2022

Jump to: 2021

17 pages, 1487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Nuclear Proteome of Chlamydomonas in Response to Salt Stress

by Larissa de Oliveira Magalhães, Fabio Nunes de Mello and Flavia Vischi Winck

Phycology 2022, 2(3), 280-296; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2030015 - 01 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2090

Microalgae biomass is considered a promising alternative feedstock for biodiesel production due to its high productivity of neutral lipids, especially under abiotic stress conditions. Among the unicellular microalgae that show this characteristic, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii appears as one of the most important model species [...] Read more.

Microalgae biomass is considered a promising alternative feedstock for biodiesel production due to its high productivity of neutral lipids, especially under abiotic stress conditions. Among the unicellular microalgae that show this characteristic, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii appears as one of the most important model species with increased lipid production under abiotic stress conditions. In this study, we show that C. reinhardtii cells cultivated under mixotrophic condition supplemented with 0.1 M of NaCl rapidly raise their intracellular amount of neutral lipids without a reduction in their cellular growth rate, representing a promising condition for biomass production toward bioenergy applications. The nuclear proteome of these cells was investigated, and we identified 323 proteins with an enrichment of almost 60% of nuclear proteins in the total dataset. We found 61 proteins differentially regulated upon salt treatment, including proteins annotated in functional categories related to translation and nucleosome assembly functions. Additionally, we identified transcription factor proteins (TFs) and analyzed their likely transcription factor-binding regulatory elements, identifying target genes related to lipid metabolism and kinase functions, indicating possible regulatory pathways of lipid biosynthesis. Together, these data can help understand regulatory nuclear mechanisms, leading to an increase in lipids in the first 24 h of salt stress. Full article

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32 pages, 4011 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pioneering Role of Marine Macroalgae in Cosmeceuticals

by Haresh S. Kalasariya, Leonel Pereira and Nikunj B. Patel

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 172-203; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010010 - 01 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5965

Abstract

Cosmetics are broadly used by people to protect the skin from external environmental stresses and for beauty purposes globally. A recent trend towards cosmetics with natural formulations has emerged. The cosmetic industry uses the term ‘cosmeceutical’ to refer to a cosmetic formula that [...] Read more.

Cosmetics are broadly used by people to protect the skin from external environmental stresses and for beauty purposes globally. A recent trend towards cosmetics with natural formulations has emerged. The cosmetic industry uses the term ‘cosmeceutical’ to refer to a cosmetic formula that has drug-like applicative advantages. Recently, macroalgae have received increased attention as natural ingredients for cosmeceutical applications. Many marine algae are rich in biologically active components that have been reported to exhibit strong benefits to the skin, mainly for photoprotection, skin whitening, moisturization, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, antioxidants, and antimicrobial uses. The present review provides a detailed study of the literature on the cosmetic potentials of marine algae-derived polysaccharides, peptides and amino acids, pigments, phenolic components, and fatty acids. We provide an overview of different types of macroalgae with their biologically active constituents and potential cosmetic benefits. In addition, the bioactive molecules of cosmetic products containing marine macroalgae as well as their mechanisms of action are briefly discussed. Full article

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40 pages, 2853 KiB

Open AccessReview

Halogens in Seaweeds: Biological and Environmental Significance

by Hanan Al-Adilah, Martin C. Feiters, Lucy J. Carpenter, Puja Kumari, Carl J. Carrano, Dhia Al-Bader and Frithjof C. Küpper

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 132-171; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010009 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7810

Abstract

Many marine algae are strong accumulators of halogens. Commercial iodine production started by burning seaweeds in the 19th century. The high iodine content of certain seaweeds has potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications. While the metabolism of iodine in brown algae is linked to [...] Read more.

Many marine algae are strong accumulators of halogens. Commercial iodine production started by burning seaweeds in the 19th century. The high iodine content of certain seaweeds has potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications. While the metabolism of iodine in brown algae is linked to oxidative metabolism, with iodide serving the function of an inorganic antioxidant protecting the cell and thallus surface against reactive oxygen species with implications for atmospheric and marine chemistry, rather little is known about the regulation and homoeostasis of other halogens in seaweeds in general and the ecological and biological role of marine algal halogenated metabolites (except for organohalogen secondary metabolites). The present review covers these areas, including the significance of seaweed-derived halogens and of halogens in general in the context of human diet and physiology. Furthermore, the understanding of interactions between halogenated compound production by algae and the environment, including anthropogenic impacts, effects on the ozone layer and global climate change, is reviewed together with the production of halogenated natural products by seaweeds and the potential of seaweeds as bioindicators for halogen radionuclides. Full article

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22 pages, 5148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fast-Tracking Isolation, Identification and Characterization of New Microalgae for Nutraceutical and Feed Applications

by Boer Bao, Skye R. Thomas-Hall and Peer M. Schenk

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 86-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010006 - 16 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3379

Abstract

Microalgae contain high-value biochemical compounds including fatty acids (FA), protein and carotenoids, and are promising bioresources to enhance nutrition of food and animal feed. Important requirements for commercial strains are rapid growth and high productivities of desirable compounds. As these traits are believed [...] Read more.

Microalgae contain high-value biochemical compounds including fatty acids (FA), protein and carotenoids, and are promising bioresources to enhance nutrition of food and animal feed. Important requirements for commercial strains are rapid growth and high productivities of desirable compounds. As these traits are believed to be found in aquatic environments with fluctuating conditions, we collected microalgae from marine and freshwater environments that are subjected to eutrophication and/or tidal fluctuations. Using this directed approach, 40 monoalgal cultures were isolated and 25 identified through 18S rDNA sequencing and morphological characterization. Based on their high growth rates (0.28–0.60 day⁻¹) and biomass productivities (0.25–0.44 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹) in commercial fertilizer under standardized conditions, six new strains were selected. Scenedesmus sp. GW63 produced quality FA-rich biomass with high omega-3 polyunsaturated FA (28.5% of total FA (TFA)) contents, especially α-linolenic acid (ALA; 20.0% of TFA) with a very low n-6/n-3 ratio (0.4), and high FA productivity (32.6 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹). A high protein productivity (34.5 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹) made Desmodesmus sp. UQL1_26 (33.4% of dry weight (DW)) attractive as potential protein-rich feed and nutrition supplement. Monoraphidium convolutum GW5 displayed valuable carotenoid production (0.8% DW) with high carotenoid accumulation capability (0.8 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹). This research provides a pathway for fast-tracking the selection of high-performing local microalgae from different environments for nutraceuticals, functional foods and animal feed applications. Full article

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10 pages, 2602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Scenedesmus almeriensis Using Pilot-Scale Raceway Reactors Located inside a Greenhouse

by Ainoa Morillas-España, Silvia Villaró, Martina Ciardi, Gabriel Acién and Tomás Lafarga

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 76-85; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010005 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2590

Abstract

The microalga S. almeriensis was produced in spring and summer using 80 m² raceway reactors located inside a greenhouse in Almería, Spain. This microalga was selected because it is a fast-growing and robust strain with potential applications in the production of functional [...] Read more.

The microalga S. almeriensis was produced in spring and summer using 80 m² raceway reactors located inside a greenhouse in Almería, Spain. This microalga was selected because it is a fast-growing and robust strain with potential applications in the production of functional foods and feeds or as a high-value agricultural biostimulant. Overall, the biomass productivity obtained in summer was 24.9 ± 0.9 g·m⁻²·day⁻¹. This value was higher than that obtained in spring, with an average value of 21.4 ± 1.3 g·m⁻²·day⁻¹ (p < 0.05). The F_v/F_m value of the cultures at the stationary phase was comparable and around 0.6, which is the optimum of this strain. No major differences in the macromolecular composition of the biomass were observed between seasons, with an average protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate content of 37.9, 4.6, 10.8, and 46.7%, respectively. The data reported herein were used to validate a previously described model. The differences between the experimental and the predicted biomass productivities were below 5% in spring and 8% in summer, although a larger dataset is needed to validate the model. Overall, results supported the robustness of the selected strain and its utilisation in different industrial sectors. Full article

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15 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Spondin-Like and Fasciclin-Like Genes in Neopyropia yezoensis, A Marine Red Alga

by Toshiki Uji, Shinnosuke Ueda and Hiroyuki Mizuta

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 45-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010003 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2698

Abstract

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play crucial roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. We identified homologous genes encoding ECM proteins that are known to associate with integrins in animal cells in red macroalga Neopyropia yezoensis. Four genes encoding spondin domain-containing [...] Read more.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play crucial roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. We identified homologous genes encoding ECM proteins that are known to associate with integrins in animal cells in red macroalga Neopyropia yezoensis. Four genes encoding spondin domain-containing proteins (NySPLs) and eight genes encoding fasciclin domain-containing proteins (NyFALs) from N. yezoensis were selected for bioinformatics and expression analysis in order to obtain insights into the roles of ECM proteins for the life cycle. NySPLs had eight β-strands with two contiguous α-helices, which were similar to those of the F-spondin domain of animals. NyFALs had conserved H1 and H2 motifs and a YH motif between the H1 and H2 regions. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that NySPL1–3 and NyFAL8 transcripts were highly accumulated in mature gametophytes that formed the spermatia. Furthermore, expressions of all NySPLs were upregulated in response to the ethylene precursor 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid that induces gametogenesis. NyFAL1, 4 were highly expressed in sporophytes, whereas NyFAL2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were overexpressed in gametophytes, especially at the vegetative stage. These findings facilitate future research on ECM architecture in the unique life cycles of red macroalgae. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2022

15 pages, 4865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shining Light on Photosynthesis in the Harmful Dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi–Responses to Short-Term Changes in Temperature, Nitrogen Form, and Availability

by So Hyun (Sophia) Ahn and Patricia M. Glibert

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 30-44; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010002 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2496

Abstract

Karenia mikimotoi is a toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellate that sometimes co-blooms with Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico, especially on the West Florida Shelf where strong vertical temperature gradients and rapid changes in nitrogen (N) can be found. Here, the short-term interactions of [...] Read more.

Karenia mikimotoi is a toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellate that sometimes co-blooms with Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico, especially on the West Florida Shelf where strong vertical temperature gradients and rapid changes in nitrogen (N) can be found. Here, the short-term interactions of temperature, N form, and availability on photosynthesis–irradiance responses were examined using rapid light curves and PAM fluorometry in order to understand their interactions, and how they may affect photosynthetic yields. Cultures of K. mikimotoi were enriched with either nitrate (NO₃⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), or urea with varying amounts (1, 5, 10, 20, 50 µM-N) and then incubated at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 °C for 1 h. At 15–25 °C, fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, rETR) when averaged for all N treatments were comparable. Within a given light intensity, increasing all forms of N concentrations generally led to higher photosynthetic yields. Cells appeared to dynamically balance the “push” due to photon flux pressure and reductant generation, with consumption in overall metabolism (“pull” due to demand). However, at 30 °C, all fluorescence parameters declined precipitously, but differential responses were observed depending on N form. Cells enriched with urea at 30 °C showed a smaller decline in fluorescence parameters than cells treated with NO₃⁻ or NH₄⁺, implying that urea might induce a photoprotective mechanism by increasing metabolic “pull”. Full article

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29 pages, 3282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Red Seaweed Pigments from a Biotechnological Perspective

by Marta V. Freitas, Diana Pacheco, João Cotas, Teresa Mouga, Clélia Afonso and Leonel Pereira

Phycology 2022, 2(1), 1-29; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010001 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8199

Abstract

Algae taxa are notably diverse regarding pigment diversity and composition, red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) being a valuable source of phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrins, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin), carotenes (carotenoids and xanthophylls), and chlorophyll a. These pigments have a considerable biotechnological potential, which has been translated into [...] Read more.

Algae taxa are notably diverse regarding pigment diversity and composition, red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) being a valuable source of phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrins, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin), carotenes (carotenoids and xanthophylls), and chlorophyll a. These pigments have a considerable biotechnological potential, which has been translated into several registered patents and commercial applications. However, challenges remain regarding the optimization and subsequent scale-up of extraction and purification methodologies, especially when considering the quality and quantity needs, from an industrial and commercial point of view. This review aims to provide the state-of-the-art information on each of the aforementioned groups of pigments that can be found within Rhodophyta. An outline of the chemical biodiversity within pigment groups, current extraction and purification methodologies and challenges, and an overview of commercially available products and registered patents, will be provided. Thus, the current biotechnological applications of red seaweeds pigments will be highlighted, from a sustainable and economical perspective, as well as their integration in the Blue Economy. Full article

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14 pages, 1616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extending the Cultivation Period of Undaria pinnatifida by Using Regional Strains with Phenotypic Differentiation along the Sanriku Coast in Northern Japan

by Yoichi Sato, Tomonari Hirano, Hiroyuki Ichida, Nobuhisa Fukunishi, Tomoko Abe and Shigeyuki Kawano

Phycology 2021, 1(2), 129-142; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology1020010 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2912

Abstract

The Sanriku district is one of the largest Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) cultivation areas in Japan. However, the production has steadily declined in recent years due to the high retirement rate among fishers. Extending the cultivation period is a potential way to improve productivity [...] Read more.

The Sanriku district is one of the largest Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) cultivation areas in Japan. However, the production has steadily declined in recent years due to the high retirement rate among fishers. Extending the cultivation period is a potential way to improve productivity by decentralizing the workforce through the production process. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic differentiation between regional strains of U. pinnatifida collected from Matsushima Bay (MAT) and Hirota Bay (HRT) in the Sanriku district through a cultivation trial to verify the application for the purpose of extending the cultivation period. The growth of MAT was better than that of HRT when the cultivation started earlier (i.e., 9 and 19 October 2014); in contrast, HRT outperformed MAT when the cultivation started later (6 November and 12 December 2014). The yield of MAT reached over the standard amount in the Sanriku district in February. On the other hand, the yield of HRT reached over this value in April. Furthermore, the photosynthetic performance and nutrient uptake rates differed between MAT and HRT, indicating that the differences may result in maturation characteristics. According to these results, the combined use of MAT and HRT would be a valuable strategy by which to extend the cultivation period. Full article

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10 pages, 2083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monthly Variation and Ultraviolet Stability of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids from Red Alga Dulse Palmaria palmata in Japan

by Yuki Nishida, Yoshikatsu Miyabe, Hideki Kishimura and Yuya Kumagai

Phycology 2021, 1(2), 119-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology1020009 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are the natural ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds from micro- and macro-algae. The MAAs in algae change with the environmental conditions and seasons. We previously determined an efficient extraction method of MAAs from red alga dulse in Usujiri (Hokkaido, Japan) and [...] Read more.

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are the natural ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds from micro- and macro-algae. The MAAs in algae change with the environmental conditions and seasons. We previously determined an efficient extraction method of MAAs from red alga dulse in Usujiri (Hokkaido, Japan) and revealed monthly variation of MAA in 2019. Dulse samples in 2019 for MAA preparation were suitable from late February to April. In this study, to confirm the suitable timings to extract MAAs from Usujiri dulse, we also investigated the monthly (from January to May) variation of MAA content in 2020. There were the most MAAs in the sample on 18 March (6.696 µmol g⁻¹ dry weight) among the samples from January to May 2020. From two years of investigation, we deduce that samples of Usujiri dulse from late February to early April were suitable for MAA preparation. The UV stability of the two major purified MAAs in Usujiri dulse—palythine and porphyra-334—was tested. The two MAAs and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone were stable for up to 12 h under a 312 nm lamp at 200 µW cm⁻², but 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate formed a cis/trans-mixture in a short time. The data in this study show the suitable sampling period for Usujiri dulse and the possible application for UV protection from food and cosmetics. Full article

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14 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessReview

Algae Biomass as a Potential Source of Liquid Fuels

by Marcin Dębowski, Marcin Zieliński, Izabela Świca and Joanna Kazimierowicz

Phycology 2021, 1(2), 105-118; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology1020008 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

Algae biomass is perceived as a prospective source of many types of biofuels, including biogas and biomethane produced in the anaerobic digestion process, ethanol from alcoholic fermentation, biodiesel synthesized from lipid reserve substances, and biohydrogen generated in photobiological transformations. Environmental and economic analyses [...] Read more.

Algae biomass is perceived as a prospective source of many types of biofuels, including biogas and biomethane produced in the anaerobic digestion process, ethanol from alcoholic fermentation, biodiesel synthesized from lipid reserve substances, and biohydrogen generated in photobiological transformations. Environmental and economic analyses as well as technological considerations indicate that methane fermentation integrated with bio-oil recovery is one of the most justified directions of energy use of microalgae biomass for energy purposes. A promising direction in the development of bioenergy systems based on the use of microalgae is their integration with waste and pollution neutralization technologies. The use of wastewater, another liquid waste, or flue gases can reduce the costs of biofuel production while having a measurable environmental effect. Full article

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