Article
Environmental Sciences
Sajjad Abbasi, Sahar Amiranipour, Javad Karimi, Sasan Mohsenzadeh, Andrew Turner
Summary: Microalgae, which play critical roles in the food web and biogeochemical cycling, are commercially exploited for the compounds they produce. This study investigated the effects of microplastic contamination on Spirulina, a widely distributed and commercially important cyanobacterium. The results showed that increasing concentrations of microplastics led to a decrease in growth rate and photosynthetic activity, as well as oxidative stress and production of proline. Microplastics were observed to adhere or aggregate around fragmented regions, potentially providing a mechanism for internalization.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Asaf Tzachor, Asger Smidt-Jensen, Alfons Ramel, Margret Geirsdottir
Summary: The cultivation of Spirulina algae in geothermally powered photobioreactors is proposed as a resource efficient and zero-carbon alternative to conventional beef meat. A life cycle assessment conducted in Iceland shows that the production of Spirulina biomass requires significantly less land, water, and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventionally produced beef. Furthermore, controlled environment agriculture ensures consistent nutritional profile year-round, and the Spirulina contains all essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Camilo Duran Quintero, Anne Ventura, Olivier Lepine, Jeremy Pruvost
Summary: This study investigates the environmental impacts of Spirulina production through a modeled production scenario combined with Morris sensitivity analysis. It finds a large variability in global warming potential depending on key parameters such as thermal regulation, setpoint temperature, and production period. By avoiding thermal regulation impacts and increasing biomass productivity, it is possible to reduce the global warming potential per unit of biomass. Expanding the cultivation period under suitable solar conditions can also contribute to higher biomass growth.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana P. Abreu, Rodrigo Martins, Joao Nunes
Summary: This paper explores the innovative applications of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina (Arthrospira) sp. in sustainable development, health, and industry. These include wastewater treatment, biofuel production, drug development, tissue engineering, and industrial production of biopolymers and renewable energy technologies.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ratana Chaiklahan, Nattayaporn Chirasuwan, Thanyarat Srinorasing, Shewin Attasat, Annop Nopharatana, Boosya Bunnag
Summary: The study found that the highest biomass and phycocyanin productivity of Arthrospira platensis BP were achieved under a light intensity of 2300 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) at an OD of 0.6. Additionally, the maximum photosynthetic efficiency was obtained at a light intensity of 635 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) at an OD of 0.8, indicating the importance of light intensity and cell concentration in enhancing biomass and phycocyanin production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gaetana Napolitano, Paola Venditti, Claudio Agnisola, Saverio Quartucci, Gianluca Fasciolo, Maria Teresa Muscari Tomajoli, Eugenio Geremia, Claudio Marcello Catone, Sergio Ulgiati
Summary: Spirulina can improve the growth and wellbeing of fish when used as a supplement in the diet, and growing spirulina in a circular economy context can reduce environmental impacts and enhance fish welfare.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rafik Balti, Nourhene Zayoud, Florence Hubert, Lucie Beaulieu, Anthony Masse
Summary: Membrane diafiltration process was used to fractionate water soluble proteins from Spirulina, resulting in high purity phycocyanin extracts and production of blue color permeates with low chlorophyll content. High recovery rates and protein concentration were achieved, with successful size-based fractionation of proteins.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Etiele Greque de Morais, Itaciara Larroza Nunes, Janice Izabel Druzian, Michele Greque de Morais, Ana Priscila Centeno da Rosa, Jorge Alberto Vieira Costa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of crude glycerol on the productivity, biomass concentration, and biomolecules content of Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultures. The results showed that a glycerol concentration of 2.5 g L-1 led to the highest biomass productivity, with proteins being the main component that could be used to obtain high-added-value compounds. Additionally, the cultivation of microalgae with crude glycerol could contribute to a more sustainable biodiesel production process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oranit Kraseasintra, Yingmanee Tragoolpua, Hataichanok Pandith, Ruttiros Khonkarn, Wasu Pathom-aree, Jeeraporn Pekkoh, Chayakorn Pumas
Summary: This study assessed the biological qualities of phycocyanin for use in natural hair dye products and found that it is non-toxic to human cells, has good dyeability potential, and exhibits physical stability.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ender Deniz Asmaz, Nilay Seyidoglu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Spirulina on the morphological properties and cell proliferation in the duodenum of rats. The results suggest that a high dose of Spirulina may support duodenal growth and intestinal health.
FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hanan Al-Khalaifah, Saif Uddin
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., and Gracilaria sp. as poultry feed and found that they can partially substitute imported protein sources. It also suggested promising opportunities to harvest algae from the marine area, but establishing outdoor algal ponds in the Middle East is not environmentally viable.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Konstantinos P. Papadopoulos, Christina N. Economou, Giorgos Markou, Andonia Nicodemou, Michalis Koutinas, Athanasia G. Tekerlekopoulou, Dimitris V. Vayenas
Summary: This study investigates the cultivation of Arthrospira platensis cyanobacterium in non-diluted and non-pretreated brewery wastewater under non-sterile and alkaline growth conditions. The combination of sodium bicarbonate with sodium chloride resulted in maximum pigment production, while the use of photoperiod led to increased pollutant removal and biomass concentration. Heterotrophic bacteria dominated, while the cyanobacteria population showcased dynamic behavior throughout the experiments.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Omar Ashraf ElFar, Nashiru Billa, Hooi Ren Lim, Kit Wayne Chew, Wai Yan Cheah, Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh, Deepanraj Balakrishnan, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This review discusses the potential of Arthrospira platensis extract as future drugs, its proactive roles in the medical field, and the importance of maximizing bioavailability and delivery efficiency for effective therapeutic outcomes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yen Thi-Thai Doan, Minh-Tri Ho, Huu-Kim Nguyen, Huy-Dung Han
Summary: The novel time-dependent reinforcement learning method proposed in this study shows a significant increase in dry-weight yield of Spirulina, outperforming traditional and threshold-based methods. The results promise enhanced profitability in Spirulina farm production through proactive biomass production planning.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Chen, Yi-Hsiang Chen, Ya-Chun Liao, Xin-Wen Huang, Ting-Jang Lu, Shin-Ru Shih
Summary: This study found that hot water extracts from spirulina have antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and identified the mechanism of action. The polysaccharide-enriched high-molecular weight fraction (SHD1) showed potent antiviral activity against RSV. SHD1 disrupted RSV internalization and inhibited RSV attachment, preventing the virus from entering the host cell. SHD1 can be considered as a potential candidate for the development of novel drugs against RSV infection.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Hamed M. Eladel, Abd El-Fatah Abomohra, Mohamed G. Battah, Soha A. Mohamed
Summary: The present study aimed to optimize culture conditions for algal growth and lipid production of Desmodesmus intermedius using Plackett-Burman statistical experimental design. The results showed that the combination of sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, kinetin hormone, vitamin B-12, and light intensity resulted in maximum lipid productivity. Fatty acid profile analysis revealed the presence of 14 fatty acids suitable for high-quality biodiesel production.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Mohammed Y. Bedaiwy, Aya A. El-Nagar, Eman W. Elgammal
Summary: Bioconversion of lignocellulosic wastes to valuable end-products via multi-enzymatic hydrolysis is a potential low costing process. In this study, the highest cellulase-producing fungus, Aspergillus niger, was identified and suitable pre-treatment conditions and fermentation parameters were determined. The fungal treatment resulted in complete destruction of the lignocellulosic matrix.
BIOCATALYSIS AND BIOTRANSFORMATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Shimaa M. El Shafay, Abd El-Raheem R. El-Shanshoury, Ragaa Hamouda, Dalia Y. Gharieb, Ghada W. Abou-El-Souod
Summary: Cell immobilization is a modern technique used in biological engineering to immobilize free cells in a small space. This study investigated the disintegration and elimination of azo dyes using Chlorococcum sp., as well as Chlorococcum sp. mixed with Scenedesmus obliquus. The results showed that both combinations had effective decolorization activity under specific pH and temperature conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Reham Ebaid, Qingyuan Wang, Shah Faisal, Li Li, Abdelfatah Abomohra
Summary: The study focused on the recovery of phenolic compounds from floral foam waste through pyrolysis. Optimization of pyrolysis conditions showed the highest biocrude yield at 700°C for 20 minutes, with enhanced phenolic proportion.
Article
Biology
Mohamed Ashour, Ahmed Said Al-Souti, Shimaa M. Hassan, Gamal A. G. Ammar, Ashraf M. A. -S. Goda, Rania El-Shenody, Abd El-Fatah Abomohra, Ehab El-Haroun, Mostafa E. Elshobary
Summary: Seaweeds are being recognized as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds for various applications. The use of a biorefinery approach allows for the valorization of multiple products simultaneously. The study showed that TAM (R) improved the growth and nutritional value of strawberry plants, as well as increased bioethanol production from seaweed biomass.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Albert S. Beyer, Jasmin Meier, Marina Jimenez-Munoz, Raphael Meixner, Stephan S. W. Ende, Abdelfatah Abomohra, Joachim Henjes
Summary: This study examined the effects of struvite on the growth and phycocyanin production of spirulina. The results showed that struvite did not have a negative impact on growth rates, but significantly increased the content of phycocyanin compared to untreated media.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohamed E. El-Hefnawy, Sultan Alhayyani, Ali Ismail, Mohsen El-Sherbiny, Mamdouh Al-Harbi, Abdelfatah Abomohra, Mohamed Sakran, Nahla Zidan
Summary: The efficiency of microalgae cultivation on aqueous phase produced from (Co-)hydrothermal liquefaction of seaweed waste was evaluated. The highest bio-oil yield of 42.21% was obtained from HTL of microalgal biomass at 250 degrees C for 60 min. Aq-LP from microalgal biomass had the highest organic load, while that from seaweed residue had higher mineral ion content. Co-HTL enriched the Aq-LP with nutrients from both feedstocks, resulting in a 10.3% higher biomass yield.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mostafa El-Sheekh, Mostafa Elshobary, Eman Abdullah, Refat Abdel-Basset, Metwally Metwally
Summary: This study investigates the use of microalgae as a carbon source for anaerobic bacteria to generate biohydrogen. The results show that biological pretreatment + Mg-Zn Fe2O4-NPs and coculture can significantly enhance biohydrogen production and efficiency.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ding Jiang, Hongping Li, Xiaoxue Cheng, Qifan Ling, Hao Chen, Bahram Barati, Quanfeng Yao, Abdelfatah Abomohra, Xun Hu, Pietro Bartocci, Shuang Wang
Summary: Biomass based activated carbon material was prepared by NaOH activation method using macroalgae as raw material to adsorb methylene blue. The activated adsorbent exhibited high specific surface area (1238.491 m(2) g(-1)) and mesoporous slit structure. The study investigated the effects of impregnation ratio, amount of adsorbent, pH, and contact time on the adsorption activity, and discussed the adsorption kinetics, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory. The SWAC achieved a maximum MB removal efficiency of 98.56% at 30°C and pH 5, attributed to its large specific surface area and presence of graphitic N sites for high electronegativity, facilitating stable adsorption of MB molecules through pi-pi stacking, cation-pi interaction, and electrostatic interaction.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Mohamed A. Deyab, Nagwa I. Hassan, Seham E. Abu Ahmed
Summary: Sodium alginate silver nanoparticles were found to be more effective than sodium alginate in removing Fe (II) ions from water, with a removal efficiency of 80%. The optimal conditions for bioadsorption of Fe (II) were pH 4, contact time of 150 seconds, and an adsorbent dose of 0.01 g. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model.
BIOREMEDIATION JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ding Jiang, Hongping Li, Xiaoxue Cheng, Abdelfatah Abomohra, Yamin Hu, Arman Amani Babadi, Pietro Bartocci, Xun Hu, Shuang Wang
Summary: This study investigated the control mechanism of free radicals on phenolic products selectivity by using guaiacol as a model chemical. The results showed that gaseous radicals or carbon-centered radicals could promote phenols formation through different mechanisms. Methyl radicals were mainly responsible for the selectivity of phenols in the gas-phase system, while in the heterogeneous system, adsorption of methyl radicals and phenolic radicals on carbon edge sites played a crucial role. The presence of carbon-centered radicals distributed at zigzag edges on the carbon surface was found to be essential for the rapid conversion of lignin to phenols.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Adel W. Almutairi, Abdelfatah Abomohra, Mahdy Elsayed
Summary: The present study evaluated an innovative zero-waste approach for efficient recycling of byproducts from rapeseed-based biodiesel industry including lipid-free rapeseed cake (RSC) and waste glycerol by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). The application of waste glycerol significantly enhanced larval biomass gain rate, areal productivity, and lipid content.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
May Almukainzi, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Hend Selim, Asmaa Saleh, Mostafa El-Sheekh, Mofida E. M. Makhlof, Maisra M. El-Bouseary
Summary: In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Ulva intestinalis extract and selenium nanoparticles loaded with U. intestinalis (UISeNPs) were investigated. Both U. intestinalis extract and UISeNPs were found to boost the expression of the cytoprotective/antioxidant pathway Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1, with UISeNPs showing superior efficacy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Fatma Ward, Mohamed A. Deyab, Majid Al-Zahrani, Hussein E. Touliabah
Summary: This study isolated and characterized fucoidan from Dictyota dichotoma var. dichotoma and evaluated its antioxidant and antitumor potential. The fucoidan exhibited strong antioxidant activity and decreased the viability of cancer cells.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Aya A. El-Nagar, Medhat ElKelawy, Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi
Summary: Bioethanol has been widely used as the most extensively used biofuel due to its significant contribution in reducing pollution and crude oil use. The optimization process for bioethanol production and utilization has been conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to study the parameters and their combined impact on bioethanol% and residual sugar. A quadratic regression model was developed to predict bioethanol% and residual sugar, obtaining R2 values of 0.9984 and 0.9883, respectively. The optimized engine operating parameters using the central composite design approach (CCD) showed the highest break thermal efficiency (BTE%) and lowest NOx emissions for a blend of biodiesel and diesel combined with bioethanol.
