Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giorgio Perin, Alessandra Bellan, Tim Michelberger, Dagmar Lyska, Setsuko Wakao, Krishna K. Niyogi, Tomas Morosinotto
Summary: Life on earth relies on photosynthetic primary producers, including microalgae, to convert sunlight and CO2 into biomass. Microalgae have the potential to be a valuable biomass source and contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy. This study investigates the role of the xanthophyll cycle in protecting microalgae from excess light and optimizing biomass productivity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nashwa A. H. Fetyan, Abo El-Khair B. El-Sayed, Fatma M. Ibrahim, Yasser A. Attia, Mahmoud W. Sadik
Summary: In this study, sugarcane bagasse aqueous extract (SBAE) was used to cultivate N. oculata microalgae, which were then subjected to acid hydrolysis and enzymatic treatment to obtain high carbohydrate yields for ethanol fermentation. The highest ethanol yield was achieved with samples from defatted biomass grown mixotrophically pretreated with acid coupled enzyme hydrolysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nicolo Fattore, Alessandra Bellan, Luca Pedroletti, Nicola Vitulo, Tomas Morosinotto
Summary: This study found that the microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana can acclimate to chronic nitrogen or phosphorus limitation by accumulating lipids without inducing fatty acid synthesis but by modulating carbon flux towards lipid biosynthesis, maintaining photosynthetic activity. Moreover, photosynthetic activity was maintained under phosphorus limitation but was strongly affected by nitrogen depletion.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Xi, Ye Yang, Hualiang An, Xinqiang Zhao, Yanji Wang
Summary: The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) performance of levulinic acid was studied by investigating the properties of ketonic carbonyl group and carboxyl group separately. Ru/HZSM-5 catalyst was used for the HDO reaction with 2-pentanone as a model compound, showing high pentane selectivity. The acidity of the catalyst plays a crucial role in influencing its catalytic performance.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bahram Barati, Kuo Zeng, Jan Baeyens, Shuang Wang, Min Addy, Sook-Yee Gan, Abd El-Fatah Abomohra
Summary: Improving photosynthesis in microalgae is crucial for increasing biomass productivity and CO2 sequestration efficiency. Strategies such as optimizing enzyme efficiency, reducing antenna size, expanding the photosynthetically active radiation range, enhancing carbon fixation pathways and enzymes, and minimizing CO2 release can enhance photosynthesis. Traditional transformation and gene editing technologies offer feasible solutions for implementing these modifications.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gurpreet Kaur Nagi, Alina A. Corcoran, Shovon Mandal
Summary: In this study, we examined the effects of nutrient deficiency on the photosynthetic performance of Nannochloropsis oceanica, with a focus on Ca, N, S, Mg, and Fe. A factorial experiment revealed different responses to nutrient limitation. The ratio of trapped energy per reaction center (TRO/RC) emerged as a potential indicator of N limitation, as the synthesis of photosynthetic reaction center declined under N deficiency leading to an increase in TRO/RC ratio. Fe, S, and Mg deficiencies did not compromise photosystem II performance, while Ca and N had critical impacts. Although nutrient interactions were observed on photosynthetic parameters, relationships were established between net reaction closure (MO) and Mg, dissipated energy flux per reaction center (DIO/RC) and S, and average quantum yield of photochemistry (phi Pav) and Ca.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
R. P. Shepardson, K. J. Harvatine
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fat supplements containing different levels of palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) on milk production and nutrient metabolism in lactating dairy cows. Supplementing PA increased milk fat yield, while a blend of PA and SA increased energy-corrected milk without decreasing intake. The fatty acid profile of fat supplements can influence their digestibility and effects on milk synthesis.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Junmei Liang, Qicheng Zhang, Haibo Zhao, Shaolei Zhao, Yulong Wu, Xiaobin Fan
Summary: A new Ni/Ti3C2Tx catalyst with extraordinary catalytic performance in the Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of fatty acids was designed. The catalyst showed excellent stability and complete conversion of palmitic acid. The synergistic effect between metal Ni and Ti3C2Tx MXene played a crucial role in the improved catalytic performance.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hossein Baee, Taghi Ghoorchi, Abdolhakim Toghdory, Amir Mokhtarpour
Summary: The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of palmitic and stearic acids individually or in combination on growth performance, rumen fermentation, rumen cellulase activity, and microbial protein synthesis of lambs. Fatty acid supplementation had no significant effects on dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of lambs. However, a trend towards higher final weight was observed in lambs fed 3% palmitic acid compared with the control group.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. Daneshvar, E. Ghasemi, F. Hashemzadeh, R. Kowsar, M. Khorvash
Summary: The study found that high starch diets were more beneficial to improving the energy balance of dairy cows during the early postpartum period compared to low starch diets. Interactions between dietary starch levels and fat supplement indicated that the response to fat supplements rich in specific fatty acids differed based on dietary starch concentrations, affecting milk yield and fatty acid profile, among other variables.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zahra Gaeini, Zahra Bahadoran, Parvin Mirmiran
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the association between dietary intake of individual saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results showed a negative association between dietary intake of lauric acid and myristic acid, and the risk of T2DM. However, there was no significant association between dietary total SFAs, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and the risk of T2DM.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Camila Cupper Vieira, Daniele Missio, Daniela dos Santos Brum, Rafaela Dalmolin Menezes, Francielli Weber Santos Cibin, Fernando Silveira Mesquita, Paulo Bayard Dias Goncalves, Rogerio Ferreira
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different non-esterified fatty acids on bovine sperm motility, kinetic parameters, oxidative status, and morphology. The results show that these fatty acids do not have detrimental effects on bovine sperm function and morphology under the tested conditions.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Merel A. van Rooijen, Jogchum Plat, Peter L. Zock, Wendy A. M. Blom, Ronald P. Mensink
Summary: Consumption of meals high in stearic acid can reduce postprandial lipemia compared to palmitic acid. After the second stearic acid-rich meal, C-peptide concentrations peaked earlier and NEFA decreased more. However, there were no significant differences in the effects of the two fats on glucose and insulin.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mostafa E. Elshobary, Hossain M. Zabed, Junhua Yun, Guoyan Zhang, Xianghui Qi
Summary: The usage of microbial fuel cells (MFC) for power generation from renewable biomass sources and the efficient utilization of chemical energy stored in microalgae biomass for the production of biofuels and other bioproducts have attracted significant attention. Incorporating microalgae into MFC can enhance efficiency and provide a cost-effective renewable approach for electricity generation. While microalgae-assisted MFCs (MA-MFCs) show promise in sustainability, further research is needed to optimize performance and achieve large-scale application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ambra S. Parmagnani, Giuseppe Mannino, Carla Brillada, Mara Novero, Luca Dall'Osto, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: The study evaluates the interaction between Two-Spotted Spider Mites (TSSMs) and their host Lima bean through analyzing leaf pigment metabolomics and TSSM guanine production transcriptomics. The researchers also examine the morphology and structure of TSSMs and their excreta using various microscopic techniques. Additionally, the photosynthetic ability of TSSMs and the activity and content of RubisCO are evaluated. The study reveals the genes involved in guanine production in TSSMs and demonstrates the catabolic activity of TSSMs on leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids. Furthermore, the potential acaricidal effect of decoyinine (DCY) against TSSMs is demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ambra S. Parmagnani, Nico Betterle, Giuseppe Mannino, Stefano D'Alessandro, Fabio F. Nocito, Kristina Ljumovic, Gianpiero Vigani, Matteo Ballottari, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: Plants rely on Earth's magnetic field for photosynthesis and oxidative stress regulation. Near-null magnetic field conditions negatively affect Lima bean's photosynthesis and result in changes in leaf morphology, chloroplast structure, and biochemical parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luca Marcolungo, Leonardo Vincenzi, Matteo Ballottari, Michela Cecchin, Emanuela Cosentino, Thomas Mignani, Antonina Limongi, Irene Ferraris, Matteo Orlandi, Marzia Rossato, Massimo Delledonne
Summary: High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) is commonly used in de novo assembly for its ability to produce highly contiguous genomes. However, its statistical approach can introduce connection errors. We used optical mapping to evaluate the quality of Hi-C reconstructed scaffolds and found numerous inconsistencies. Manual inspection confirmed that some of these conflicts were caused by Hi-C joining errors. We conclude that integrating optical mapping data after Hi-C-based scaffolding improves the assembly quality by identifying and investigating misjoins.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Cazzaniga, Matteo Ballottari
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosaria Scandiffio, Sara Bonzano, Erika Cottone, Sujata Shrestha, Simone Bossi, Silvia De Marchis, Massimo E. Maffei, Patrizia Bovolin
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease without approved pharmacological therapy. The study investigated the effects of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a phytocannabinoid, on HepG2 steatotic hepatocytes. BCP was found to decrease lipid accumulation and change the lipid profile in steatotic conditions by reducing saturated fatty acids. The action of BCP was mediated by CB2 cannabinoid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha), and gamma (PPAR gamma). The results suggest potential applications of BCP in the treatment of NAFLD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Luca Pietro Casacci, Giorgia Bianco Dolino, Giuseppe Badolato, Massimo Emilio Maffei, Francesca Barbero
Summary: The geomagnetic field affects the foraging and orientation abilities of ants. Changes in the magnetic field increase the time it takes for ants to find food and return to the nest, and decrease the levels of brain biogenic amines, potentially impacting locomotion and chemical perception abilities. The regulation of genes related to magnetosensory complex is also influenced by the geomagnetic field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Junya Iida, Yoshitake Desaki, Kumiko Hata, Takuya Uemura, Ayano Yasuno, Monirul Islam, Massimo E. Maffei, Rika Ozawa, Tadaaki Nakajima, Ivan Galis, Gen-ichiro Arimura
Article
Cell Biology
Lara Toffali, Beatrice D'Ulivo, Cinzia Giagulli, Alessio Montresor, Elena Zenaro, Massimo Delledonne, Marzia Rossato, Barbara Iadarola, Andrea Sbarbati, Paolo Bernardi, Gabriele Angelini, Barbara Rossi, Nicola Lopez, Wolfgang A. Linke, Andreas Unger, Dario Di Silvestre, Louise Benazzi, Antonella De Palma, Sara Motta, Gabriela Constantin, Pierluigi Mauri, Carlo Laudanna
Summary: Response to multiple microenvironmental cues and resilience to mechanical stress are essential features of trafficking leukocytes. Titin (TTN) plays an unexpected role in the regulation of mechanisms of lymphocyte trafficking. It governs the morphogenesis of plasma membrane microvilli, controls chemotaxis and integrin activation, and ensures T lymphocyte survival in the blood stream. LTTN1 is a critical and versatile housekeeping regulator of T lymphocyte trafficking.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Ronja Kunz, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: This study used a combination of chemical and molecular fingerprinting techniques to discriminate commercial green coffee accessions from different geographical origins. It was found that CC had higher content of polyphenols and flavonoids compared to CA. PCR-RFLP analysis was instrumental for the identification of recognition markers for different coffee accessions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ambra S. Parmagnani, Chidananda Nagamangala Kanchiswamy, Ivan A. Paponov, Simone Bossi, Mickael Malnoy, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: The bacterial phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora produces volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that enhance Arabidopsis thaliana growth. These mVOCs trigger early signaling events and modulate the expression of genes involved in plant growth and defense responses.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Barbero, Massimo E. Maffei
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Matteo Pivato, Matteo Grenzi, Alex Costa, Matteo Ballottari
Summary: The role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the perception and response mechanisms to light in unicellular microalgae was investigated using the Yellow Cameleon (YC3.6) Ca2+ indicator expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Light-induced Ca2+ signaling was observed in the chloroplast, influenced by light intensity and photosynthetic electron transport. The absence of the photoreceptors aCRY and PHOT had different effects on the chloroplast Ca2+ response, while a correlation between H2O2 gradients and Ca2+ transients was observed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Stefano Cazzaniga, Minjae Kim, Matteo Pivato, Federico Perozeni, Samim Sardar, Cosimo D'Andrea, EonSeon Jin, Matteo Ballottari
Summary: Targeted mutagenesis and complementation in Chlamydomonas reveal the functions of CP26, a monomeric antenna of photosystem II, demonstrating its key role in regulating photoprotection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Graziella Serio, Raimondo Gaglio, Massimo E. Maffei, Luca Settanni, Vita Di Stefano, Carla Gentile
Summary: This study evaluated the metabolomic profile and explored the antioxidant properties, antiproliferative activity, and antimicrobial potential of Griffonia simplicifolia seed extracts. The results showed that methanol had superior extraction efficiency, while acetone and ethanol were effective solvents for flavonoid extraction. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was found to be effective in extracting N-containing compounds. The extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, with variations observed among different extracts and cell lines. Griffonia simplicifolia extracts also showed antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The findings highlight the potential of Griffonia simplicifolia phytochemicals in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anna Fiorillo, Ambra S. Parmagnani, Sabina Visconti, Giuseppe Mannino, Lorenzo Camoni, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: The study found that the geomagnetic field regulates the activity of the plasma membrane proton pump H+-ATPase, and reduced geomagnetic field values weaken the binding of 14-3-3 proteins to the pump, leading to decreased activity. This effect is associated with downregulation of genes related to ROS production, calcium homeostasis, and plant hormone synthesis, which ultimately result in inhibited root growth.