Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zaheer Ud Din Sheikh, Somvir Bajar, Arti Devi, Pawan Kumar Rose, Meenakshi Suhag, Arti Yadav, Deepak Kumar Yadav, Tanuj Deswal, Japleen Kaur, Richa Kothari, Deepak Pathania, Neeta Rani, Anita Singh
Summary: This article discusses the challenges in biofuel production and the application of nanotechnology to improve the production processes. The role of nanoparticles in various bioconversion processes and their impact on yield are also explored.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Thermodynamics
Sungyup Jung, Nagaraj P. Shetti, Kakarla Raghava Reddy, Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda, Young-Kwon Park, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: Livestock manures have the potential to be utilized as abundant feedstocks for biofuels, but they are currently underutilized and limited to specific applications. Further research and development are needed to explore their full potential in biofuel production.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biology
Pierre Lau, Pierre Lesne, Robert J. Grebenok, Juliana Rangel, Spencer T. Behmer
Summary: Poor nutrition and landscape changes are key factors causing the decline of wild and managed bee populations. However, the definition of 'poor nutrition' for bees is currently inadequate. Studying and characterizing the nutrient content of different pollen types is crucial for understanding pollen as a nutritional resource. Unfortunately, the use of different analytical approaches has complicated comparisons between studies and blurred our understanding of pollen nutrient content. This study proposes a unified approach for analyzing pollen nutrient content, which will help researchers better study and understand the nutritional ecology of bees and other pollen feeders.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eugenia Leandro Almeida, Jose Eduardo Olivo, Cid Marcos Goncalves Andrade
Summary: Biodiesel, a substitute for petrochemical diesel, can be obtained from renewable raw materials. However, its production leads to a market saturation of glycerol, causing devaluation and economic unfeasibility. Despite this, research explores the use of glycerol as a raw material for biofuel production, driven by environmental concerns.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Esmail Dabirian, Alireza Hajipour, Abbasali Abouei Mehrizi, Ceren Karaman, Fatemeh Karimi, Pau Loke-Show, Onur Karaman
Summary: Global warming is a critical environmental problem caused by burning fossil fuels and releasing CO2. The use of biofuels, especially those produced with nanotechnology, such as biohydrogen and bioethanol, can improve production efficiency and contribute to a greener future.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
J. Lacroux, P. Jouannais, A. Atteia, A. Bonnafous, E. Trably, J-P Steyer, R. van Lis
Summary: Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced by fermentative bacteria can be used to reduce the costs of mixotrophic microalgal cultivation. However, the assimilation of butyrate and the tolerance of microalgae to high VFA concentrations are limiting factors. In this study, Polytomella sp. was found to be the most tolerant strain and exhibited the highest growth rate on both acetate and butyrate. Additionally, Polytomella sp. and Euglena gracilis showed high carbohydrate yields, while Chlorella sorokiniana had the highest lipid yield.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Asemgul K. Sadvakasova, Bekzhan D. Kossalbayev, Bolatkhan K. Zayadan, Dariga K. Kirbayeva, Saleh Alwasel, Suleyman I. Allakhverdiev
Summary: Environmental and energy security are now major global concerns, with renewable energy sources being crucial in preventing a global economic crisis. Cyanobacteria show promise for biofuel production due to their high lipid content, suitable fatty acid composition, and potential for wastewater treatment.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manol Ognyanov, Petko Denev, Nadezhda Petkova, Zhana Petkova, Magdalena Stoyanova, Peter Zhelev, Georgi Matev, Desislava Teneva, Yordan Georgiev
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the nutritional constituents of Sorbus domestica L. fruits and found that they contained abundant fatty acids, sterols, trace elements, and phenolics. The fruits also exhibited antioxidant and protective abilities. Sorbus domestica L. fruits are rich in nutrients and have potential health benefits.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Cecilia Naveira-Pazos, Maria C. Veiga, Christian Kennes
Summary: This study demonstrates that a mixture of VFAs obtained from acetogenic bacteria can be used in aerobic fermentation with Yarrowia lipolytica to produce lipids as precursors for biodiesel. Acetic acid is the preferred substrate for Yarrowia lipolytica, with a high consumption rate for lipid production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sungyup Jung, Minyoung Kim, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Young-Kwon Park, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: This study proposes a direct valorization platform for converting bio-heavy oil into biodiesel via thermally induced transesterification, achieving high biodiesel yield without catalyst, which enhances production efficiency and economic benefits.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kannan Mohan, Palanivel Sathishkumar, Durairaj Karthick Rajan, Jayakumar Rajarajeswaran, Abirami Ramu Ganesan
Summary: Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is a fast-growing and promising insect species that can achieve high-fat content through organic dietary supplements and environmental conditions. The fatty acids in their body can be converted into biodiesel with high efficiency, resulting in reduced energy input and carbon emissions. This review focuses on evaluating the optimal dietary source and growth conditions to produce fatty acid-rich larvae from agro food waste, and discusses the optimization and refining of lipids using novel techniques.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shin Myung Kim, Jee Young Kim, Jaewon Park, Eun Hee Bae, Jae-Shin Kang, Ka Young Kim, Yoon-E Choi
Summary: Cyanobacteria-derived biofuels can be produced efficiently by mixotrophic cultivation using volatile fatty acids as a low-cost carbon source. Butyric acid was found to be more effective than acetic acid in enhancing cell growth and increasing biodiesel and bioethanol production. The study contributes to the potential commercialization of carbon-neutral fuels derived from cyanobacteria and the development of a circular bioeconomy.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rasiravathanahalli Kaveriyappan Govindarajan, Rekha Thiruvengadam, Amer M. Alanazi, Saravanan Pandiaraj, Krishnamurthy Mathivanan, Muthu Thiruvengadam, Jin Hee Kim
Summary: The present study investigated the impact of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), culture temperature, and urea addition on the biomass, total lipid, lipidomic profile, and fatty acid productivity in Scenedesmus obliquus (S. obliquus) and Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) for sustainable biodiesels. Results showed that both S. obliquus and C. vulgaris exhibited high cell densities and lipid contents. The optimal parameters for biomass yields were a PAR of 60 μmol/m2/sec and a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. Urea deprivation and a PAR of 60 μmol/m2/sec resulted in the highest proportions of unsaturated fatty acids in both species.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaoli Xiong, Wenxing Zhang, Xia Ha, Ning Li, Shengming Chen, Hongwei Xing, Jing Yang
Summary: Kitchen waste is both harmful and rich in resources, with approximately 1.3 billion tons being produced worldwide every year. Conventional treatments such as landfilling and incineration cause environmental, economic, and social problems. Therefore, there is an urgent need for harmless and resource-based treatment technology.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Agata Jablonska-Trypuc, Elzbieta Wolejko, Mahmudova Dildora Ernazarovna, Aleksandra Glowacka, Gabriela Sokolowska, Urszula Wydro
Summary: One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is obtaining an ecological source of transport fuels. Biofuels based on algae offer a neutral alternative to traditional agricultural raw materials, which can lead to increased food prices and environmental degradation. This review discusses the properties and applications of algae species, the process of eutrophication and algae presence in eutrophicated reservoirs, algal cultivation technologies, biomass pretreatment methods, and the future directions of biofuel development. However, algal biofuels still face challenges in replacing fossil fuels and future work should focus on maximizing yield and quality while increasing economic viability.
Article
Ecology
M. Majaneva, S. Enberg, R. Autio, J. Blomster, J-M Rintala
AQUATIC MICROBIAL ECOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Plant Sciences
Olga Blokhina, Teresa Laitinen, Yuto Hatakeyama, Nicolas Delhomme, Tanja Paasela, Lei Zhao, Nathaniel R. Street, Hiroshi Wada, Anna Karkonen, Kurt Fagerstedt
Article
Plant Sciences
Enni Vaisanen, Junko Takahashi, Ogonna Obudulu, Joakim Bygdell, Pirkko Karhunen, Olga Blokhina, Teresa Laitinen, Teemu H. Teeri, Gunnar Wingsle, Kurt Fagerstedt, Anna Karkonen
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Laura Kaikkonen, Sara Enberg, Jaanika Blomster, Anne-Mari Luhtanen, Riitta Autio, Janne-Markus Rintala
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maryam Abidizadegan, Elina Peltomaa, Jaanika Blomster
Summary: Cryptophytes, a major group of microalgae, have garnered scientific attention for their rich bioactive compounds which can be utilized in various industries such as food, medicine, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Markus Majaneva, Janne-Markus Rintala, Jaanika Blomster
Summary: Ciliophora, a phylum of common unicellular eukaryotes with pivotal roles in aquatic environments, exhibit different characteristics in sea ice and water, with sea ice having fewer taxonomic and functional richness compared to water. However, Ciliophora diversity remained stable in both sea ice and water throughout the study period, despite changes in assemblages.
Article
Biology
Maryam Abidizadegan, Jaanika Blomster, David Fewer, Elina Peltomaa
Summary: In recent decades, the demand for natural and sustainable bioproducts has increased. Microalgae, with their industrial potential, have attracted much attention as promising biological resources. This study investigated the effect of light color and species-specific capability of cryptophyte algae to produce biochemical compounds. The results showed that changes in light quality significantly affect the biochemical compositions of cryptophyte algae, and species-specific responses to different light qualities were identified. The study also found that the derived biomolecules from cryptophytes had remarkable antioxidant activity, indicating that cryptophytes could be considered as potential candidates for producing beneficial biochemical compounds.
Article
Plant Sciences
Roxana Preston, Perttu Seppa, Ellen Schagerstrom, Jaanika Blomster
Summary: Sequencing of a mitochondrial intergenic spacer and 23S subunit was used to investigate the phylogeographic patterns in Fucus vesiculosus. A putative ancestral mitochondrial haplotype from the Atlantic entered the Baltic Sea and colonised extensively. Low overall haplotype diversity was observed, with indications of spatially aggregated patterns. No significant signals of extreme demographic changes were found. The Baltic Sea Fucus vesiculosus is confirmed as a closely related species. The relatively short temporal scale for colonisation and low variance in the mitochondrial genome results in a rather panmictic structure.
Article
Ecology
Roxana Preston, Jaanika Blomster, Ellen Schagerstrom, Perttu Seppa
Summary: The genetic characteristics of populations have important impacts on the adaptive potential of species. This study focuses on the genetic heterogeneity in the marine macroalga Fucus vesiculosus and demonstrates marked differences in reproductive characteristics and genetic diversity between the attached and free-living forms. Asexual reproduction is common in the free-living form but almost absent in the attached form, while signals of polyploidy are observed in both forms. Gene flow between the forms is hindered due to differences in reproductive modes.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kaloian Nickolov, Adrien Gauthier, Kenji Hashimoto, Teresa Laitinen, Enni Vaisanen, Tanja Paasela, Rabah Soliymani, Takamitsu Kurusu, Kristiina Himanen, Olga Blokhina, Kurt Fagerstedt, Soile Jokipii-Lukkari, Hannele Tuominen, Hely Haggman, Gunnar Wingsle, Teemu H. Teeri, Kazuyuki Kuchitsu, Anna Karkonen
Summary: This study reveals that the regulation of RBOH activity in Norway spruce is conserved among seed plants, and phosphorylation and Ca2+ synergistically activate the enzyme. Phosphoproteomic analysis identifies multiple potential phosphorylation sites.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. Peltomaa, H. Asikainen, J. Blomster, H. Pakkanen, C. Rigaud, P. Salmi, S. Taipale
Summary: Chemotaxonomic biomarkers, such as fatty acids, sterols, and carotenoids, can be used to monitor and evaluate the nutritional quality of phytoplankton communities. These biomolecules can help classify phytoplankton groups, although some limitations exist in accurately distinguishing certain groups. The combination of fatty acids, sterols, and carotenoids yields the most accurate phylogenetic information.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Kurt Fagerstedt
Summary: This article comments on the study by Gomez-alvarez et al., which found that the inability of barley to germinate after submergence depends on hypoxia-induced secondary dormancy.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maryam Abidizadegan, Jaanika Blomster, Elina Peltomaa
Summary: Iron plays a crucial role in the physiological processes of algal growth. This study investigated the effect of different iron levels on the growth and production of bioactive compounds in five cryptophyte strains. The results showed species-specific responses to iron levels and variations in the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Additionally, each strain displayed different antioxidant activities in response to changes in iron levels.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Kurt Fagerstedt, Chiara Pucciariello, Ole Pedersen, Pierdomenico Perata
Summary: Recent progress in researching flooding and hypoxia/anoxia tolerance in plants has revealed individual and general mechanisms of tolerance. This research has investigated carbohydrate consumption, fermentation, aerenchyma development, and the oxygen-sensing mechanism, providing insights into the intracellular effects of flooding. The accumulated knowledge has been applied to breeding flood-tolerant crop cultivars and improving crop productivity under changing environments due to climate change.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Henna Asikainen, Jaanika Blomster, Timo Corner, Janna Pietikainen
Summary: The study explored the impact of peer teaching on student integration, including student-teacher interaction, identification, and how peer teachers affect student integration into the program. Through a mixed-method approach involving surveys, open-ended experiences, and student sketches, it was found that peer teaching had a significant impact on student integration in various ways.
JOURNAL OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
(2021)
