Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ashley E. Sproles, Anthony Berndt, Francis J. Fields, Stephen P. Mayfield
Summary: This study describes the design of an optimized vector for rapid identification and isolation of high-expression recombinant protein transformants in Chlamydomonas. The method greatly reduces screening time and enables the production of large populations of recombinant algae transformants for subsequent sequencing and analysis.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Fengzheng Gao, Marta Sa, Iago Teles Dominguez Cabanelas, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa
Summary: This work aimed to select a Tisochrysis lutea phenotype with higher biomass and fucoxanthin productivities using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). A novel phenotype was obtained after two rounds of selection, resulting in significantly increased productivity of fucoxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid. The new phenotype showed high potential for industrial production with the highest reported outdoor productivities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chin Sze Yee, Victor Tosin Okomoda, Fakriah Hashim, Khor Waiho, Siti Rozaimah Sheikh Abdullah, Cosmas Alamanjo, Hassimi Abu Hasan, Emienour Muzalina Mustafa, Nor Azman Kasan
Summary: This study investigated the effect of co-culturing microalgae with a floc-forming bacterium Bacillus infantis. Results showed increased biomass growth and lipid accumulation in the co-culture compared to the axenic culture. The cell number of B. infantis co-cultured with Thalassiosira weissflogii increased during the exponential stage, while other microalgae species experienced a significant reduction in bacteria cell density.
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. M. Zakir Hossain, N. Sultana, M. M. Hossain, S. A. Razzak
Summary: This study investigated the effects of light-dark cycles and NaNO3 dose on Chlorella kessleri microalgal-specific growth rate, biomass productivity, and intracellular lipid productivity. The results of single-objective and multi-response optimization showed the maximum achievable values and the optimal culture conditions for the production of lipid from microalgae. The use of central composite design with desirability function was proven to be useful in designing and operating photobioreactors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christian Sudfeld, Michal Hubacek, Daniel Figueiredo, Mihris I. S. Naduthodi, John van der Oost, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa, Sarah D'Adamo
Summary: Nannochloropsis oceanica is a promising microalga platform, but current lipid yields are too low for economic feasibility. This study aimed to discover genes associated with increased neutral lipid content, with a promising mutant (HLM23) showing increased lipid content, enhanced photosynthetic performance, and no growth impairment. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis, and the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in HLM23. Insights gained from this study can be used for future genetic engineering strategies to improve lipid productivity of Nannochloropsis.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Abd El-Fatah Abomohra, Hamed Eladel, Soha Mohammed
Summary: The present study successfully isolated a local strain of Protosiphon algae and evaluated its potential for biodiesel production and antioxidant activity of its lipid-free biomass. The results showed that the algae exhibited high biomass and biodiesel productivity under optimal nitrogen conditions, and the lipid-free biomass demonstrated significant antioxidant activity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tasneema Ishika, Emeka G. Nwoba, Cherono Kwambai, Navid R. Moheimani
Summary: The harvesting frequency significantly influences the biomass productivity and lipid content of Nannochloropsis. High frequency harvesting is preferred for generating biomass, while lowering the frequency can enhance the lipid content. Proper management of harvesting frequency is crucial to achieve optimum targeted product (biomass and/or lipid).
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manoranjan Nayak, William Suh, Young Taek Oh, Ae Jin Ryu, Ki Jun Jeong, Minsik Kim, Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, Bongsoo Lee, Yong Keun Chang
Summary: The present study successfully improved the lipid content and productivity of Chlorella sp. HS2 using EMS mutagenesis and FACS selection, making it suitable for biofuel production.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francis J. Fields, Ritchie E. Hernandez, Ethan Weilbacher, Edgar Garcia-Vargas, Justin Huynh, Mason Thurmond, Richard Lund, Michael D. Burkart, Stephen P. Mayfield
Summary: The study isolated nine species of green algae directly from an outdoor pilot production facility, with Parachlorella kessleri-SD23 showing the highest annual productivity and lipid content in the greenhouse setting.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Suiyi Li, V. Meenakshi, S. Nithya, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, Saleh H. Salmen, Rajasree Shanmuganathan, Li Zhang, Changlei Xia
Summary: The effect of wastewater and NaCl mixture on microalgae growth was studied and it was found that increasing salinity in wastewater led to decreased biomass production but significantly increased lipid content. The addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles enhanced microalgae productivity. Chlorella vulgaris was identified as a suitable candidate for treating high salinity wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. P. Sanchez-Saavedra, F. Y. Castro-Ochoa
Summary: This study evaluated the growth characteristics, proximate composition, and fatty acid content of eleven microalgae strains, as well as their potential for biodiesel production. The findings indicated that certain microalgae strains showed promising potential for biodiesel production, including Chlorella vulgaris and Cymbella sp.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paul Chambonniere, Adriana Ramirez-Romero, Alexandra Dimitriades-Lemaire, Jean-Francois Sassi, Florian Delrue
Summary: This study monitored the physiological changes of Chlorella vulgaris NIES 227 during lipid accumulation under nutrient limitation and found that the growth capacity of the microalgae can be preserved during the exponential growth phase, but under nutrient limitation, protein content decreases while lipid content increases, and the photosynthetic activity decreases. These findings are important for optimizing industrial processes in microalgae biofuel production.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Thermodynamics
Kuan Shiong Khoo, Imran Ahmad, Kit Wayne Chew, Koji Iwamoto, Amit Bhatnagar, Pau Loke Show
Summary: Microalgae has attracted attention as an alternative feedstock for biofuel production, especially when combined with genetic modification strategies for enhanced lipid productivity. As a potential sustainable energy source, microalgae utilize solar energy and carbon dioxide to produce energy-rich compounds that can be further converted into various types of biofuels. Biodiesel from transesterification of triacylglycerols is considered the most sustainable replacement for fossil-based diesel fuel. However, challenges in productivity, production cost, and upscaling technology hinder the commercialization of microalgae-based biofuel. This review article provides an overview of microalgae classification, factors affecting growth during cultivation, upstream processing, downstream processing, genetic modification strategies, and discusses the current challenges and future prospects of microalgae-based biofuels, including sustainability, industry status, and risks and legislation considerations.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ge Yan, Liang Fu, Xin Lu, Yutong Xie, Jiayi Zhao, Jiaqing Tang, Dandan Zhou
Summary: This study found that Chlorella regularis exhibited high tolerance to high concentrations of boron (B), maintaining cell growth and producing a high biomass. The microalgae removed B by absorbing it and binding it to protein and carbon components in the cells, with a removal capability exceeding that of some special adsorbents. Furthermore, the mitogen-activated protein-kinase signaling pathway was involved in the B tolerance of microalgae, regulating B efflux, glycolysis, and lipid/starch accumulation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feifei Chu, Jun Cheng, Wen Hou, Weijuan Yang, Pengyue Zhang, Ji-Yeon Park, Hyungtaek Kim, Lihua Xu
Summary: By using Na-Citrate to chelate FeCl3 and promote microalgae growth, Fe-Citrate can enhance the biomass and lipid productivities of Chlorella PY-ZU1, outperforming other iron sources. Microalgae cultured with Fe-Citrate exhibited similar growth to those with commercial ferric ammonium citrate, but with 1.30 times higher biomass and 1.72 times higher lipid productivities compared to FeCl3 culture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sarah D'Adamo, Richard Kormelink, Dirk Martens, Maria J. Barbosa, Rene H. Wijffels
Summary: Viruses, besides being pathogens, play a crucial role in evolution and can influence host fitness, population dynamics, and community structures. Microalgae biotechnology is a rapidly advancing field that investigates the use of photosynthetic microorganisms for various industries. The study of viruses infecting microalgae has become an important subject of ecological research, and so far, 63 viruses that infect eukaryotic microalgae have been identified and cultured.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jie Lian, Georg Steinert, Jeroen de Vree, Sven Meijer, Christa Heryanto, Rouke Bosma, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa, Hauke Smidt, Detmer Sipkema
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial diversity in indoor and outdoor algae reactors, and found significant differences in bacterial community composition between different reactors and over time. The presence of certain bacterial taxa was significantly correlated with nitrate concentration.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
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)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Sa, Narcis Ferrer-Ledo, Fengzheng Gao, Carlo G. Bertinetto, Jeroen Jansen, Joao G. Crespo, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria Barbosa, Claudia F. Galinha
Summary: Microalgae industrial production is seen as an alternative solution for producing nutraceuticals, cosmetics, biofertilizers, and biopolymers. While technological advances have increased the competitiveness of the industry, online monitoring and real-time process control still need further development, with fluorescence spectroscopy being the most promising method for monitoring.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chunzhe Lu, Nina Leitner, Rene H. Wijffels, Vitor A. P. Martins dos Santos, Ruud A. Weusthuis
Summary: This study developed a biocatalyst for the production of mcl-diols from n-alkanes under mild conditions. The engineered strain P. putida KT2440, with overexpression of Est12, can efficiently hydrolyze esterified diols, enabling the production of mcl-diols.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Markus Schulze, Yadhu Kumar, Merle Rattay, Julia Niemann, Rene H. Wijffels, Dirk E. Martens
Summary: Process intensification is gaining popularity in the mammalian biomanufacturing industry as a result of the increasing demand for biotherapeutics. This study established a CHO cell process and investigated the impact of butyric acid supplementation on the production process. The findings showed that butyric acid supplementation led to higher cellular productivities and had minimal effects on product quality attributes. Additionally, detailed transcriptomic analysis revealed potential mechanisms for gene engineering optimization.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Marcel Janssen, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa
Summary: Microalgae have high protein expression levels and can be produced in contained cultivation systems with low water requirements. Although the current production scale is small, techno economic analysis has shown good potential for scale-up and cost reduction. Microalgal protein has a suitable amino acid composition for food and feed requirements, and high quality can be guaranteed through novel biomass pre-treatment steps.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robin Barten, Michelle Kleisman, Giulia D'Ermo, Harm Nijveen, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa
Summary: High temperatures negatively affect cell physiology and reduce growth and productivity in photobioreactors. Supra-optimal temperature causes cell cycle arrest and changes in metabolic activity. It also affects the composition of fatty acids and pigments in microalgae. Gene expression related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and metabolism is downregulated, while genes related to proteasome, autophagy, and endocytosis are upregulated.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Barbara O. Guimaraes, Youp Van der Graaf, Isabelle Kunert, Rene H. Wijffelsa, Maria J. Barbosa, Sarah 'Adamo
Summary: This study investigates the effect of phosphorus limitation on Se accumulation and uptake efficiency in N. oceanica for the first time. Se accumulation increased up to 16-fold and Se uptake efficiency increased up to 3.6-fold under phosphorus growth-limiting concentrations. N. oceanica was then cultivated in a bioreactor with two phosphorus growth-limiting concentrations, analyzing the accumulation of Se in the microalgal biomass and its presence in the spent medium. This study is the first to explore the effect of phosphorus limitation on increasing Se accumulation in microalgae and preventing the release of Se in wastewater.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christian Sudfeld, Aamna Kiyani, Katrin Wefelmeier, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa, Sarah D'Adamo
Summary: N. oceanica is a suitable microalgae for producing high-value lipids and oleochemicals. Overexpression of GPAT can increase non-polar lipid content and improve biomass and lipid productivities.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria J. Barbosa, Marcel Janssen, Christian Sudfeld, Sarah D'Adamo, Rene H. Wijffels
Summary: The urge for food security and sustainability has driven the development of microalgal biotechnology. Microalgae, as microorganisms, have the potential to be a valuable resource for food, feed, energy, and chemicals. With faster growth and higher productivity than plant crops, microalgae have the advantage of not requiring agricultural land and having efficient fertilizer uptake. They are also seen as a replacement for soy protein, fish oil, and palm oil, and can be utilized in industrial biotechnology for various purposes.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas M. Trebuch, Jasper Sohier, Sido Altenburg, Ben O. Oyserman, Mario Pronk, Marcel Janssen, Louise E. M. Vet, Rene H. Wijffels, Tania V. Fernandes
Summary: Photogranules are a new wastewater treatment technology that uses solar energy for low-energy water treatment and shows potential for nutrient recovery. In this study, polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) were introduced to photogranules, resulting in increased phosphorus removal. The addition of a 12-hour anaerobic phase during nighttime did not negatively affect the PAOs and phototrophs but decreased nitrogen removal and biomass productivity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Narcis Ferrer-Ledo, Lars Stegemueller, Marcel Janssen, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa
Summary: Temperature is an important environmental parameter in outdoors cultivation of microalgae. It has a significant impact on growth, photosynthesis, and lipid accumulation. Lower temperatures increase fatty acid desaturation, while higher temperatures have the opposite effect.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Barbara O. Guimaraes, Belen Villarreal-Toribio, Tamara Garcia-Barrera, Ana Arias-Borrego, Pieter Gremmen, Rene H. Wijffels, Maria J. Barbosa, Sarah D'Adamo
Summary: This study investigated the effect of sulphur on selenite accumulation in Nannochloropsis oceanica and found that lower sulphur concentrations increased selenium accumulation, while higher concentrations decreased it. The main organic selenium species identified was selenomethionine.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)