Cinnamic acid, coumarin and vanillin: Alternative phenolic compounds for efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the unicellular green alga, Nannochloropsis sp.

► Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of unicellular green alga, Nannochloropsis sp. ► Cinnamic acid, coumarin and vanillin are more potent vir inducers than acetosyringone. ► Methoxy group not necessary for vir gene induction and receptor binding.