Article
Agricultural Engineering
Megha Mathur, Ankur Kumar, Thilini U. Ariyadasa, Anushree Malik
Summary: This study describes the use of yeast-assisted algal flocculation to obtain nutrition-enriched algae-yeast flocs, which have higher protein content and a more favorable amino acid ratio compared to individual algae or yeast biomass. The flocs were found to be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and could be a potential alternative for food applications.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Zuhaili Yusof, Nicholas M. H. Khong, Wee Sim Choo, Su Chern Foo
Summary: This paper reviews the bioactivities, stability, and opportunities of fucoxanthin in the food value chain. Fucoxanthin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obese, antidiabetic, and skin protective activities. Factors such as low pH, high temperature, light exposure, and air exposure can lead to fucoxanthin instability. The review provides insights and informed decisions for managing unaccounted risks within the carotenoid value chains to minimize losses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Liu, Zheng Zhang, Tong Zhang, Qi Qiao, Xiaogai Hou
Summary: Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is a perennial anti-cancer medicinal plant that contains the unique phytochemical podophyllotoxin, which has special effects in treating pneumonic, cervical and testicular cancers. This study investigated the phenolic compositions, total flavonoids and total phenols contents, as well as the antioxidant activity in different organs of S. hexandrum. The results showed significant differences in these parameters among the organs, and a positive correlation was found between phenolic compositions and antioxidant activity. The study suggests that the rhizome is a recommended medicinal part due to its high phenolic compositions and strong antioxidant activity, while the root can serve as an alternative raw material for natural antioxidant agents in functional food, medicine and chemicals.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kalidasan Kaliyamoorthy, Suchana Chavanich, Kathiresan Kandasamy, Mohanchander Ponnuvel, Niyom Kamlangdee, Yousuke Taoka, Voranop Viyakarn
Summary: This study aimed to isolate and identify PUFAs-rich thraustochytrids from Indian mangrove ecosystems for their pigments, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Two predominant isolates, Thraustochytrium sp. and Aurantiochytrium mangrovei, were found to produce PUFAs with high DHA content. A. mangrovei also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Song Wang, Sha Wu, Guanpin Yang, Kehou Pan, Lulu Wang, Zhangli Hu
Summary: In the last decade, fucoxanthin, as the most abundant but underutilized carotenoid, has gained attention for its bioactivities and health benefits. Traditional production from brown algae is limited by yield and cost, while microalgae show promise for sustainable and efficient commercial production. Research has focused on improving microalgae selection, cultivation conditions, biosynthesis pathways, and extraction techniques to overcome bottlenecks and facilitate commercialization. New techniques such as breeding elite strains, optimizing growth conditions, and utilizing genetic engineering are being used to scale up fucoxanthin production.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Huan Guo, Yin-Jian Zheng, Ding-Tao Wu, Xu Du, Hong Gao, Mutamed Ayyash, De-Guang Zeng, Hua-Bin Li, Hong-Yan Liu, Ren-You Gan
Summary: China is a major producer of citrus fruits, and Sichuan is one of the major citrus planting bases with a large citrus planting area. However, there is limited information on the functional, nutritional, and qualitative characteristics of different citrus varieties in Sichuan. This study systematically investigated and analyzed 10 typical citrus varieties cultivated in Sichuan, and found significant differences among the varieties in terms of quality attributes, juice properties, mineral elements, and health-promoting nutritional and functional components. The results provide valuable information for the cultivation and selection of nutritious citrus fruits.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lena Stiefvatter, Katja Lehnert, Konstantin Frick, Alexander Montoya-Arroyo, Jan Frank, Walter Vetter, Ulrike Schmid-Staiger, Stephan C. Bischoff
Summary: The microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) is a valuable source of nutrients such as proteins, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), carotenoids like fucoxanthin (FX), and beta-glucans. Intake of PT leads to an increase in n-3 PUFA and EPA levels, while also decreasing the n-6:n-3 ratio in plasma. The study shows that PT is a safe and effective source of EPA and other nutrients, suggesting its potential as a sustainable food source.
Review
Fisheries
Muhammad A. B. Siddik, Mette Sorensen, S. M. Majharul Islam, Newton Saha, Md Arifur Rahman, David S. Francis
Summary: The use of novel ingredients in aquafeeds is essential for the growth and intensification of aquaculture. Microalgae are widely used in aquaculture for various purposes, including as live feed, as a replacement for marine ingredients, and for the production of pigments like astaxanthin. Compounds in microalgae such as fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, fibers, pigments, vitamins, and minerals have great biological value for fish and shellfish. This review discusses the processing of microalgae as aquafeed, the health benefits of microalgae compounds, and the challenges and future perspectives of commercial use.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xue Lu, Han Sun, Yongjin He, Shufang Yang, Feng Chen
Summary: The production of fucoxanthin from microalgae is becoming popular due to its high productivity, lack of contamination, and simple extraction process. This study investigated the metabolism of fucoxanthin in Nitzschia laevis under different cultivation conditions and discovered that mixotrophic culture with low light conditions improved fucoxanthin content but decreased biomass concentration compared to heterotrophic culture. The study also revealed the molecular mechanisms behind the metabolic changes, including the redirection of carbon flux towards carotenoid and fatty acid synthesis and the upregulation of genes involved in fucoxanthin biosynthesis under low light conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing fucoxanthin production through multi-stage cultivation techniques.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Adrian Macias-de la Rosa, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Cardoso, Maria del Carmen Ceron-Garcia, Lorenzo Lopez-Rosales, Juan Jose Gallardo-Rodriguez, Sergio Seoane, Asterio Sanchez-Miron, Francisco Garcia-Camacho
Summary: The red tide-forming microalga Heterosigma akashiwo is linked to significant fish mortality events. Different culture conditions can affect the production of metabolites with unique bioactivities. A study investigated the growth and production of H. akashiwo LC269919 strain in a 10 L photobioreactor under various culture modes and irradiance levels. Continuous mode at a dilution rate of 0.2 day-1 and 700 mu E.s-1.m-2 provided the highest production of biomass, PUFAs, and fucoxanthin.
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabiana Antognoni, Giulia Potente, Stefania Biondi, Roberto Mandrioli, Lorenzo Marincich, Karina B. Ruiz
Summary: This study aimed to compare the profile of bioactive compounds in seeds of two quinoa varieties grown in northern Italy with those grown in Chile and Denmark. The results showed that although there were some differences in polyphenolic profile and biological activities, good-quality quinoa can still be grown in northern Italy.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marija Boskovic Cabrol, Milica Glisic, Milan Baltic, Dragoljub Jovanovic, Caba Sila, Stefan Simunovic, Igor Tomasevic, Anabela Raymundo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorophyll-deficient microalgae mutants, honey (yellow) and white Chlorella vulgaris, on the characteristics of frankfurters. The inclusion of microalgae resulted in increased PUFA content, improved mineral composition, and decreased bacterial counts. However, it also led to changes in color and texture, and lower sensory scores compared to reference products.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yam Sim Khaw, Fatimah Md Yusoff, Hui Teng Tan, Nur Amirah Izyan Noor Mazli, Muhammad Farhan Nazarudin, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Abdul Rahman Omar, Kazutaka Takahashi
Summary: This study systematically reviews the production of fucoxanthin in microalgae under different conditions. Microalgae are found to be a more reliable source of fucoxanthin compared to macroalgae, with higher fucoxanthin content achievable by adjusting the light intensity. The findings and recommendations from this study provide insights into the feasibility of commercial fucoxanthin production.
Article
Agronomy
Marta Janczak-Pieniazek, Daniela Horvat, Marija Viljevac Vuletic, Marija Kovacevic Babic, Jan Buczek, Ewa Szpunar-Krok
Summary: Cereals, especially cereal grains, are valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, which have significant antioxidant properties. The cropping system and cultivar of triticale affect the antioxidant activity and phenolic acid content. The study found variations in phenolic acid content in different parts of triticale grain under different cropping systems.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chenchen Xu, Shou Zhang, Baozhong Sun, Peng Xie, Xiaochang Liu, Lan Chang, Fushan Lu, Songshan Zhang
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the antioxidant enzyme activity, physicochemical quality, fatty acid composition and volatile compounds of beef. The results showed that DHA-rich microalgae supplementation improved the antioxidant status, increased the deposition of DHA in beef meat, and enhanced the characteristic flavor of beef.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sze Yee Wee, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Fatimah Md Yusoff, Sarva Mangala Praveena
Summary: The study analyzed 18 multiclass EDCs in tap water from different housing types and found higher concentrations of bisphenol A in high-rise housing. The distribution of caffeine and sulfamethoxazole in tap water varied significantly between different housing types, with higher salinity and conductivity in high-rise housings compared to landed housings. There were no potential health risks of EDCs estimated in different age groups via drinking water intake.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Hul Juan Lau, Chern Hong Lim, Su Chern Foo, Hock Siew Tan
Summary: Machine learning plays a crucial role in antimicrobial resistance research, enabling efficient prediction and identification of resistance in bacteria, and expediting the discovery process of new antimicrobials.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Abd Wahab Farahin, Ikhsan Natrah, Norio Nagao, Fatimah Md Yusoff, Mohamed Shariff, Sanjoy Banerjee, Tomoyo Katayama, Masatoshi Nakakuni, Mitsuhiko Koyama, Kiyohiko Nakasaki, Tatsuki Toda
Summary: The study showed that Tetraselmis tetrathele has high tolerance to high concentrations of ammonium nitrogen and can continue to grow and increase production even at high levels.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kuan Shiong Khoo, Chien Wei Ooi, Kit Wayne Chew, Shir Reen Chia, Su Chern Foo, Hui Suan Ng, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of the electropermeabilization-assisted liquid biphasic flotation (LBF) system in the extraction of fucoxanthin, a biocompound highly demanded by the food and pharmaceutical industries. The system achieves direct recovery of intracellular biocompounds from cells without the need for discrete bioprocessing steps, and shows high yields and good recovery rates.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yi An Lim, Nicholas M. H. Khong, Sajeewa Dilshan Priyawardana, Khi Rern Ooi, I. M. S. K. Ilankoon, Meng Nan Chong, Su Chen Foo
Summary: Microalgae species, Chlorella and Chlamydomonas, showed increased biomass concentration under elevated CO2 levels due to their cell concentrations, while Chlorella and Nostoc exhibited enhanced cell sizes at high CO2 concentrations. These findings provide new insights for designing carbon capture and storage schemes and biochemical production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacky Dwiyanto, Jia Wei Hor, Daniel Reidpath, Tin Tin Su, Shaun Wen Huey Lee, Qasim Ayub, Faizah Binti Mustapha, Sui Mae Lee, Su Chern Foo, Chun Wie Chong, Sadequr Rahman
Summary: This study compared the resistome and genomic profiles of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in the community and clinical settings through whole-genome sequencing. The results showed that ESBL-EC isolates from both settings shared similar resistome profiles, suggesting the exchange of genetic materials through horizontal gene transfer.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Zuhaili Yusof, Nicholas M. H. Khong, Wee Sim Choo, Su Chern Foo
Summary: This paper reviews the bioactivities, stability, and opportunities of fucoxanthin in the food value chain. Fucoxanthin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obese, antidiabetic, and skin protective activities. Factors such as low pH, high temperature, light exposure, and air exposure can lead to fucoxanthin instability. The review provides insights and informed decisions for managing unaccounted risks within the carotenoid value chains to minimize losses.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nada Basheir Ali, Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis, Der Jiun Ooi, Kim Wei Chan, Norsharina Ismail, Jhi Biau Foo
Summary: This article introduces the role and applications of extracellular vesicles (EVs), including their function as signaling molecules between cells, as well as their advantages as non-invasive diagnostic tools and drug carriers. It also discusses the latest research findings on plant-derived EVs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saheed Olanrewaju Saka, Yusuf Yahaya Salisu, Hauwa'u Muhammad Sahabi, Kamaldeen Olalekan Sanusi, Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim, Murtala Bello Abubakar, Suleiman Ahmed Isa, Muhammad Gidado Liman, Sha'aya'u Shehu, Ibrahim Malami, Kim Wei Chan, Nur Hanisah Azmi, Mustapha Umar Imam
Summary: By analyzing fifteen cultivars of paddy rice consumed in North West Nigeria, it was found that brown rice differed significantly from white rice in terms of nutritional composition and bioactive content, and possessed anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects. The study further showed that fruit flies fed with white rice exhibited higher glucose and trehalose levels and lower glycogen levels compared to those fed with brown rice, accompanied by increased expression of dACC and dPEPCK and decreased expression of dIRS. Sex differences were also observed in the nutrigenomic effects of white rice. These findings confirm that white rice consumption can disrupt fruit fly metabolism through insulin signaling distortion, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis, while brown rice can prevent these metabolic changes possibly due to its richer nutritional composition.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fatin Aina Zulkhairi Amin, Mohamad Zulhafiz Shafiq Cheng, Suriana Sabri, Norsharina Ismail, Kim Wei Chan, Norhaizan Mohd Esa, Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila, Saulol Hamid Nur-Fazila, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Norhasnida Zawawi
Summary: This study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicity of B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 in female Sprague Dawley rats. Both acute and sub-acute toxicity studies showed no mortality or significant abnormalities in the rats. Oral administration of B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 up to 1 x 10(9) CFU center dot mL(-1) for 28 days can be considered safe.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mohamad Zulhafiz Shafiq Zulhilmi Cheng, Fatin Aina Zulkhairi Amin, Norhasnida Zawawi, Kim Wei Chan, Norsharina Ismail, Nur Akmal Ishak, Norhaizan Mohd Esa
Summary: Diabetes, renal and liver diseases are all associated with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Stingless bee honey and its phenolic-rich extract can effectively restore this imbalance and improve antioxidant defense in diabetic rats, without compromising liver and renal functioning. Tissue-specific control of the KEAP1-NRF2 signaling pathway may contribute to the different capacities of liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissues to scavenge free radicals and halt lipid peroxidation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Su Chern Foo, Chui Yang Mok, Shu Yang Ho, Nicholas M. H. Khong
Summary: This article reviews the current status of microalgae preservation and conducts bibliometric analysis to identify key research areas for future advancement. Cryopreservation is the most popular method, but smaller labs may need alternative management-based solutions. The article suggests the development of accurate measurement tools and collaborative efforts among laboratories, biobanks, and industries to accelerate progress.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Che Muhammad Khairul Hisyam Ismail, Nicholas M. H. Khong, Azmir Ahmad, Khairani Idah Mokhtar, Widya Lestari, Basma Ezzat Mustafa Alahmad, Azzmer Azzar Abdul Hamid, Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Abd Razak, Azlini Ismail
Summary: This study collected extracts from the nests of Heterotrigona itama and Tetrigona binghami bees in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. The compounds in the extracts were identified using liquid-liquid extraction and mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of 35, 38, and 50 known compounds in the extracts of H. itama from Bukit Kuin, H. itama from Indera Mahkota, and T. binghami from Indera Mahkota, respectively.
