Purple photosynthetic bacteria

Purple photosynthetic bacteria

The bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris, an example of the ‘purple photosynthetic bacteria’ is important for studies on waste remediation, as it can withstand a range of toxic compounds in the environment and has a high degree of metabolic diversity. We are developing systems to use it to convert waste compounds into high value products, including hydrogen.

Culture bottles of Rhodopseudomonas palustris, producing hydrogen under anaerobic conditions, assisted by illumination.

Figure 1: Culture bottles of Rhodopseudomonas palustris, producing hydrogen under anaerobic conditions, assisted by illumination.

We are particularly interested in improving the genetic tools available for the organism.

More information:

“Expression of alternative nitrogenases in Rhodopseudomonas palustris is enhanced using an optimized genetic toolset for rapid, markerless modifications.” du Toit JP, Lea-Smith DJ, Git A, Hervey JRD, Howe CJ, Pott RWM. (2021) ACY Synthetic Biology 10: 2167-2178  doi.org/10.1021/acssynbio.0c00496