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An Analytical Technology Platform to Identify Symbiotic Interactions Between PGPR and Root Microbiome Members from Biofuel Feedstocks

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-SC0018579
Agency Tracking Number: 0000234245
Amount: $224,094.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: 22a
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0001770
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2018
Award Year: 2018
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2018-04-09
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2019-02-08
Small Business Information
6752 SW Church Rd P.O. Box 550
Augusta, KS 67010-7801
United States
DUNS: 078755789
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Hansen Ryan
 (785) 532-0625
 rrhansen@ksu.edu
Business Contact
 Roger Powers
Phone: (316) 461-1114
Email: roger.powers@powers-zahr.com
Research Institution
 Kansas State University
 Ryan Hansen
 
1036 Durland Hall 1015 North 17th St.
Manhattan, KS 66506-5102
United States

 (785) 532-0625
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The overall goal of this STTR proposal is to establish a commercial microwell technology for high-throughput screening and characterization of interactions that are critical to plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) survival and function. PGPR can be used to improve crop stress tolerance by enhancing root function; providing nutrient uptake, nitrogen fixation, hormone regulation, and suppression of soil-borne pathogens. Treating crops with PGPR is a viable approach for economical and sustainable plant production. However, a major bottleneck to PGPR commercialization comes from poor survival and performance of PGPR strains when used in existing formulations. An improved understanding of critical PGPR interactions with native rhizosphere microbiome members will inform the development of more consistent and effective PGPR formulations. The technology platform consists of a microwell array system that forms 104 - 105 unique combinations between a fluorescently-modified test species and a defined collection of root microbiome members isolated from plant rhizosphere, then screens each well for survival and growth of the test species. Cellular material in wells that show symbiotic or antagonistic interactions with the test species is removed for genomic analysis to identify the members influencing the test species function. The goal of the Phase I proposal is to provide the existing microwell technology with new capabilities that are key to its commercial pathway. Objective 1 will adapt the technology towards screening interactions of known PGPR species in Populus rhizosphere networks. Objective 2 will develop a user-friendly, highly-automated image analysis tool that can rapidly quantify large data sets generated by the platform to identify wells containing important PGPR interactions. The software accessory is expected to dramatically enhance the utility of the existing microwell tool, moving it towards a marketable product. The project will also leverage a well-established collaboration with colleagues working in the DOE-funded Plant Microbe Interfaces Project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to meet these objectives.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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