VG Energy, a subsidiary of Viral Genetics, Inc., has retained alternative energy producer BioProcess Algae, LLC to verify on a large scale promising lab results of a process to increase lipid production in algae.
Developed by VG Energy and its lead researcher, Dr. M. Karen Newell Rogers, the Raleigh R. White, Jr. Endowed Professor of Surgical Research at Texas A&M Health Sciences Center and Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas, the Metabolic Disruption Technology (MDT) appears to act as a lipid trigger to cause algae cells to store increased fat, making them more productive as an energy source. The process was a direct result of work undertaken by Dr. Newell Rogers for cancer treatment.
When the process was applied to algae cells in the lab, extractable lipid, or fat, production was increased by a minimum of 300%. Additionally, the process enables cells to release fats outside the cell walls, making much of the algae recyclable and increases its viability as an alternative energy source.
BioProcess Algae, LLC (BPA) was formed in 2008 to commercialize algae production systems for next-generation biofuels and animal feeds.
San Marino, California-based Viral Genetics discovers drug therapies. Founded in 1994, the biotech company is researching treatments for HIV/AIDS, Lyme Disease, Strep, Staph and drug resistant tumors. A majority-owned subsidiary, VG Energy, is dedicated to exploring biofuel and agricultural applications for one of the technologies in its licensed portfolio.