How much PUFA and ARA content is obtained with microalgae co-culture?8 answersThe exploration of microalgae co-culture systems has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including arachidonic acid (ARA), although the specific content of PUFA and ARA obtained through these methods varies across different studies and conditions. Co-cultivation strategies, such as those involving microalgae with bacteria or other microorganisms, have been shown to improve lipid content, which includes an increase in PUFA production. For instance, the co-cultivation of microalgae with a floc-forming bacterium, Bacillus infantis, resulted in higher biomass and lipid content, suggesting an enhanced PUFA production compared to axenic cultures. Similarly, the co-cultivation of red yeasts and microalgae facilitated a symbiotic exchange of gases beneficial for lipid production, with lipids increasing to a final value of 29.62-31.61%, indicating a potential rise in PUFA content.
Moreover, the use of microalgae for PUFA production is underscored by their higher oil content and productivity compared to terrestrial crops, with algal lipids containing 20-50% oil, which is rich in PUFAs. The specific enhancement of linoleic acid, a type of PUFA, in distiller’s grains through co-culture with fungi and algae further exemplifies the capability of microalgae co-cultures to selectively increase PUFA content. Additionally, the dietary supplementation of microalgae-derived PUFAs in chicken patties has shown the feasibility of incorporating these fatty acids into food products, enhancing their nutritional value.
While the contexts provided do not specify exact quantities of PUFA and ARA obtained through microalgae co-culture, they collectively highlight the effectiveness of such systems in improving PUFA production. The advancements in co-cultivation techniques and the optimization of environmental and nutritional conditions, as seen in the use of POME as a medium for algae growth, further support the potential for increased PUFA and ARA yields. The exploration of microalgae as a sustainable source of n-3 PUFAs, including EPA and DHA, also points towards the broader utility of microalgae in producing a range of PUFAs. However, for specific ARA content, further research and optimization in co-culture conditions would be necessary to quantify the yields accurately.
How does the pH change during the incubation of microalgae cultures?4 answersDuring the incubation of microalgae cultures, pH changes occur due to various factors such as CO2 uptake, photosynthesis, and metabolic activities. The pH typically increases during the light period as a result of inorganic carbon uptake for photosynthesis and decreases during the dark period due to respiratory CO2 release. Additionally, the pH in microalgae cultures can be influenced by the secretion of acidic metabolites, leading to a decrease in aquatic environmental pH. Different pH control strategies can significantly impact nutrient removal, microalgal growth, and biomass settleability in mixed-culture microalgae cultures. It is crucial to consider the initial pH levels in algae cultures, as extreme pH conditions, such as pH 3, can inhibit CO2 assimilation and affect algae metabolism. Overall, maintaining pH stability is essential to ensure optimal growth and metabolic processes in microalgae cultures.
How is the lipid profile affected when the protist Aurantiochytrium is co-cultured with bacteria?5 answersWhen Aurantiochytrium is co-cultured with bacteria, the lipid profile undergoes significant changes, leading to enhanced production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Co-cultivation with lactic acid bacteria and Azospirillum sp. stimulates PUFA bioaccumulation, with Lentilactobacillus kefiri K6.10 strain showing the highest PUFA content increase compared to the control. Additionally, co-cultivation with a γ-linolenic acid-producing fungus results in improved harvesting efficiency and a 28% increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in Aurantiochytrium. Furthermore, cold stress conditions influence the fatty acid metabolism of Aurantiochytrium, with different temperatures affecting the lipid types and gene expression related to FA synthesis and lipid metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of co-cultivation strategies to modulate the lipid profile of Aurantiochytrium for enhanced PUFA production.
How does the biochemical composition of microalgae vary with different environmental conditions?3 answersThe biochemical composition of microalgae varies with different environmental conditions. Factors such as temperature, light intensity, nutrient availability, and weather conditions have been found to influence the growth and composition of microalgae. For example, nitrogen concentration, temperature, and light intensity have been shown to affect the biomass productivity and biochemical composition of microalgae, including protein content, carotenoids, and lipids. Additionally, exposure to organic and inorganic contaminants, such as dodecylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (BAC 12), can disrupt the synthesis of fatty acids and change the lipid composition of microalgae. The lipid content of microalgae biomass has been found to increase with increasing light intensity and temperature, while the nitrogen free extractable (NFE) content decreases. Overall, these studies highlight the importance of environmental conditions in shaping the biochemical composition of microalgae, which has implications for their growth, productivity, and potential applications in various industries.
Different lipids extraction from microalgae?3 answersDifferent methods for extracting lipids from microalgae have been explored in the literature. These methods include both mechanical and non-mechanical techniques. Mechanical methods involve the use of shear forces, pulse electric forces, waves, and temperature shock to disrupt the cells and release the lipids. Non-mechanical methods, on the other hand, utilize chemicals, osmotic pressure, and biological agents to achieve cell disruption and lipid extraction. Various solvent systems have also been investigated for lipid extraction, including acetone, chloroform/methanol, chloroform/methanol/water, and dichloromethane/methanol. The efficiency of lipid extraction can be enhanced by washing the algae cells before the second extraction, and the combination of water treatment type, treatment time, and solvent is crucial for achieving high lipid yields. Additionally, in-situ transesterification approaches and the use of nanocatalysts or immobilized enzymes have been proposed to improve the productivity of biodiesel production from microalgae.
Which microalgal strain has the highest lipid content?3 answersChlorella vulgaris KP2 has the highest lipid content among the microalgal strains evaluated.