Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A9]

Bioengineering Cyanobacteria for Atmospheric C02 Reduction in Urban Areas

Presenter: Esias Valentin

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biology

ABSTRACT

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microbes widely found in nearly all terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including soil, oceans, freshwater, and endolithic ecosystems. These organisms provide strong potential for Negative Emission Technologies (NETs) due to their natural ability to perform photosynthesis and carbon sequestration. Under nutrient-rich conditions, cyanobacteria can bloom rapidly, and under ideal laboratory environments their population can double within one to two days. This research reviews the innovative use of genetically altered cyanobacteria to reduce atmospheric CO2 in urban environments by following a literature review in Nature database. Although rapid growth can present challenges for scalability, modern biotechnology allows genetic modification to improve carbon fixation and population stability. CRISPR gene editing tools have been used in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to modify genes responsible for photosynthesis. These are rbcL for RuBisCO function, ccmM for carboxysome organization, and bicarbonate transporter genes such as bicA to improve growth and carbon sequestration. Research on artificial cocultures with heterotrophic partners was also reviewed to evaluate strategies for improved system stability and recycling of metabolic byproducts. Using these biological advances, photobioreactors could be implemented in urban settings to remove excess atmospheric CO₂ locally. Research indicates that under ideal conditions carbon fixation rates is around 1–2 g CO₂ m⁻² day⁻¹. This study also presents genetic and biological strategies in the context of building-integrated applications such as bioengineered walls and roofs. These systems may also provide UV protection, support energy efficiency, and allow harvested biomass to be converted into biofuels or bioplastics, supporting localized carbon reduction and circular resource use.

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