Electrical energy storage with engineered biological systems

Abstract

Bioenergy storage systems in plants and animals involve several different metabolic pathways that can be utilized to store the energy obtained from external sources. One of these pathways entails the conversion of carbohydrates into fatty acids and their subsequent esterification into triglycerides. This provides a natural storage form for the energy produced by photosynthesis, which is used as an alternative to batteries or other forms of electrical storage. These energy storage systems provide a means to store energy while still using the natural productivity of the system. The results of this study will be used to investigate how long-term storage alters metabolic pathways due to the effects of temperature and sunlight. This will provide insight into how these types of organisms can be manipulated for use as a possible alternative form of electrical energy storage and hopefully have a positive effect on our daily lives.