Optimal growth conditions for co-cultivation of C. reinhardtii with wild-type and mutant strains of
Synechococcus sp. 7002 were established. In co-culture, acetate produced by a glycogen synthase knockout mutant
of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 was able to support the growth of a lipid-accumulating mutant strain of C. reinhardtii
defective in starch production. Encapsulation of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 using an alginate matrix was successfully
employed in co-cultures to limit growth and maintain the stability.