Bio

My research is grounded in my curiosity about the living world and my desire to contribute to impactful, concrete discoveries. I began my journey in the world of biotechnology and microalgae during my studies at UTC in France, where I grew Volvox algae for tissue engineering purposes. Since then, I have been interested in studying and developing the potential of microalgae. During my PhD at CEA Cadarache, I investigated starch production in green microalgae for use in bioplastics. This work involved studying the induction, physiology and light requirements of starch accumulation, as well as developing a bioprocess for starch extraction, purification and plasticization. Working with Yonghua Li-Beisson, I have generated mutant strains of Ostreococcus tauri, one of the smallest known eukaryotes, to study the evolution of lipid metabolism in algae and plants. Here at Stanford, I am developing a genetic toolbox for non-model cyanobacteria in the Yeh lab.

Stanford Advisors

Contact

  • Academic
    asix@stanford.edu
    University - Scholar Department: Pathology Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

Additional Info

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All Publications

  • Microalgae, sunlight, and starch: low cell concentration is optimal for outdoor production under nutrient stress BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY Six, A., Chambonniere, P., Alvarez, P., Fon-Sing, S., Lancelon-Pin, C., Putaux, J., Sassi, J., Li-Beisson, Y., Fleury, G. 2026; 443: 133840

    Abstract

    Microalgae, particularly Chlorella vulgaris, are promising sustainable sources of starch for bioplastics and biofuels. Economically viable production requires optimizing starch accumulation, typically triggered by nutrient starvation, a process often facilitated by culture dilution to enhance light homogeneity. This study proposes an empirical model to predict the optimal cell concentration for starch accumulation under nitrogen starvation based on available light. The model, developed using 1-L outdoor cultures, was successfully applied to a 180-L photobioreactor. The theoretical optimal concentration under 330 µmolphotons m-2 s-1 (average absorbed photon flux density during daylight) was found at 0.8 gDWL-1. The corresponding carbohydrate productivity (43 mgcarbohydrate L-1 h-1 during daylight), carbohydrate content (57 %) and photosynthesis efficiency (6.8 % expressed as kJcarbohydrate kJphotonsPAR-1) aligned with experimental results. This study indicates that optimal carbohydrate accumulation occurs at low cell concentration, which is a critical guideline for the future industrialization of microalgae production.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133840

    View details for Web of Science ID 001658794400001

    View details for PubMedID 41453536

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5077-7567