Nilofer Khatoon

Bio: Nilofer Khatoon is an academic researcher from University of Calcutta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Feed conversion ratio & Protein efficiency ratio. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 4 publications receiving 63 citations.

Microalgae in Biotechnological Application: A Commercial Approach

Abstract: Microalgae are used as food, feed, and fodder and also used to produce a wide range of metabolites such as, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, carotenoids, vitamins, fatty acids, sterols, etc. They are able to enhance the nutritional content of conventional food and feed preparations and hence positively affect humans and animal health including aquaculture animals. They also provide a key tool for phycoremediation of toxic metals and nanometal production. The use of microalgae in nanotechnology is a promising field of research with a green approach. The use of genetically modified algae for better production of different biotechnological compounds of interests is popular nowadays. Microalgal biomass production for sustainable biofuel production together with other high-value compounds in a cost-effective way is the major challenge of algal biotechnologists. Microalgal biotechnology is similar to conventional agriculture but has received quite a lot of attention over the last decades, because they can reach substantially higher productivities than traditional crops and can use the wastelands and the large marine ecosystem. As history has shown, research studies on microalgae have been numerous and varied, but they have not always resulted in commercial applications. The aim of this review is to summarize the commercial applications of microalgae.

Evaluation of algae based feed in Goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) nutrition

Abstract: A short term laboratory feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the importance of algae based value added feed for the popular ornamental fish Carassius auratus (Gold fish). The feed was tested against Daphnia — the conventional feed used for Goldfish. Fresh algal biomass of Nostoc ellipsosporum and Navicula minima were mixed with daphnia to formulate the value added feed and proximate composition of feeds were analyzed. The experimental feed showed significantly higher protein (71.24% ±0.3), lipid (33.47%±0.2), and carotenoid (6.41%±0.13) (Pd″0.05), and increased level of amino acids (4.2%±0.1) and carbohydrate (14.72%±0.2) content than the control feed. Similarly the fishes fed with experimental feed showed 2 fold increase in protein, glycogen and carotenoid level as compared to the control fishes. Morphometric study also showed significant Body weight Gain (3.52%±1.2) and Specific growth rate (0.87±0.41) together with high Protein Productive value (0.051±0.14), Protein effficiency ratio (0.074±0.05) and low Feed conversion ratio (0.024±0.03) in experimental fishes which signifies better utilization of feed by the fishes. The VAF (Value added feed) fed fishes showed positive results in both morphometry and carcass proximate composition. Differences in body weight gain and Feed conversion ratio together with increased protein, glycogen and carotenoid levels were significant than the control fishes. The colouration of the gold fishes induced by algal carotenoids was more bright and vibrant indicating high market value.

Mapping Algae of Sundarban Origin as Lipid Feedstock for Potential Biodiesel Application

Abstract: Six Cyanobacterial and fifteen other algal taxa from Sundarban mangrove forest of South East Asia have been analyzed for total lipid estimation and fatty acid profiling to search for a suitable feedstock for algal biodiesel production. Total lipid content varied from 7 – 23 % for the studied genera. GCMS analysis revealed that Palmitic (16:0) and Oleic (18:1) as major fatty acids from the taxa collected from freshwater, brackish water and marine habitat of Sundarban with variable salinity (0-23psu). A few microalgae from cyanophyceae like, Lyngbya majuscula, Phormidium valderianum, Synechocystis pevalekii and chlorophycean genera viz. Rhizoclonium riparium, Rhizoclonium africanum, Pithophora cleveana, Spirogyra orientalis and Cladophora crystallina, having suitable fatty acid composition were identified for biodiesel production. Fatty acid profile showed more diversification in unsaturated fatty acid in fresh water region, indicating more variable environment in upstream fresh water regions of Sundarban.

Effect of Formulated Algal Diet on growth performance of Labeo rohita Hamilton

Abstract: A 12-week laboratory feeding trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of two different algae based value added feeds (one containing Spirulina platensis and Enteromorpha intestinalis and the other with Phormidium valderianum and Catenella repens) against conventional (rice bran and mustard oil cake taken in 2:1 ratio, used as control) for fingerlings of Indian major carp, Rohu (Labeo rohita, Cyprinidae). The feeds were formulated on the basis of crude protein requirement of Rohu. Proximate composition of the above mentioned algal genera and the formulated feeds was analyzed in respect to protein, carbohydrate, lipid, carotenoid and ash content. Evaluation of diets was carried out on the basis of feed intake rate, body weight gain percentage, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, metabolic growth rate, protein productive value, protein efficiency ratio, total muscle protein, lipid, carotenoid, ash content and accumulated muscle glycogen content. It was observed that the value added algal feed 2 was more suitable diet than the other two for Indian Major Carp L. rohita fingerling as evident from the growth performances. On the other hand, control diet resulted into high body lipid deposition which led to poor growth of the fishes.

Microalgae in aquafeeds for a sustainable aquaculture industry

Abstract: Due to the rapid global expansion of the aquaculture industry, access to key feedstuffs (fishmeal and fish oil) is becoming increasingly limited because of the finite resources available for wild fish harvesting. This has resulted in other sources of feedstuffs being investigated, namely plant origin substitutes for fishmeal and fish oil for aquafeed. Conventional land-based crops have been favored for some applications as substitutes for a portion of the fishmeal, but they can result in changes in the nutritional quality of the fish produced. Microalgae can be regarded as a promising alternative that can replace fishmeal and fish oil and ensure sustainability standards in aquaculture. They have a potential for use in aquaculture as they are sources of protein, lipid, vitamins, minerals, pigments, etc. This comprehensive review summarizes the most important and recent developments of microalgae use as supplement or feed additive to replace fishmeal and fish oil for use in aquaculture. It also reflects the microalgal nutritional quality and digestibility of microalgae-based aquafeed. Simultaneously, safety and regulatory aspects of microalgae feed applications, major challenges on the use microalgae in aquafeed in commercial production, and future research and development perspective are also presented in a critical manner. This review will serve as a useful guide to present current status of knowledge and highlight key areas for future development of a microalgae-based aquafeed industry and overall development of a sustainable aquaculture industry.

Concepts and studies on lipid and pigments of microalgae: A review

Abstract: This review describes compounds produced microalgae, such as biodiesel, lipids, fatty acids (FA), triacylglycerides (TAG), and pigments (phycobilins, chlorophylls, and carotenoids). We discuss the factors inducing the accumulation of these metabolites and their economic importance. We focused on cell wall breaking methods of microalgae used to produce biodiesel. A special approach was made to extremophile microalgae used in biodiesel production. The type of methodology used in the cultivation and the use of extremophiles microalgae can permit feasible biodiesel production.

Chlorella and Spirulina Microalgae as Sources of Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Food Supplements; an Overview

Abstract: Chlorella nbsp and nbsp Spirulina are the two of the most well known microalgae genus Both microalgae genus have a significant content of proteins vitamins pigments fatty acids sterols among others which make their production application by the food industry quite interesting nbsp Chlorella genus is a eukaryotic microorganism whereas Spirulina genus cyanobacteria is a prokaryotic microorganism The aim of this review was to provide an overview on Chlorella and Spirulina microalgae particularly as an alternative source of functional foods nutraceuticals and food supplements in which the following compound groups were addressed I Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids II Phenolic Compounds III Volatile Compounds IV Sterols V Proteins Amino Acids Peptides VI Vitamins VII Polysaccharides VIII Pigments and IX Food Chlorella and Spirulina microalgae and their derivatives are concluded not to be widely commercially exploited However they are remarkable sources of functional foods nutraceuticals and food supplements

Microalgae in Aquaculture: A Review with Special References to Nutritional Value and Fish Dietetics

Abstract: Microalgal biotechnology has gained considerable importance in recent decades and its use is extending day by day into several areas like nutraceutical research, renewable energy source, production of essential biomolecules like β-carotene, astaxanthin, PUFA, bio colorant production, wastewater treatment, bioremediation and aquaculture etc. Among all these, microalgae as a source of nutrition have drawn the attention since long back and are widely used in animal nutrition. Fishmeal is the preferred protein ingredient of feed in aquaculture industry, contributing significantly to the variable production cost. However, decreasing fishmeal supply and increasing costs threaten the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture industry. Therefore, complete or partial substitution of fishmeal with alternative proteins is needed to solve the problem. Presently, microalgae are used worldwide as an alternate protein source replacing fishmeal successfully. In feeding trials with fish, many types of microalgae have been found to be used for increasing growth (protein accretion), feed utilization, physiological activity, stress response, starvation tolerance, disease resistance, and carcass quality. In the present communication an attempt has been taken to review the application of different microalgae in rearing of aquaculture animal especially the fishes.

Cyanobacteria as a source of biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Abstract: Continuous increase in global human population and depletion of natural resources of energy posing threat to environment needs, sustainable supply of food and energy. The most ecofriendly approach 'green technology' has been exploited for biofertilizer preparation. Cyanobacteria are the most successful and sustained prokaryotic organism during the course of evolution. They are considered as one of the primitive life forms found on our planet. Cyanobacteria are emerging candidates for efficiently conversion of radiant energy into chemical energy. This biological system produces oxygen as a by-product. Cyanobacterial biomass can also be used for the large scale production of food, energy, biofertilizers, secondary metabolites, cosmetics and medicines. Therefore, cyanobacteria are used in ecofriendly sustainable agricultural practice for production of biomass of very high value and decreasing the level of CO2. This review article describes the methods of mass production of cyanobacterial biofertilizers and their applications in agriculture and industrial level.