A nucleic acid constructs including a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to a constitutively active promoter; a 5 recombination sequence at a 5 end of the construct and a 3 recombination sequence at a 3 end of the construct, wherein the recombination sequences are configured for homologous recombination into a genome of a microalgal host cell; and optionally a bacterial 5 untranslated region (5UTR) between the 5 recombination sequence and the promoter, and a bacterial 3 untranslated region (3UTR) between the 3 recombination sequence and the heterologous nucleotide sequence.

The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.

The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.

A nucleic acid constructs including a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to a constitutively active promoter; a 5 recombination sequence at a 5 end of the construct and a 3 recombination sequence at a 3 end of the construct, wherein the recombination sequences are configured for homologous recombination into a genome of a microalgal host cell; and optionally a bacterial 5 untranslated region (5UTR) between the 5 recombination sequence and the promoter, and a bacterial 3 untranslated region (3UTR) between the 3 recombination sequence and the heterologous nucleotide sequence.

Described herein are engineered nodaviral vectors, systems, and uses thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered nodaviral vectors and/or systems can be used to deliver a cargo, such as a nucleic acid cargo, to a cell or cell population, or a subject. In some embodiments, the cargo is a therapeutic or preventative.

A method of quickly producing a vaccine for a biotype of pathogenic microorganism is described, where a nucleic acid molecule or fragment thereof is obtained from a biological sample from an animal exposed to the microorganism, a protective molecule is prepared based on the nucleic acid molecule of interest or fragment thereof, and administered to an animal which has been or is as risk of being exposed to the microorganism. A protective response to the biotype of the microorganism is obtained in the animal.

Delivery systems and methods are provided for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal. The systems and methods provided include obtaining an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter. In one illustrated embodiment, the biologically active protein is an antigenic epitope and upon administration to the animal the algal cell induces an immune response in the host animal.

Compositions and methods of protecting aquatic invertebrates from disease is shown. In one embodiment, dsRNA or antisense RNA to a nucleic acid molecule of the disease-causing microorganism is prepared and delivered to the animal. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the disease-causing microorganism is delivered to the animal. In another embodiment, the RNA or nucleic acid molecule is delivered to the animal by replicon particle. In a further embodiment, the protective molecule is delivered to the digestive tract of the animal. Protection from disease is obtained.

The present invention is to a safe, biodegradable trace metal binding system that effectively delivers chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc to animals. The method of preparing an animal foodstuff composition involves the steps of: providing transgenic algal cells comprising a nucleotide sequence, the nucleotide sequence being capable of expressing a non-native metal-binding protein in the transgenic algal cells; binding the metal-binding protein with at least one metal so as to produce a metal-bound adduct of the metal-binding protein; and admixing the metal-bound adduct with animal foodstuff. The invention is also to a animal foodstuff composition comprising animal foodstuff and transgenic algal cells expressing a non-native metal-binding protein in the transgenic algal cells, such that the transgenic algal cells contain the metal-binding protein and the metal-binding protein being bound to a metal.