Chlorococcum

About: Chlorococcum is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 268 publications have been published within this topic receiving 7317 citations.

Occurrence and characterization of an epibiotic parasite in cultures of oleaginous microalga Graesiella sp. WBG-1

Abstract: Mass culture of oleaginous microalgae in open raceway ponds is considered to be the cost-effective method for biodiesel production. The oleaginous green alga Graesiella sp. WBG-1 is an industrial strain capable of high lipid productivity, but it is subject to parasitism. In the present study, an epibiotic parasite EPG01 was found in cultures of the oleaginous Graesiella sp. WBG-1 and had devastating effects on microalgal growth and lipid accumulation in open raceway ponds. Based on analyses of the morphology, ultrastructure, 18S rDNA-based phylogeny, and host specificity, the parasite EPG01 was identified as Rhizophydium scenedesmi. Moreover, the host specificity test showed that only three coccoid green algae strains were rapidly and intensively infected by the parasite EPG01: Chlorococcum sp. A213, Chlorococcum sp. GP1, and Graesiella sp. WBG-1. This is the first documented report of R. scenedesmi infection in oleaginous coccoid green algae. This present study verified the presence of haustorium and the thick-walled resting sporangium and also proposed a life cycle description for R. scenedesmi. Our results will improve understanding of parasite-host relationships and help to establish strategies for the control of parasitic contaminations.

The control of algal biodeterioration of a marble petroglyph site

Abstract: Several blue-green algae, including Calothrix sp., Chroococcus sp., Oscillatoria sp., Gloeocapsa sp., Lyngbya sp., and the green alga Chlorococcum sp., were identified in a green and black accretion on a rock art site at Petroglyphs Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. The accretion covered several hundred petroglyphs of Algonkian origin which were pecked into a gently sloping marble outcrop. The algae promoted frost weathering of the marble by retaining water, and caused pitting and colouring of the rock surface. An enclosed, protective structure, with a fully glazed southeast wall, was constructed over the site to exclude atmospheric precipitation and groundwater run-off, while allowing maximum natural ventilation and passive solar heating of the rock surface. In laboratory tests, the algae showed a high tolerance to dryness, and algae viability within the protective structure was expected to drop only slowly. The algicidal and algistatic effectiveness of ethanol, silver nitrate and five commercial...

Evaluation of microalgae as vegetarian source of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids under autotrophic growth conditions

Abstract: Twelve indigenous microalgae, comprising of three fresh water and nine marine strains, were evaluated for their potential as source of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) under autotrophic growth conditions. The microalgal lipids showed higher content of omega-3 PUFAs as reflected in lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratios between 0.1 and 0.75. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), was the predominant omega-3 PUFA in fresh water green algal strains. Scenedesmus dimorphus and Chlorococcum sp. showed higher content of ALA with an average productivity of 3 mgL−1 day−1. Long chain omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were observed in marine strains. Nannochloropsis and Chlorella sp. had higher content of EPA with Chlorella sp. showing an average productivity of 2 mgL−1 day−1. Isochrysis sp. showed higher DHA content with average productivity of 0.37 mgL−1 day−1. Presence of EPA and DHA contributed to higher degree of unsaturation in lipids of marine strains. Among the marine strains, the growth and lipid profile of Nannochloropsis sp. and Chlorella sp. remained unaffected by growth medium, whereas strains like T. theli showed a differential response to media. Spirulina platensis SP6 from CFTRI algal culture repository was also included as a reference strain since its nutritional benefits have been well elucidated. Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA) was the predominant PUFA in Spirulina sp. with an average productivity of 0.73 mgL−1 day−1.

Phytoene Accumulation in the Novel Microalga Chlorococcum sp. Using the Pigment Synthesis Inhibitor Fluridone.

Abstract: Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments found in plants and algae, as well as some bacteria, archaea, and fungi that serve two functions—(1) as light harvesting molecules—primary carotenoids, and (2) as antioxidants, acting against reactive oxygen species–secondary carotenoids. Because of their strong antioxidant properties, they are also valuable for the development of anti-aging and photo-protective cosmetic applications. Of particular interest is the carotenoid phytoene, for its colorless and UV absorption characteristics. In this study, we targeted a reduction of phytoene desaturase (PDS) activity with the pigment-inhibiting herbicide 1-methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4-one (fluridone), which leads to the over-accumulation of phytoene in the recently characterized microalgal strain Chlorococcum sp. (UTEX B 3056). After post-incubation with fluridone, phytoene levels were measured at ~33 ug/mg cell tissue, as opposed to non-detectable levels in control cultures. Hence, the novel microalga Chlorococcum sp. is a viable candidate for the production of the high-value carotenoid phytoene and subsequent applications in cosmeceuticals, as well as more obvious nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Stress tolerance of the tidal pool chlorophyte, Chlorococcum submarinum

Abstract: Chlorococcum submarinum, isolated from a tidal rockpool, was shown to be highly resistant to environmental stress. The alga can grow in salinities from a few mmol m-3 to 2 kmol m-3, with optimum growth occurring between 0·1 and 0·5 kmol m-3. It has an extraordinarily wide pH tolerance, growing from pH 2 to at least 10·5. C. submarinum is also resistant to copper, growing (at 10–15% of optimum rates) in the presence of 10 ppm copper.