Article
Energy & Fuels
Amanpreet Kaur, Monica Sachdeva Taggar, Anu Kalia, Manpreet Singh
Summary: Limiting nitrate concentration can promote the accumulation of carbohydrates and starch in microalgae, while optimizing the nitrate concentration is beneficial for the production of high-value carotenoids, contributing to the economic feasibility of bioethanol production.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammad Reza Erfanimoghadam, Ahmad Homaei
Summary: The study aimed to isolate and identify symbiotic alpha-amylase enzyme-producing bacteria from the intestine of Silago Sihama and Rasterliger Canagorta fish living in Qeshm Island, Hormozgan. The bacteria were isolated using nutrient agar culture medium and screened for alpha-amylase production. The highest enzyme activity was found in four strains of Bacillus, which were identified and registered in the NCBI gene database. The alpha-amylase enzymes isolated from these bacteria have potential applications in various industries.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giorgia Carnovale, Filipa Rosa, Volha Shapaval, Simona Dzurendova, Achim Kohler, Trude Wicklund, Svein Jarle Horn, Maria J. Barbosa, Kari Skjanes
Summary: The study focuses on optimizing starch production in Chlorella vulgaris for food applications, identifying nitrogen starvation as a key factor for starch accumulation through screening responses to stressors and investigating the role of light distribution. High-starch biomass with up to 30% starch content was achieved in cultures under suitable conditions, providing a novel approach to expand the product portfolio of the microalgal industry.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hajer Ben Hlima, Aida Karray, Mouna Dammak, Fatma Elleuch, Philippe Michaud, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: This study demonstrated the importance of amylases in modern biotechnology by enhancing starch production and amylase detection from Chlorella vulgaris through a three-stage growth mode. Through bioinformatic tools, multiple putative genes encoding different types of amylases were identified in C. vulgaris, showing both differences and common features among these proteins.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Laixin Dai, Melanie Cepeda, Joerg Hinrichs, Jochen Weiss
Summary: The study investigated the emulsifying behavior of untreated insoluble microalgae protein fraction and two of its hydrolysates obtained at different temperatures and acid concentrations. Emulsions with Hydrolysates 85 showed the smallest droplet size and highest apparent viscosity, with gravitational separation hindered as oil content increased. The results suggest that Hydrolysates 85 may be a good emulsifier for concentrated emulsion-based foods with high oil content.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chengdeng Chi, Yongjin He, Xuehua Xiao, Bilian Chen, Youcai Zhou, Xiaoyan Tan, Zhili Ji, Yiping Zhang, Pingying Liu
Summary: Novel resources of very small granular starch are of great interests to food scientists. This study isolated and characterized the starch from Chlorella sp. MBFJNU-17 and compared it with quinoa starch. The results showed that Chlorella sp. MBFJNU-17 is a novel resource of very small granular starch with desirable properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giuliano Dragone
Summary: This review explores the cultivation of different Chlorella species under mixotrophic conditions and the potential use of wastewater as a nutrient source. Common organic compounds and cheap substrates used for mixotrophic microalgal growth are presented. Developing methods to minimize contamination risk and screening novel mixotrophic Chlorella species with the ability to utilize wastewater and accumulate high-value target molecules is recommended for future commercial production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chengdeng Chi, Youcai Zhou, Feiyang Cheng, Xu Guo, Bilian Chen, Yiping Zhang, Yongjin He
Summary: Chlorella sp. MBFJNU-17, a strain rich in starch and protein, can be obtained by adjusting the glucose and urea content during cultivation. The structure and digestibility of the starch produced by MBFJNU-17 cells can be modulated by regulating the glucose and urea content in heterotrophic cultivation conditions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Han Lu, Keqing Liu, Hao Zhang, Xi Xie, Yunlong Ge, Zhanyou Chi, Song Xue, Fantao Kong, Takeshi Ohama
Summary: Microalgae are a promising feedstock for renewable fuels and their oil accumulation can be enhanced by exposure to nanoparticles. However, previous studies have used mostly non-biodegradable nanoparticles, limiting their application in biofuel production. This study reports the use of biodegradable engineered resin nanoparticles (iBCA-NPs) to enhance TAG and starch accumulation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Short exposure to iBCA-NPs increased cellular TAG and starch contents significantly, with improved TAG production and increased fatty acid content. The addition of iBCA-NPs also increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and upregulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The study demonstrates a useful approach to enhance energy-rich reserve accumulation in microalgae.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sandra Bolanos-Nunez, Jorge A. Santiago-Urbina, Jean-Pierre Guyot, Gloria Diaz-Ruiz, Carmen Wacher
Summary: This study investigated the microbial ecology of Pozol, a Mexican beverage, and found that interactions between different bacteria in mixed cultures can affect fermentation parameters. Compared to pure cultures, co-fermentation of two strains can increase lactic acid production and growth rate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Sangeetha, P. Boomadevi, Amany Salah Khalifa, Kathirvel Brindhadevi, Manigandan Sekar
Summary: The high price and depletion of petroleum fuel demand pushes the search for alternatives. The fossil fuel shortage has worsened in recent years due to rapid population growth. This paper analyzes the effects of additives on chlorella microalgae biofuel through experimental methods, finding that nanoparticles such as CNT and alumina reduce emissions and improve combustion and performance qualities.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Greta Canelli, Patricia Murciano Martinez, Sean Austin, Mark E. Ambuhl, Fabiola Dionisi, Christoph J. Bolten, Roberta Carpine, Lukas Neutsch, Alexander Mathys
Summary: This study investigated the composition and morphology of cell wall polysaccharides in heterotrophic Crypthecodinium cohnii and Chlorella vulgaris during growth. Glucose was found to be the major component of CWPSs and exopolysaccharides in C. cohnii, while C. vulgaris exhibited changes in cell wall thickness at different growth stages. Understanding microalgae cell wall structure can aid in developing more efficient biorefinery approaches.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Malihe Barahoei, Mohammad Sadegh Hatamipour, Saeed Afsharzadeh
Summary: This study investigated the suitability of using Chlorella vulgaris for brackish water desalination, finding that modifying the culture medium resulted in enhanced microalgae growth and salt removal efficiency. The results suggest that Na+ ions are adsorbed on the Chlorella vulgaris cell surface, contributing to the desalination process.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tahir Fazal, Muhammad Saif Ur Rehman, Fahed Javed, Mueed Akhtar, Azeem Mushtaq, Ainy Hafeez, Aamir Alaud Din, Javed Iqbal, Naim Rashid, Fahad Rehman
Summary: Microalgae-led wastewater treatment using Chlorella vulgaris shows promising results in terms of growth, dye decolorization, and COD removal. Cultivation in diluted textile wastewater leads to higher growth rate, dye decolorization, and COD efficiency compared to undiluted wastewater. This study suggests that Chlorella vulgaris can be cultivated in both types of wastewater for biodiesel production, with better results observed in diluted wastewater.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maria P. Spinola, Monica M. Costa, Jose A. M. Prates
Summary: Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris (CV), have been recognized as promising animal feed sources due to their high nutrient content. This study aimed to review the digestibility and accessibility of nutrients from CV biomass in monogastric animal diets. The results showed variations in nutrient digestibility when adding CV to poultry and swine diets, but pre-treatments improved accessibility. Cost-effective CV biomass can be used as a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients, enhancing animal health and immunity. The differences in results may be attributed to strain variations, cultivation conditions, and dietary inclusion levels. This study provides new insights into the utilization of CV biomass in animal diets.
Article
Polymer Science
Eduardo J. Gudina, Marcia R. Couto, Soraia P. Silva, Elisabete Coelho, Manuel A. Coimbra, Jose A. Teixeira, Ligia R. Rodrigues
Summary: A low-cost culture medium (CSLM) was developed for EPS production by Rhizobium viscosum CECT908, using sugarcane molasses and corn steep liquor as the sole ingredients. The EPS produced in this medium showed higher yield stress and flow consistency index, indicating its potential use in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luara Simoes, Natalia Fernandes, Jose Teixeira, Luis Abrunhosa, Disney Ribeiro Dias
Summary: Food and feed contamination by fungi, especially toxigenic ones, is a global concern. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been gaining attention for their antifungal and anti-mycotoxin properties. This study tested 14 LAB strains isolated from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives for their ability to inhibit the growth of certain fungi and reduce mycotoxin production. The results showed that certain LAB strains exhibited strong antifungal activity and reduced the production of mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and patulin. These findings demonstrate the potential of LAB strains as natural agents to control toxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins in fermented products.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Emanuel Cunha, Vitor Sousa, Pedro Geada, Jose A. Teixeira, Antonio A. Vicente, Oscar Dias
Summary: Microalgae are a sustainable and renewable source for various compounds used in industries such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. However, their commercialization faces challenges due to low biomass and productivity. Strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness in microalgae cultivation focus on optimizing nutrient needs and environmental factors. Genome-scale metabolic (GSM) models aid in understanding metabolic processes and can be used to optimize compound and biomass production. This review provides an overview of key considerations and strategies in microalgae cultivation, emphasizing the use of GSM models for in silico-guided optimization.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Joao Simoes, Eduardo Coelho, Paulo Magalhaes, Tiago Brandao, Pedro Rodrigues, Jose Antonio Teixeira, Lucilia Domingues
Summary: This study explores the potential of non-Saccharomyces yeasts to produce low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers. Selected yeasts with low-to-null ethanol production were used in large-scale fermentations, resulting in beers with ethanol concentrations below 1.2% and the presence of fusel alcohols and esters. Lager beers produced with Saccharomyces yeast were more accepted by taster panelists. This research demonstrates the suitability of non-conventional yeasts for producing low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers and opens perspectives for the development of non-conventional beers.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Catarina Teixeira-Guedes, Joana S. Gomes-Dias, Sara A. Cunha, Manuela E. Pintado, Ricardo N. Pereira, Jose A. Teixeira, Cristina M. R. Rocha
Summary: The sequential use of enzymes in seaweeds has been shown to significantly improve extraction yield, solubilize carbohydrates and protein, and enhance antioxidant and prebiotic effects.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pedro Geada, Diogo Francisco, Francisco Pereira, Filipe Maciel, Leandro Madureira, Ana Barros, Joana L. Silva, Antonio A. Vicente, Jose A. Teixeira
Summary: Microalgae have gained attention as a promising feedstock for healthier food products, but high production costs and low productivities remain a challenge. This study used a two-step optimization strategy to maximize biomass production of a Chlorella vulgaris strain under heterotrophic conditions. After studying 24 variables, (NH4)2SO4, MgSO4middot7H2O, and C6H12O6 were identified as factors with a significant impact on biomass concentration. Optimization of the culture medium led to a 99.6% increase in biomass and a 48.0% increase in carbohydrate production.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hassan Laaroussi, Pedro Ferreira-Santos, Zlatina Genisheva, Meryem Bakour, Driss Ousaaid, Asmae El Ghouizi, Jose Antonio Teixeira, Badiaa Lyoussi
Summary: Bee pollen from Morocco was studied for its physicochemical, nutritional, biological, and techno-functional properties. The samples showed acceptable quality and had major constituents like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and polyphenols. The pollen exhibited good techno-functional properties and had potent antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity. The study suggests the potential application of bee pollen as a useful ingredient in the food industry.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. C. Coelho, A. S. Rodrigues, J. A. Teixeira, M. E. Pintado
Summary: The tomato processing industry is vital for the global market, aiming to optimize production and minimize waste while ensuring high-quality products. By-products generated in this industry are often discarded as waste, but they contain bioactive compounds with various beneficial properties. Recycling these compounds not only reduces environmental impact but also enables the development of value-added products for different purposes. This review discusses the recovery and utilization of bioactive compounds from tomato by-products within the context of a circular economy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francieli Colussi, Hector Rodriguez, Michele Michelin, Jose A. Teixeira
Summary: The economically viable alternative of agricultural by-product bioethanol provides a sustainable solution for expanding the use of renewable energy, ensuring greater energy supply security, and reducing environmental impacts. Improving the efficiency of existing processes is crucial to reduce costs, industrial waste, and carbon footprint. Ionic liquids (ILs) have shown promise in achieving cleaner processes and efficient dissolution and fractionation of lignocellulose for biofuel production. This review analyzes recent advances in biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass using ILs as pretreatment and highlights cost optimization techniques for robust conversion processes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marta C. C. Coelho, Soudabeh Ghalamara, Debora Campos, Tania Braganca Ribeiro, Ricardo Pereira, Antonio S. Rodrigues, Jose A. Teixeira, Manuela Pintado
Summary: Tomato by-products from processing industries in Portugal have the potential to be reused as a source of bioactive compounds. However, there is a lack of reliable national data on these by-products and their physicochemical properties, which hinders effective waste management planning. In this study, selected Portugal companies were recruited to obtain representative samples of by-products, and their physicochemical composition was evaluated. Additionally, an environmentally friendly method called ohmic heating (OH) was used to explore new safe value-added ingredients from these by-products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mariana Queiros, Guilherme Pereira, Ana Catarina Leite, Rita Leal, Rui Rodrigues, Jose A. Teixeira, Ricardo N. Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the effects of electrical fields and frequencies on the activity of pectinase in the clarification process of Vinho Verde wine must. The results show that electrical frequency can increase enzymatic activity, especially at lower temperatures. The temperature dependence of the enzyme's activity can be reduced when moderate electrical fields are applied.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Balaguer Moya, Berta Syhler, Julen Ordenana Manso, Giuliano Dragone, Solange I. Mussatto
Summary: This study evaluated the optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis cocktail to maximize sugar extraction from pretreated sugarcane bagasse. It was found that adding hydrogen peroxide at the beginning of hydrolysis increased glucose and xylose concentrations, while the addition of hemicellulase increased glucose and xylose production. These findings suggest that using an appropriate enzymatic cocktail supplemented with additives can enhance sugar extraction from lignocellulosic biomass and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and competitive process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel A. Madalena, Joao F. Araujo, oscar L. Ramos, Antonio A. Vicente, Ana C. Pinheiro
Summary: This study aims to assess the dynamic in vitro gastric digestion of lactoferrin/curcumin nanoparticles in the realistic gastric model (RGM). The nanosystems were characterized using various techniques, and it was observed that lactoferrin/curcumin nanoparticles were destabilized during the dynamic digestion process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Caivano, Wouter van Winden, Giuliano Dragone, Solange I. Mussatto
Summary: Constraint-based genome-scale models (GEMs) are a powerful tool for predicting and analyzing microbial phenotypes. This study implemented enzymatic constraints into a GEM of Clostridium ljungdahlii, improving the predictive ability of growth rate and product profile. In silico metabolic engineering was then performed to enhance the production of desired fermentation products, resulting in different strategies for overproduction without redundant knockouts. The study highlights the potential of mixotrophic growth for improving cell growth and productivity with CO2 fixation.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
