Cellectis launches a partnership with Total for exploratory research into microalgae-based substitutes for oil products
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Paris, January 9th, 2012 – Cellectis (Alternext: ALCLS), the French genome engineering specialist, is today announcing that it has signed an agreement with Total to develop microalgae-based oil substitutes. The research program includes an initial one-year phase, which may be followed by a second phase lasting two to three years.
Paris, January 9th, 2012 – Cellectis (Alternext: ALCLS), the French genome engineering specialist, is today announcing that it has signed an agreement with Total to develop microalgae-based oil substitutes. The research program includes an initial one-year phase, which may be followed by a second phase lasting two to three years.
Over the long term, the use of microalgae could help supplement the offering for the chemical and energy markets, while reducing their environmental impacts.
The program's first phase will look into developing genome engineering methods and tools on certain microalgae species selected for their specific characteristics. The second phase would focus on trait engineering (specific changes to the metabolism and species) with a view to producing compounds which are currently derived from oil.
The application of Cellectis' genome engineering expertise, will accelerate the domestication and engineering of the microalgae species selected, paving the way for the production of oil product substitutes. Total will bring its experience in biotechnology R&D partnerships, as well as its know-how for the industrial-scale development of techniques and technology integration, combined with its knowledge of the oil and chemical sectors.
The costs for this joint program will be split equally between the two partners, as will ownership of the technologies and products created through this work by Cellectis and Total.
"This partnership with Total is going to help us develop our technology's potential in the field for oil product supplements", confirms André Choulika, Chairman and CEO of Cellectis. "This alliance involves major stakes since it is focused on developing products derived from renewable biological resources for the energy and chemical markets".