Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microalgae (including cyanobacteria) have become an important branch of biotechnology and display huge potential for producing many different bioproducts, such as single-cell food/feed supplements and nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and agricultural or industrial biochemicals (bioplastics, biostimulants, biopesticides, etc.). Microalgal production combines the advantages of microbial biotechnology and photosynthesis, offering the opportunity to develop controlled cultivation systems driven by light.

Today, there is vast research activity in microalgal biotechnology for expanding its repertoire and improving the efficiency, feasibility, and sustainability of the bioproducts. The present Thematic Topic on “Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume" aims to gather original research works and reviews and to integrate the current progress and recent research advances of basic and applied aspects of microalgal biotechnology.

In conclusion, we welcome submissions that cover but are not limited to the following topics:

• Microalgae cultivation and biomass production;
• Extraction of high-value compounds/microalgal biorefinery;
• Microalgal bioproducts and bioconversion processes for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, animal feed biofuels, bioplastics, biostimulants etc.
• Microalgal metabolic regulation/engineering and biosystem optimizations;
• Phototrophic, mixotrophic, heterotrophic microalgal biosystems;
• Microalgae for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, animal feed etc.
• Technoeconomic assessments of microalgal biosystems;
• Microalgae for food applications;
• Functional microalgal food/feed;
• Microalgal cell factories.

Dr. Giorgos Markou
Prof. Dr. Leonel Pereira
Topic Editors

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.838	3.7	2011	14.9 Days	2300 CHF
Bioengineering bioengineering	5.046	6.3	2014	14.8 Days	2000 CHF
Biomass biomass	-	-	2021	15.0 days *	1000 CHF
Biomolecules biomolecules	6.064	5.7	2011	16.6 Days	2300 CHF
Cells cells	7.666	6.7	2012	16.4 Days	2400 CHF
Marine Drugs marinedrugs	6.085	8.1	2003	13.6 Days	2500 CHF
Molecules molecules	4.927	5.9	1996	13.4 Days	2300 CHF

* Median value for all MDPI journals in the second half of 2022.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Applied Sciences Bioengineering Biomass Biomolecules Cells Marine Drugs Molecules

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Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Economic Analysis of the Biotechnological Potential of Biomass Production from a Microalgal Consortium

by

Christian Ariel Cabrera-Capetillo

,

Omar Surisadai Castillo-Baltazar

,

Moisés Abraham Petriz-Prieto

,

Adriana Guzmán-López

,

Esveidi Montserrat Valdovinos-García

and

Micael Gerardo Bravo-Sánchez

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(6), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21060321 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 292

Abstract

The biomass of microalgae and the compounds that can be obtained from their processing are of great interest for various economic sectors. Chlorophyll from green microalgae has biotechnological applications of great potential in different industrial areas such as food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, [...] Read more.

The biomass of microalgae and the compounds that can be obtained from their processing are of great interest for various economic sectors. Chlorophyll from green microalgae has biotechnological applications of great potential in different industrial areas such as food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. In this paper, the experimental, technical and economic performance of biomass production from a microalgal consortium (Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella sp., Schroderia sp., Spirulina sp., Pediastrum sp., and Chlamydomonas sp.) was investigated in three cultivation systems (phototrophic, heterotrophic and mixotrophic) in combination with the extraction of chlorophyll (a and b) on a large scale using simulation; 1 ha was established as the area for cultivation. In the laboratory-scale experimental stage, biomass and chlorophyll concentrations were determined for 12 days. In the simulation stage, two retention times in the photobioreactor were considered, which generated six case studies for the culture stage. Subsequently, a simulation proposal for the chlorophyll extraction process was evaluated. The highest microalgae biomass concentration was 2.06 g/L in heterotrophic culture, followed by mixotrophic (1.98 g/L). Phototrophic and mixotrophic cultures showed the highest chlorophyll concentrations of 20.5 µg/mL and 13.5 µg/mL, respectively. The simulation shows that higher biomass and chlorophyll production is attained when using the mixotrophic culture with 72 h of retention that we considered to evaluate chlorophyll production (a and b). The operating cost of the entire process is very high; the cultivation stage has the highest operating cost (78%), mainly due to the high energy consumption of the photobioreactors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume)

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Open AccessArticle

Antarctic Marine Algae Extracts as a Potential Natural Resource to Protect Epithelial Barrier Integrity

by

Seong-Hee Ko

,

YoonHee Lim

,

Eun Jae Kim

,

Young Wook Ko

,

In-Sun Hong

,

Sanghee Kim

and

YunJae Jung

Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(9), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20090562 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1292

Abstract

The intestine and skin provide crucial protection against the external environment. Strengthening the epithelial barrier function of these organs is critical for maintaining homeostasis against inflammatory stimuli. Recent studies suggest that polar marine algae are a promising bioactive resource because of their adaptation [...] Read more.

The intestine and skin provide crucial protection against the external environment. Strengthening the epithelial barrier function of these organs is critical for maintaining homeostasis against inflammatory stimuli. Recent studies suggest that polar marine algae are a promising bioactive resource because of their adaptation to extreme environments. To investigate the bioactive properties of polar marine algae on epithelial cells of the intestine and skin, we created extracts of the Antarctic macroalgae Himantothallus grandifolius, Plocamium cartilagineum, Phaeurus antarcticus, and Kallymenia antarctica, analyzed the compound profiles of the extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and tested the protective activities of the extracts on human intestinal and keratinocyte cell lines by measuring cell viability and reactive oxygen species scavenging. In addition, we assessed immune responses modulated by the extracts by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and we monitored the barrier-protective activities of the extracts on intestinal and keratinocyte cell lines by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance and fluorescence-labeled dextran flux, respectively. We identified bioactive compounds, including several fatty acids and lipid compounds, in the extracts, and found that the extracts perform antioxidant activities that remove intracellular reactive oxygen species and scavenge specific radicals. Furthermore, the Antarctic marine algae extracts increased cell viability, protected cells against inflammatory stimulation, and increased the barrier integrity of cells damaged by lipopolysaccharide or ultraviolet radiation. These results suggest that Antarctic marine algae have optimized their composition for polar environments, and furthermore, that the bioactive properties of compounds produced by Antarctic marine algae can potentially be used to develop therapeutics to promote the protective barrier function of the intestine and skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume)

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Open AccessArticle

Metabolic and Proteomic Analysis of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris Cells Cultured in Autotrophic, Photoheterotrophic, and Mixotrophic Cultivation Modes

by

Agata Piasecka

and

Andrea Baier

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4817; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154817 - 27 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1581

Abstract

Chlorella is one of the most well-known microalgal genera, currently comprising approximately a hundred species of single-celled green algae according to the AlgaeBase. Strains of the genus Chlorella have the ability to metabolize both inorganic and organic carbon sources in various trophic modes [...] Read more.

Chlorella is one of the most well-known microalgal genera, currently comprising approximately a hundred species of single-celled green algae according to the AlgaeBase. Strains of the genus Chlorella have the ability to metabolize both inorganic and organic carbon sources in various trophic modes and synthesize valuable metabolites that are widely used in many industries. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of three trophic modes on the growth parameters, productivities of individual cell components, and biochemical composition of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris cells with special consideration of protein profiles detected by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Mixotrophic conditions with the use of an agro-industrial by-product stimulated the growth of all Chlorella species, which was confirmed by the highest specific growth rates and the shortest biomass doubling times. The mixotrophic cultivation of all Chlorella species yielded a high amount of protein-rich biomass with reduced contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, this work provides the first information about the proteome of Chloroidium saccharofilum, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlorella vulgaris cells cultured in molasses supplementation conditions. The proteomic analysis of the three Chlorella species growing photoheterotrophically and mixotrophically showed increased accumulation of proteins involved in the cell energy metabolism and carbon uptake, photosynthesis process, and protein synthesis, as well as proteins involved in intracellular movements and chaperone proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume)

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Open AccessReview

Random Mutagenesis as a Promising Tool for Microalgal Strain Improvement towards Industrial Production

by

Mafalda Trovão

,

Lisa M. Schüler

,

Adriana Machado

,

Gabriel Bombo

,

Sofia Navalho

,

Ana Barros

,

Hugo Pereira

,

Joana Silva

,

Filomena Freitas

and

João Varela

Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(7), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20070440 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3223

Abstract

Microalgae have become a promising novel and sustainable feedstock for meeting the rising demand for food and feed. However, microalgae-based products are currently hindered by high production costs. One major reason for this is that commonly cultivated wildtype strains do not possess the [...] Read more.

Microalgae have become a promising novel and sustainable feedstock for meeting the rising demand for food and feed. However, microalgae-based products are currently hindered by high production costs. One major reason for this is that commonly cultivated wildtype strains do not possess the robustness and productivity required for successful industrial production. Several strain improvement technologies have been developed towards creating more stress tolerant and productive strains. While classical methods of forward genetics have been extensively used to determine gene function of randomly generated mutants, reverse genetics has been explored to generate specific mutations and target phenotypes. Site-directed mutagenesis can be accomplished by employing different gene editing tools, which enable the generation of tailor-made genotypes. Nevertheless, strategies promoting the selection of randomly generated mutants avoid the introduction of foreign genetic material. In this paper, we review different microalgal strain improvement approaches and their applications, with a primary focus on random mutagenesis. Current challenges hampering strain improvement, selection, and commercialization will be discussed. The combination of these approaches with high-throughput technologies, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting, as tools to select the most promising mutants, will also be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume)

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Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Plocamium telfairiae Extract-Functionalized Au Nanostructures and Their Anti-Adipogenic Activity through PLD1

by

Sun Young Park

,

Hye mi Kang

,

Woo Chang Song

,

Jin-Woo Oh

,

Geuntae Park

and

Young-Whan Choi

Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(7), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20070421 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1157

Abstract

Here, Au nanostructure (AuNS) biosynthesis was mediated through ethanolic extract of Plocamium telfairiae (PT) without the use of stabilizers or surfactants. PT-functionalized AuNSs (PT-AuNSs) were analyzed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Stable [...] Read more.

Here, Au nanostructure (AuNS) biosynthesis was mediated through ethanolic extract of Plocamium telfairiae (PT) without the use of stabilizers or surfactants. PT-functionalized AuNSs (PT-AuNSs) were analyzed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Stable monodisperse PT-AuNSs were synthesized, with a mean size of 15.36 ± 0.10 nm and zeta potential of −35.85 ± 1.36 mV. Moreover, biosynthetic AuNPs with a face-centered structure of PT-AuNS exhibited crystalline characteristics. In addition, many functional groups playing important roles in the biological reduction of PT extracts were adsorbed on the surface of PT-AuNSs. Furthermore, the effects of PT-AuNSs on adipogenesis in immature adipocytes were investigated. PT-AuNSs reduced morphological changes, lowered triglyceride content, and increased lipid accumulation by approximately 78.6% in immature adipocytes compared with the values in mature adipocytes (MDI-induced). PT-AuNS suppressed lipid accumulation by downregulating the transcript and protein expression of C/EBPα, PPARγ, SREBP 1, FAS, and aP2. Finally, PT-AuNS induced the transcript and protein expression of UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC1a, thereby increasing mitochondrial biogenesis in mature adipocytes and effectively inducing brown adipogenesis. In this study, the biosynthesized PT-AuNS was used as a potential therapeutic candidate because it conferred a potent anti-lipogenic effect. As a result, it can be used in various scientific fields such as medicine and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgal Biotechnology for Bioproducts and Food Applications, 2nd Volume)

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