[1] This strain of green algae is becoming an increasingly popular research organism due to its potential to be used as a source of biofuels.
The D66 strain's potential to produce clean and renewable biofuel has also made it an increasingly important topic in the field of conservation biology.
With factors such as high petroleum prices and growing environmental protection concerns, the need for clean and renewable energy sources is higher than ever.
[3] At Louisiana State University Dr. Naohiro Kato's research with the D66 strain is attempting to maximize oil production by changing growing conditions.
Kato began his study by testing the effects of various amounts of Brefeldin A, a lactone antibiotic produced by fungal organisms, had on oil production over three-day growing periods.