Showing papers on "Chlorococcum published in 2021"

Xanthophylls from the Sea: Algae as Source of Bioactive Carotenoids.

Abstract: Algae are considered pigment-producing organisms The function of these compounds in algae is to carry out photosynthesis They have a great variety of pigments, which can be classified into three large groups: chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins Within the carotenoids are xanthophylls Xanthophylls (fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) are a type of carotenoids with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, due to their chemical structure rich in double bonds that provides them with antioxidant properties In this context, xanthophylls can protect other molecules from oxidative stress by turning off singlet oxygen damage through various mechanisms Based on clinical studies, this review shows the available information concerning the bioactivity and biological effects of the main xanthophylls present in algae In addition, the algae with the highest production rate of the different compounds of interest were studied It was observed that fucoxanthin is obtained mainly from the brown seaweeds Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Hizikia fusiformis, Sargassum spp, and Fucus spp The main sources of astaxanthin are the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, and Chlorococcum sp Lutein and zeaxanthin are mainly found in algal species such as Scenedesmus spp, Chlorella spp, Rhodophyta spp, or Spirulina spp However, the extraction and purification processes of xanthophylls from algae need to be standardized to facilitate their commercialization Finally, we assessed factors that determine the bioavailability and bioaccesibility of these molecules We also suggested techniques that increase xanthophyll’s bioavailability

Microalgae as Sustainable Bio-Factories of Healthy Lipids: Evaluating Fatty Acid Content and Antioxidant Activity.

Abstract: The demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly food sources and food ingredients is increasing, and microalgae are promoted as a sustainable source of essential and bioactive lipids, with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA), comparable to those of fish. However, most FA screening studies on algae are scattered or use different methodologies, preventing a true comparison of its content between microalgae. In this work, we used gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the FA profile of seven different commercial microalgae with biotechnological applications (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum amblystomatis, Scenedesmus obliquus, Tetraselmis chui, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Spirulina sp., and Nannochloropsis oceanica). Screening for antioxidant activity was also performed to understand the relationship between FA profile and bioactivity. Microalgae exhibited specific FA profiles with a different composition, namely in the ω-3 FA profile, but with species of the same phylum showing similar tendencies. The different lipid extracts showed similar antioxidant activities, but with a low activity of the extracts of Nannochloropsis oceanica. Overall, this study provides a direct comparison of FA profiles between microalgae species, supporting the role of these species as alternative, sustainable, and healthy sources of essential lipids.

Biofuel conversion of Chlorococcum sp. and Scenedesmus sp. biomass by one- and two-step transesterification

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to investigate the optimum transesterification method for the production of biodiesel from microalgae. Chlorococcum sp. and Scenedesmus sp. cultivated in secondary treated municipal wastewater and in 1/3N BG-11 medium, respectively, were selected for the conversion of their lipids by one- and two-step transesterification processes. Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide catalysts were separately employed in one-step transesterification process, and a two-stage process employing the basic catalyst followed by the acidic one in the second step was also used. The quality of the produced biodiesel was strongly determined by the catalyst used. The analysis of fatty acid methyl esters of the Chlorococcum sp. lipids showed that the two-step process has similar effects compared with one-step with acid (21.56 and 21.85 mg of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), respectively). On the other hand, better results were obtained through the two-step process with the Scenedesmus sp. (40.51 mg of FAMEs), compared with one-step methods with acid and base catalysts (9.57 and 22.3 mg of FAMEs, respectively). The type of methyl esters produced is strongly depended on the type of algal species and growth conditions.

Polar lipidomic profile shows Chlorococcum amblystomatis as a promising source of value-added lipids

Abstract: There is a growing trend to explore microalgae as an alternative resource for the food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fuel industry. Moreover, the polar lipidome of microalgae is interesting because of the reports of bioactive polar lipids which could foster new applications for microalgae. In this work, we identified for the first time the Chlorococcum amblystomatis lipidome using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization- tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-HR-ESI-MS/MS). The Chlorococcum amblystomatis strain had a lipid content of 20.77% and the fatty acid profile, determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, has shown that this microalga contains high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The lipidome identified included 245 molecular ions and 350 lipid species comprising 15 different classes of glycolipids (6), phospholipids (7) and betaine lipids (2). Of these, 157 lipid species and the main lipid species of each class were esterified with omega-3 PUFAs. The lipid extract has shown antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory potential. Lipid extracts also had low values of atherogenic (0.54) and thrombogenic index (0.27). In conclusion, the lipid extracts of Chlorococcum amblystomatis have been found to be a source of lipids rich in omega-3 PUFAs for of great value for the food, feed, cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioactive Lipids of Marine Microalga Chlorococcum sp. SABC 012504 with Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Thrombotic Activities.

Abstract: Microalgae are at the start of the food chain, and many are known producers of a significant amount of lipids with essential fatty acids. However, the bioactivity of microalgal lipids for anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities have rarely been investigated. Therefore, for a sustainable source of the above bioactive lipids, the present study was undertaken. The total lipids of microalga Chlorococcum sp., isolated from the Irish coast, were fractionated into neutral-, glyco-, and phospho-lipids, and were tested in vitro for their anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities. All tested lipid fractions showed strong anti-platelet-activating factor (PAF) and antithrombin activities in human platelets (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging ~25–200 μg of lipid) with the highest activities in glyco- and phospho-lipid fractions. The structural analysis of the bioactive lipid fraction-2 revealed the presence of specific sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDG) bioactive molecules and the HexCer-t36:2 (t18:1/18:1 and 18:2/18:0) cerebrosides with a phytosphingosine (4-hydrosphinganine) base, while fraction-3 contained bioactive phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) molecules. These novel bioactive lipids of Chlorococcum sp. with putative health benefits may indicate that marine microalgae can be a sustainable alternative source for bioactive lipids production for food supplements and nutraceutical applications. However, further studies are required towards the commercial technology pathways development and biosafety analysis for the use of the microalga.

Decolorization of dyestuffs by some species of green algae and cyanobacteria and its consortium

Abstract: Synthetic dyes are scattered in untreated or inappropriately treated effluents, and their dangerous items created during the halfway corruption are released into the water bodies that cause a horrendous smell, which prompts anomalous changes in the nature of water. In the present study, green algae and cyanobacteria are considered as a significant hotspot for decolorizing color and material gushing. Chlorococcum sp., Scenedesmus obliquus, Chlorella vulgaris, and Oscillatoria sp. were investigated for degradation and removal of some azo dyes [Reactive Orange 122 (Orange 2RL) and Reactive Red 194 (Reactive Red M-2BF)]. The results showed that the maximum decolorization was spotted at 20 ppm Reactive Orange 122 with Oscillatoria sp. mixed with S. obliquus (98.54%). 20 ppm Reactive Red 194 was decolorized by Oscillatoria sp. mixed with S. obliquus (97.58%) after 7 days of incubation. The decolorization was detected by spectroscopic analysis and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The suitable factors that accelerated the azo dye decolorization and enhanced the biological treatment methods to be more effective and speedier in decolorization were investigated. At 25 °C and continuous lighting, the highest percentage of the azo dye decolorization was obtained; BG11 was the suitable medium that gives a high percentage of the azo dye decolorization. However, relative to the effect pH on azo dye decolorization, results show pH 11 and pH 9 more effective on azo dye decolorization for Reactive Orange 122 and Reactive Red 194, respectively. A total of 6% of thiamine and ascorbic acid recorded maximum degradation activity at Reactive Orange 122 when treated with Oscillatoria sp. mixed with S. obliquus 79.13% and 77.18%, respectively.

Cholinesterase inhibitory activity, antioxidant properties, and phytochemical composition of Chlorococcum sp. extracts

Abstract: In this study, Chlorococcum sp. was investigated for its cholinesterase inhibitory potentials and antioxidant activity. The algal sample was cultivated, harvested, and extracted sequentially using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol. The extracts were characterized using Fourier transmission infra-red (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The metal chelating, radical scavenging activities, as well as anticholinesterase potentials of the algal extract, was also investigated. FTIR characterization of the microalgal biomass revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids. The extracts showed the presence of phytol, neophytadiene, butylated hydroxyl toluene, and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. The ethanol extract showed the highest DPPH (IC50 = 147.40 µg/ml) and OH (IC50 = 493.90 µg/ml) radical scavenging and metal chelating (IC50 = 83.25 µg/ml) activities. Similarly, the ethanol extract (IC50 = 13.83 µg/ml) exhibited the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, while the dichloromethane extract showed the highest butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. All the extracts exhibited antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects against butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase; however, ethanol extracts showed better activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Biomass obtained from some microalgal species is commonly used as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals due to the presence of high-valued products. However, the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of biomass from Chlorococcum sp. have not been explored. Chlorococcum sp. extracts contain some antioxidants such as 3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, phytol, and neophytadiene. Characterization of the extracts also revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and fatty acids. These compounds may contribute to the observed antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of Chlorococcum sp. The result of this study suggests that Chlorococcum sp. may contain some nutraceuticals which could be used as antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors.

Cultivation of microalgae on unhydrolysed waste molasses syrup using mass cultivation strategy for improved biodiesel.

Abstract: High cultivation cost and low lipid yield are framed as a major bottleneck for the production of microalgae biodiesel Hence, we first and foremost highlight a trophic mode transition, coupled with a combinatorial effect of organic carbon, nitrogen and light (C/N/L) on an isolated microalga Chlorococcum sp SVF in a one pot tri-phasic intermittent feeding system by developing a lab scale Raceway tank (40L) Hitherto, waste molasses syrup without hydrolysis is unexplored in algal bioenergy arena The direct utilisation capability of sucrose, served by waste unhydrolysed molasses syrup (WUMS), effectively modulates the intrinsic biochemical and physiological characteristics towards microalgae biomass and lipid assimilation Response surface methodology—central composite design (RSM-CCD) tool has been employed to observe the cumulative impact of light irradiation and nutrient sources (carbon and nitrogen) on cellular stoichiometric analysis Experimental results exhibit a potentially achievable biomass (1888 g L−1) and lipid accumulation (8034%) under the light intensity of 755 µmol m−2 s−1 with stepwise light attenuation strategy Characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) reveals the dominance of oleic acid (3272%) and palmitic acid methyl esters (3249%) in mixotrophic condition, which are considered as the upmost indicators of quality biodiesel The biofuel properties were obtained in acquiescence with American and European standard These findings are therefore a way forward towards the effective growth of Chlorococcum sp SVF in sucrose rich inexpensive industrial waste stream that positively influences the lipid yield for large scale sustainable biodiesel production

Diversity and substrate-specificity of green algae and other micro-eukaryotes colonizing amphibian clutches in Germany, revealed by DNA metabarcoding.

Abstract: Amphibian clutches are colonized by diverse but poorly studied communities of micro-organisms. One of the most noted ones is the unicellular green alga, Oophila amblystomatis, but the occurrence and role of other micro-organisms in the capsular chamber surrounding amphibian clutches have remained largely unstudied. Here, we undertook a multi-marker DNA metabarcoding study to characterize the community of algae and other micro-eukaryotes associated with agile frog (Rana dalmatina) clutches. Samplings were performed at three small ponds in Germany, from four substrates: water, sediment, tree leaves from the bottom of the pond, and R. dalmatina clutches. Sampling substrate strongly determined the community compositions of algae and other micro-eukaryotes. Therefore, as expected, the frog clutch-associated communities formed clearly distinct clusters. Clutch-associated communities in our study were structured by a plethora of not only green algae, but also diatoms and other ochrophytes. The most abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in clutch samples were taxa from Chlamydomonas, Oophila, but also from Nitzschia and other ochrophytes. Sequences of Oophila “Clade B” were found exclusively in clutches. Based on additional phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA and of a matrix of 18 nuclear genes derived from transcriptomes, we confirmed in our samples the existence of two distinct clades of green algae assigned to Oophila in past studies. We hypothesize that “Clade B” algae correspond to the true Oophila, whereas “Clade A” algae are a series of Chlorococcum species that, along with other green algae, ochrophytes and protists, colonize amphibian clutches opportunistically and are often cultured from clutch samples due to their robust growth performance. The clutch-associated communities were subject to filtering by sampling location, suggesting that the taxa colonizing amphibian clutches can drastically differ depending on environmental conditions.

NITROGEN STARVATION INDUCED LIPID ACCUMULATION BY Chlorococcum infusionum (EAU-10) AS POTENTIAL RENEWABLE SOURCE OF LIPID FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

Abstract: Microalgae are organisms effective of accumulating high quantity of industrially important lipids with promising characteristics as an excellent feedstock for biodiesel production. This study assess the possibility of using a green microalga, Chlorococcum infusionum (EAU-10) for biodiesel production by evaluating the growth characteristic, lipid yield and fatty acid profile of the microalga cultivated at varying concentrations of nitrogen source (0.375 - 1.50 g L-1 NaNO3). High lipid accumulation was observed in nitrogen-starved cultivation condition (0.375 g L-1 NaNO3) after 23 days of growth. Maximum biomass concentration of Chlorococcum infusionum (EAU-10) under nitrogen starved condition is 0.577 ± 0.003 g L−1 with 21.26% oil content per dry weight of algal biomass and lipid productivity of 22.08 mg L−1 day−1. Nitrogen starvation caused an increase in the total oil content and a decrease in biomass production of the microalga. Profiling of fatty acids of the obtained algal biodiesel shows methyl palmitate (C16:0) and methyl nonadecanoate (C19:0) contribute to almost 70% of Chlorococcum infusionum (EAU-10) fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile. Overall, a total of 74.58% of saturated fatty acid (SAFA) methyl ester content is present in the algal lipid, which is exceedingly high in contrast to other similar studies. Analysis of C. infusionum FAME profile in relation to some important fuel properties showed that the algal oil has the potential to produce biodiesel with excellent fuel qualities.

Improvement of ethanol production using green alga Chlorococcum minutum.

Abstract: Incessant depletion of fossil fuels urges the governments and non-governmental organizations to invest more on renewable energy sectors including generation of biofuels such as bioethanol. Production of ethanol from algal feedstock has been an interesting area of research in recent times. In the present investigation, feedstock of a green alga Chlorococcum minutum was selected for ethanol production and compared with feedstock of model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Both the species were grown under in vitro conditions using universal tris-acetate-phosphate (TAP) medium with various concentrations and combinations of vitamins such as thiamin, biotin and cobalamin (B1, B7 and B12) to enhance the biomass in turn reducing sugars in both the algal cultures. Later, these algal feedstocks were used for the production of ethanol under fermentation conditions using yeast. Reducing sugars were more in both the algal cultures grown in Cr3 or Cm3 media (TAP with 0.8 g/L of B1, 0.004 g/L of B7 & 0.004 g/L of B12) and also in Cr2 or Cm2 media (TAP with 0.4 g/L of B1, 0.002 g/L of B7 & 0.002 g/L of B12). In extent, the enhancement of ethanol production was noticed in C. reinhardtii (33.57 g/L) and C. minutum (46.97 g/L) from the feedstocks grown in Cr3 or Cm3 media when compared with feedstocks grown in other vitamin combinations or without vitamin assistance. Specifically, feedstock of C. minutum generated more output at 48 h when compared with model alga. The present work may be useful for the production of ethanol at a commercial level.

Unicellular microalgae vs. filamentous algae for wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery

Abstract: Microalgae-based wastewater treatment is a promising platform since it enables nutrient recovery. The use of filamentous algae could improve this technology by reducing harvesting cost and enhancing biomass management. The potential of 12 unicellular and 12 filamentous algae strains was evaluated for the treatment and nutrient recovery of a raw wastewater from a slaughterhouse (RWS). Chlorococcum sp. FAUBA-42 (unicellular) and Stigeoclonium sp. FAUBA-10 (filamentous) were selected due to their biomass production using RWS as the sole nutrient source. Comprehensive analysis of batch and semicontinuous regime was carried out for both strains. Semicontinuous cultures showed three times higher biomass productivity than batch regime. The highest biomass productivity (0.45 g DW L−1 d−1) and photosynthetic quantum yield (1.6 g DW mol photons−1) was reached by the filamentous strain Stigeoclonium FAUBA-10 under 2.5 d HRT. Both strains showed nutrient removal above 92% under 5 d and 2.5 d HRT. Biomass of Stigeoclonium FAUBA-10 can be easily harvested by filtration through mesh screens (

Effect of different nitrogen sources on cell growth and biochemical compositions of Chlorococcum sp. cultivated under laboratory conditions

Abstract: Different sources of nitrogen can affect the growth and biochemical composition of microalgae. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different nitrogen sources on algal growth, carbohydrate and protein contents, of freshwater microalgae Chlorococcum sp. Three different nitrogen sources were used in this study including sodium nitrate, ammonium chloride and urea. The cultivation of the algae of different nitrogen sources took place in the same parameter conditions (24 hours of light duration; 25 ± 1 °C of temperature; 7.20 ± 0.02 of pH). The algal cells were harvested at the early stationary phase for biochemical analysis. The number of cells were quantified by using a counting chamber (haemocytometer) and growth curves were plotted to determine the growth rate. The results revealed that Chlorococcum sp. cultivated in urea as the nitrogen source exhibited the highest growth rate. Apart from that, it was also found that the cells cultivated in urea displayed the highest carbohydrate and protein content as compared to the other two nitrogen sources which were 25.5% and 18.7%, respectively. Moreover, the cells cultivated in urea were medium in size during early stationary phase indicating urea the best nitrogen source for Chlorococcum sp. under controlled conditions.

Optimization of fermentation conditions for higher cellulase production using marine Bacillus licheniformis KY962963: An epiphyte of Chlorococcum sp.

Abstract: In recent years, the application of agricultural waste materials as an inexpensive source of substrate for the production of a high-value product is catching the eye of researchers. It is a fact that commercial cellulase is a high-cost product and also it is one of the significant industrial catalysts which in this study was produced from different agricultural wastes under solid-state fermentation. Bacillus licheniformis KY962963 an epiphytic bacterial strain of marine algae Chlorococcum sp. was used for cellulase production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritious and ecological factors on the cellulase production from marine Bacillus licheniformis KY962963 . The efficacious parameters were primarily screened using the “Plackett- Burman” design. Subsequently, the key parameters such as P source, moisture content, time of incubation and incubation temperature were optimized by the “one factor at a time” approach. Lastly, the consequential parameters such as moisture content 75%, K2HPO4 2 g/L, incubation temperature 35 °C, and an incubation time of 3 days were found as the final optimum condition for higher production of cellulase.

Environmental Factors Associated with the Eukaryotic Microbial Community and Microalgal Groups in the Mountain Marshes of South Korea.

Abstract: The diversity indices of eukaryotic microalgal groups in the Jeonglyeongchi, Waegok, and Wangdeungjae marshes of Mount Jiri, Korea, were measured using Illumina MiSeq and culture-based analyses. Waegok marsh had the highest species richness, with a Chao1 value of 828.00, and the highest levels of species diversity, with Shannon and Simpson index values of 6.36 and 0.94, respectively, while Wangdeungjae marsh had the lowest values at 2.97 and 0.75, respectively. The predominant species in all communities were Phagocata sibirica (Jeonglyeongchi, 68.64%), Aedes albopictus (Waegok, 34.77%), Chaetonotus cf. (Waegok, 24.43%), Eimeria sp. (Wangdeungjae, 26.17%), and Eumonhystera cf. (Wangdeungjae, 22.27%). Relative abundances of the microalgal groups Bacillariophyta (diatoms) and Chlorophyta (green algae) in each marsh were respectively: Jeonglyeongchi 1.38% and 0.49%, Waegok 7.0% and 0.3%, and Wangdeungjae 10.41% and 4.72%. Illumina MiSeq analyses revealed 34 types of diatoms and 13 types of green algae. Only one diatom (Nitzschia dissipata) and five green algae (Neochloris sp., Chlamydomonas sp., Chlorococcum sp., Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus sp.) were identified by a culture-based analysis. Thus, Illumina MiSeq analysis can be considered an efficient tool for analyzing microbial communities. Overall, our results described the environmental factors associated with geographically isolated mountain marshes and their respective microbial and microalgal communities.

Immature symbiotic system between horizontally transmitted green algae and brown hydra

Abstract: Some strains of brown hydra (Hydra vulgaris) are able to harbor the green algae Chlorococcum in their endodermal epithelial cells as symbionts However, the relationship between brown hydra and chlorococcum is considered to be incipient symbiosis because most artificially introduced symbionts are not stable and because symbiotic H vulgaris strains are rare in the wild In this study, we compared the gene expression levels of the newly established symbiotic hydra (strain 105G), the native symbiotic strain (J7), and their non-symbiotic polyps to determine what changes would occur at the early stage of the evolution of symbiosis We found that both the 105G and J7 strains showed comparable expression patterns, exhibiting upregulation of lysosomal enzymes and downregulation of genes related to nematocyte development and function Meanwhile, genes involved in translation and the respiratory chain were upregulated only in strain 105G Furthermore, treatment with rapamycin, which inhibits translation activity, induced the degeneration of the symbiotic strains (105G and J7) This effect was severe in strain 105G Our results suggested that evolving the ability to balance the cellular metabolism between the host and the symbiont is a key requirement for adapting to endosymbiosis with chlorococcum

Extracts of thalassiosira sp. and their application

Abstract: Suggested are new extracts of microalgae Chlorococcum sp. obtainable by treating a source of said microalgae with a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 aliphatic alcohols, ethyl acetate, water or their mixtures, removing the dissolved extracts from the residues and recovering the pure extracts from the solvent. The extracts show excellent properties particularly in modulating the metabolism of human skin and hair follicles.

Extracts of chlorococcum sp. and their application

Abstract: Suggested are new extracts of microalgae Chlorococcum sp. obtainable by treating a source of said microalgae with a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 aliphatic alcohols, ethyl acetate, water or their mixtures, removing the dissolved extracts from the residues and recovering the pure extracts from the solvent. The extracts show excellent properties particularly in modulating the metabolism of human skin and hair follicles.