generate energy while capturing and storing carbon dioxide. The team, led by students from various majors, designed and built engineered biological systems using DNA technologies as part of the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. They genetically engineered cyanobacteria to optimize its ability to absorb light and carbon dioxide, and then used specialized biophotovoltaic cells to harness the energy produced by the bacteria. The team also developed a novel screen printer to facilitate efficient flow of electrons. The project produces ethanol as a sustainable biofuel and is a renewable system that actively decreases the total amount of carbon dioxide in the environment. The team was awarded a gold medal for their project, which demonstrates a new approach to addressing energy needs while reducing harmful emissions. Their innovative approach has the potential to alleviate the climate crisis and provide a sustainable solution for the future.
Undergraduate researchers are harnessing the power of bacteria to develop innovative clean energy solutions.
