Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
M. Carneiro, I. B. Maia, P. Cunha, I Guerra, T. Magina, T. Santos, P. S. C. Schulze, H. Pereira, F. X. Malcata, J. Navalho, J. Silva, A. Otero, J. Varela
Summary: The study found that using LED lighting can significantly increase the biomass and nighttime productivity of microalgae under low light conditions, especially when the sunlight is weak. However, the use of LED lighting in outdoor raceway ponds should only be considered for high-value metabolites.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniela Couto, Tiago A. Conde, Tania Melo, Bruna Neves, Margarida Costa, Pedro Cunha, Ines Guerra, Nadia Correia, Joana T. Silva, Hugo Pereira, Joao Varela, Joana Silva, Rosario Domingues, Pedro Domingues
Summary: This study investigates the plasticity of the polar lipid profile of marine and freshwater Nannochloropsis species grown in indoor and outdoor photobioreactors. The results show that indoor conditions lead to higher lipid content, while outdoor conditions result in a lipid profile rich in phospholipids and betaine lipids. The study provides insight into the lipid metabolic adaptation of Nannochloropsis species.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ranjith Kumar Bakku, Yoshimasa Yamamoto, Yu Inaba, Taro Hiranuma, Enrico Gianino, Lawi Amarianto, Waleed Mahrous, Hideyuki Suzuki, Kengo Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated the physiological responses of Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis) under semicontinuous N-starvation (N-) conditions in open ponds. The results showed that E. gracilis had higher growth rates and a higher paramylon content under N- conditions compared to N+ conditions. The study also revealed that E. gracilis exhibited similar cell numbers regardless of nitrogen concentrations, with relatively smaller cell size and unaffected photosynthetic apparatus under N- conditions. This adaptation ability of E. gracilis may have promising implications for the algal industry to achieve high productivity without relying on genetically modified organisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aurelien Parsy, Lucas Bidoire, Myriam Saadouni, Michel Bahuaud, Thomas Elan, Frederic Perie, Cecilia Sambusiti
Summary: This study shows that seasonal variations significantly affect the growth rate, productivity, and other parameters of Nannochloropsis oculata culture. Summer is the most suitable season for culturing Nannochloropsis oculata, with higher productivity compared to winter and spring-autumn seasons.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Song Gao, Scott Edmundson, Michael Huesemann
Summary: This study investigated the issue of supersaturated oxygen levels in microalgae in open systems, and the effects of three oxygen stress mitigation methods on photosynthetic rate and biomass productivity of microalgae.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Song Gao, Scott Edmundson, Michael Huesemann, Andrew Gutknecht, Lieve M. L. Laurens, Stefanie Van Wychen, Kyle Pittman, Mattias Greer
Summary: In our previous studies, 12 promising microalgae strains were selected from 38 strains based on their growth under simulated outdoor conditions. This study focused on quantitatively assessing these strains in outdoor raceway ponds and comparing their performance with benchmark strains. The results showed that some new strains demonstrated robust growth and improved culture stability, making them potential candidates for biomass production.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
M. E. Morales-Plasencia, L. Ibarra-Castro, J. M. Martinez-Brown, M. Nieves-Soto, J. F. Bermudez-Lizarraga, A. H. Rojo-Cebreros
Summary: Nitrogen limitation significantly affects carbohydrate and beta-glucan accumulation in Nannochloropsis oculata. The highest biomass, carbohydrate, and beta-glucan content were achieved under 50% and 75% N treatments. It is recommended to conduct industrial production of N. oculata under these conditions.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Robin Barten, Rocca Chin-On, Jeroen de Vree, Ellen van Beersum, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa, Marcel Janssen
Summary: This study presents the growth parameters of three industrially relevant microalgae species. The growth rates, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass yield on light were determined through dedicated experiments. The results show that these growth parameters are accurate and can be used for model calibration.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Penglong Zhang, Ruibing Peng, Xiamin Jiang, Maowang Jiang, Guoquan Zeng
Summary: The study suggests that the monocultures of Thalassiosira pseudonana and Nannochloropsis oculata can increase shrimp yield and improve the nutritional quality of shrimp muscles, with the effect of Thalassiosira pseudonana being particularly significant.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Rocio Janeth Aguilar-Ruiz, Dalia Isabel Sanchez-Machado, Maria del Rosario Martinez-Macias, Jaime Lopez-Cervantes, Omar Nateras-Ramirez, Olga Nydia Campas-Baypoli, Yedidia Villegas-Peralta
Summary: This study investigates the effect of light intensity and culture medium on the growth and nutritional composition of microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata and Porphyridium cruentum. It is found that higher light intensity and certain culture medium conditions lead to higher protein content and higher content of certain vitamins in N. oculata. On the other hand, P. cruentum shows higher carbohydrate content under lower light intensity.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Eman Zahran, Samia Elbahnaswy, Fatma Ahmed, Iman Ibrahim, Asmaa A. Khaled, Elsayed A. Eldessouki
Summary: The marine microalga Nannochloropsis oculata has great potential for nutraceutical and functional food industry applications due to its bioactive compounds and high omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content. In this study, Nile tilapia fed diets supplemented with N. oculata showed improved growth performance, proximate composition, lipid profile, and gene expression pattern related to lipid metabolism and immune response. Histopathological examination confirmed the benefits and safety of N. oculata dietary inclusion. Overall, N. oculata is a promising nutraceutical for enhancing fish health and sustainability in aquaculture production.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hareb Al Jabri, Aumaya Taleb, Raphaelle Touchard, Imen Saadaoui, Vincent Goetz, Jeremy Pruvost
Summary: Temperature and light are crucial factors for microalgae production, affecting their growth kinetics, physiological properties, and adaptation mechanisms. In the Qatar desert, there are wide variations in temperature and light intensity, making it essential to study their effects on microalgae for large-scale outdoor production systems. Studies show that dynamic light and temperature have interactive effects on biomass productivity, with microalgae showing a high level of adaptation to fluctuations in light and temperature stress.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria G. Savvidou, Angelo Ferraro, Petros Schinas, Diomi Mamma, Dimitris Kekos, Evangelos Hristoforou, Fragiskos N. Kolisis
Summary: This study presents a method of cell immobilization using microalgae carrying magnetic properties. By enzymatic and mechanical treatments, cell walls are destroyed and protoplasts are generated, which can then be transformed with magnetic nanoparticles. The regeneration of transformed protoplasts is optimized using various supplements. The transformed protoplasts are immobilized and grown on a magnetic surface without any supplement.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Isidora Echenique-Subiabre, Jonah M. Greene, Aidan Ryan, Heather Martinez, Marcela Balleza, Julia Gerber, Ahlem Jebali, Stephanie Getto, Charles J. O'Kelly, Shovon Mandal, Jason C. Quinn, Shawn R. Starkenburg, Alina A. Corcoran, Jonathan B. Shurin
Summary: The response of microalgae to environmental variation is crucial for commercial production of algal feedstocks. However, the current predictive models based on climate factors have rarely been validated at continental scales. This study compared predicted biomass productivities with experimental field data and found significant deviations, indicating the influence of site-specific factors on algal growth. Identifying and quantifying these factors is essential for more accurate models and locating favorable sites for algal production facilities.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
E. Rodriguez-Miranda, J. L. Guzman, F. G. Acien, M. Berenguel, A. Visioli
Summary: Temperature and irradiance are crucial factors affecting microalgae cultures in open raceway reactors, with inadequate temperature significantly decreasing biomass productivity. An indirect method for temperature regulation by optimizing culture depth can improve performance in these reactors without extra energy and costs.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Endri Taragjini, Martina Ciardi, Evan Musari, Silvia Villaro, Ainoa Morillas-Espana, Francisco Javier Alarcon, Tomas Lafarga
Summary: This study aimed to produce Spirulina using commercial fertilisers and extract proteins with improved functionality. The ultrasound-assisted isoelectric solubilisation/precipitation helped recover 86.3% of proteins with high purity and essential amino acids. The protein's solubility, foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties were pH dependent, showing potential for novel food development.
FOOD AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lara Moran, Gemma Bou, Noelia Aldai, Martina Ciardi, Ainoa Morillas-Espana, Ana Sanchez-Zurano, Luis Javier R. Barron, Tomas Lafarga
Summary: Microalgae and microalgae-derived ingredients are a top trend in the food industry, but consumers' acceptance and purchase intention can be influenced by odor and flavor. Surprisingly, there are limited studies on the volatile composition of microalgae and cyanobacteria. This study aimed to investigate the volatile composition of seven microalgal and cyanobacterial strains from marine and freshwater sources and understand their potential impact on odor. The results showed that the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is mainly driven by the individual strain, but can also be influenced by environmental and taxonomical factors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
T. Bongiorno, L. Foglio, L. Proietti, M. Vasconi, V. M. Moretti, A. Lopez, D. Carminati, A. Galafat, A. J. Vizcaino, F. G. Acien Fernandez, F. J. Alarcon, K. Parati
Summary: The potential application of microalgae as a functional ingredient in practical diets for Siberian sturgeon was evaluated in this study. The results show that the growth performance and oxidative status of the fish were not significantly affected by the inclusion of microalgae in the diets. Nannochlopsis gaditana was found to be a potential functional ingredient that can improve the sustainability of microalgae production and the aquaculture sector.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marta Barcelo-Villalobos, Angeles Hoyo, Enrique Rodriguez-Miranda, Jose Luis Guzman, Francisco Gabriel Acien
Summary: Raceway reactors, widely used in microalgae production, have low mass transfer capacity, causing dissolved oxygen accumulation and reduced system performance. To address this issue, a new control algorithm is proposed to improve mass transfer capacity and reduce air injection costs by applying only necessary airflow based on demand. The proposed approach was evaluated through simulation and outdoor conditions in an 80 m(2) photobioreactor.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristian Inostroza, Naoufel El Bahraoui, Rodrigo Rivera-Tinoco, F. Gabriel Acien
Summary: The study explores the use of electro-coagulation-flocculation as a method for pre-concentrating microalgae biomass. The results show that the current density and biomass concentration have significant effects on biomass recovery and energy consumption.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beatriz Roncero-Ramos, Jose Raul Roman, Gabriel Acien, Yolanda Canton
Summary: Dryland soil degradation is a growing problem due to global change and water scarcity. Traditional restoration methods have proven ineffective, leading to the emergence of alternative technologies based on biocrust-forming cyanobacteria inoculation. This study explores the possibility of using agricultural fertilizers to produce cyanobacteria biomass for large-scale restoration projects. Results show that heterocystous cyanobacteria can be successfully cultured using fertilizers, while more research is needed for bundle-forming cyanobacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rebecca Nordio, Francisco Javier Delgado, Ana Sanchez-Zurano, Jose Gonzalez Hernandez, Enrique Rodriguez-Miranda, Jose Luis Guzman, Tomas Lafarga, Gabriel Acien
Summary: The present study aimed to evaluate the use of microalga Scenedesmus almeriensis for treating untreated urban wastewater. Two 12 m(3) raceway reactors, one supplemented with wastewater and the other with chemical fertilizer, were operated outdoors in a semi-continuous mode for eight months. The results showed that S. almeriensis could be produced in wastewater without affecting the photosynthetic apparatus, with an average productivity of 13 g center dot m(-2)center dot day(-1) in both systems. Moreover, the nutrient content of the wastewater, including nitrogen, phosphorous, and chemical oxygen demand, was reduced to meet European limitations, with average removal rates of 2.2, 0.2, and 3.0 g center dot m(-2)center dot day(-1) respectively. The raceway reactors demonstrated high potential for microalgal production and efficient biotreatment, proving to be robust and reliable. Additionally, an accurate model was developed to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on biomass productivity in the clean system (R-2 = 0.9, p = 0.0002).
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joseph Santhi Pechsiri, Jean-Baptiste E. Thomas, Naoufel El Bahraoui, Francisco Gabriel Acien Fernandez, Jamal Chaouki, Saad Chidami, Rodrigo Rivera Tinoco, Jose Pena Martin, Cintia Gomez, Michel Combe, Fredrik Grondahl
Summary: This study compares the environmental performance of conventional reactors and a proposed internally illuminated novel closed reactor design. The results show that the novel photobioreactor can significantly reduce impacts such as eutrophication and climate change when leveraging renewable energy sources and the photosynthesis process in urban-industrial symbiosis scenarios.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elvira Navarro-Lopez, Juan Jose Gallardo-Rodriguez, Maria del Carmen Ceron-Garcia, Inmaculada Gallego-Lopez, Francisco Gabriel Acien-Fernandez, Emilio Molina-Grima
Summary: The effect of different parameters on the extraction of biostimulant molecules from microalgal biomass was investigated, and the optimal conditions for using organic green solvents (acetone or ethanol) were determined for maximum germination index.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Jesus Vizcaino Antonio, Andre Barany, Alba Galafat, Gabriel Acien, Felix L. Figueroa, Javier Alarcon Francisco, Miguel Mancera Juan, Juan Antonio Martos-Sitcha, Salvador Arijo, Roberto Teofilo Abdala-Diaz
Summary: The study found that the combined administration of Chlorella fusca and ethanol-inactivated Vibrio proteolyticus significantly improved the growth performance and feed utilization of the thick-lipped grey mullet, while enhancing the lipid quality and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This has potential benefits for human nutrition.
Article
Microbiology
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Rosa Maria Rico, Francisco Gabriel Acien, Juan Miguel Mancera, Felix L. Figueroa, Antonio Jesus Vizcaino, Francisco Javier Alarcon, Miguel Angel Morinigo, Roberto Teofilo Abdala-Diaz
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a blend of microalgae on Sparus aurata juveniles. The results show that the addition of microalgae tends to decrease body lipids and affects fatty acid profile. In particular, the diet containing 25% of the microalgae blend increases DHA levels. Additionally, this diet promotes appropriate microbial diversity and influences fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism in fish.
Article
Mathematics
Pablo Otalora, Jose Luis Guzman, Manuel Berenguel, Francisco Gabriel Acien
Summary: The industrial production of microalgae is a sustainable and interesting process, especially in terms of its applications in wastewater treatment. Neural network models have been developed to optimize the process and characterize the pH dynamics in different raceway reactors. These models are able to predict pH profiles using available measurable process data and demonstrate the potential of artificial neural networks in modeling continuous dynamic systems in the industry.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Bruna Rodrigues Moreira, Piedad Valverde-Guillen, Sofia Latorre-Redoli, Candela T. Caneda-Santiago, Gabriel Acien, Eduardo Martinez-Manzanares, Manuel Mari-Beffa, Roberto T. Abdala-Diaz
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxic activity of ulvan polysaccharides obtained from Ulva rigida against human cancer cell lines and zebrafish embryos. The results showed that ulvan had cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines, particularly on colon cancer cells. However, ulvan also had negative effects on the growth rate and osmolar balance of zebrafish embryos, indicating that its use should be limited to specific concentrations.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yolanda Soriano-Jerez, Lucia Garcia-Abad, Maria del Carmen Ceron-Garcia, Juan Jose Gallardo-Rodriguez, Christine Bressy, Francisco Garcia-Camacho, Emilio Molina-Grima
Summary: In order to avoid biofouling formation in a closed-photobioreactor (PBR), a non-toxic coating with high transparency is needed. Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based coatings mixed with poly(ethylene glycol)-based copolymers have been found to inhibit microorganism adhesion, with the DBE-311 copolymer being the most effective option. However, the surface properties of these coatings change over time, allowing cell adhesion after 8 months of immersion. Complementing the XDLVO theory with models to predict conditioning film formation and the contribution of fluid dynamics over time is necessary.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Daniel Alvarez-Torres, Isabel M. Cerezo, Marta Dominguez-Maqueda, Felix L. Figueroa, Francisco Javier Alarcon, Gabriel Acien, Eduardo Martinez-Manzanares, Roberto T. Abdala-Diaz, Julia Bejar, Salvador Arijo
Summary: This study assessed the impact of dietary green microalgae and ethanol-inactivated Vibrio proteolyticus on thick-lipped grey mullet juvenile fish. The results showed that the diet influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota without affecting its functionality. Additionally, the diet effectively regulated the transcription of stress and immune-related genes, enhancing the fish's resistance against stress and infections.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sung-Yeoul Kim, Vikash Chandra Roy, Jin-Seok Park, Byung-Soo Chun
Summary: This study aims to extract functional substances from Undaria pinnatiida sporophyll using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results showed that the consecutive green extraction method can yield extracts rich in fucoxanthin and beta-carotene, and the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatiida contains health-beneficial fatty acids. Additionally, SWE can extract substances with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2024)
