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Salter TL, Watson JS, Waite JH, Sephton MA. Hydrothermal Processing of Microorganisms: Mass Spectral Signals of Degraded Biosignatures for Life Detection on Icy Moons. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2022; 6:2508-2518. [PMID: 36303715 PMCID: PMC9589906 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Life detection missions to the outer solar system are concentrating on the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn and their inferred subsurface oceans. Access to evidence of habitability, and possibly even life, is facilitated by the ejection of subsurface material in plumes and outgassing fissures. Orbiting spacecraft can intersect the plume material or detect past sputtered remnants of outgassed products and analyze the contents using instruments such as mass spectrometers. Hydrothermalism has been proposed for the subsurface environments of icy moons, and the organic remains of any associated life would be expected to suffer some degradation through hydrothermalism, radiolysis, or spacecraft flyby impact fragmentation. Hydrothermalism is treated here for the first time in the context of the Europa Clipper mission. To assess the influence of hydrothermalism on the ability of orbiting mass spectrometers to detect degrading signals of life, we have subjected Earth microorganisms to laboratory hydrothermal processing. The processed microorganism samples were then analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and mass spectra were generated. Certain compound classes, such as carbohydrates and proteins, are significantly altered by hydrothermal processing, resulting in small one-ring and two-ring aromatic compounds such as indoles and phenols. However, lipid fragments, such as fatty acids, retain their fidelity, and their provenance is easily recognized as biological in origin. Our data indicate that mass spectrometry measurements in the plumes of icy moons, using instruments such as the MAss Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration (MASPEX) onboard the upcoming Europa Clipper mission, can reveal the presence of life even after significant degradation by hydrothermal processing has taken place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara L. Salter
- Impacts
and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan S. Watson
- Impacts
and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - J. Hunter Waite
- Space
Science and Engineering Division, Southwest
Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas 78238, United States
| | - Mark A. Sephton
- Impacts
and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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Parveen H, Yazdani SS. Insights into cyanobacterial alkane biosynthesis. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 49:kuab075. [PMID: 34718648 PMCID: PMC9118987 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Alkanes are high-energy molecules that are compatible with enduring liquid fuel infrastructures, which make them highly suitable for being next-generation biofuels. Though biological production of alkanes has been reported in various microorganisms, the reports citing photosynthetic cyanobacteria as natural producers have been the most consistent for the long-chain alkanes and alkenes (C15-C19). However, the production of alkane in cyanobacteria is low, leading to its extraction being uneconomical for commercial purposes. In order to make alkane production economically feasible from cyanobacteria, the titre and yield need to be increased by several orders of magnitude. In the recent past, efforts have been made to enhance alkane production, although with a little gain in yield, leaving space for much improvement. Genetic manipulation in cyanobacteria is considered challenging, but recent advancements in genetic engineering tools may assist in manipulating the genome in order to enhance alkane production. Further, advancement in a basic understanding of metabolic pathways and gene functioning will guide future research for harvesting the potential of these tiny photosynthetically efficient factories. In this review, our focus would be to highlight the current knowledge available on cyanobacterial alkane production, and the potential aspects of developing cyanobacterium as an economical source of biofuel. Further insights into different metabolic pathways and hosts explored so far, and possible challenges in scaling up the production of alkanes will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Parveen
- Microbial Engineering Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067 India
| | - Syed Shams Yazdani
- Microbial Engineering Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067 India
- DBT-ICGEB Centre for Advanced Bioenergy Research, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
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Bellahcen TO, AAmiri A, Touam I, Hmimid F, Amrani AE, Cherif A, Cherki M. Evaluation of Moroccan microalgae: Spirulina platensis as a potential source of natural antioxidants. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 17:jcim-2019-0036. [PMID: 32549178 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2019-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Ethanolic, aqueous and lipidic extracts of Spirulina platensis were evaluated for their bioactive substances (polyphenols and fatty acids) and antioxidant activities using two different assays diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and azino-bis (ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulfonicacid (ABTS)). Methods The phenolic compounds amounts were determined by colorimetric assays and were analyzed by high-performance and liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The identification of phenolic compounds in the extract was accomplished by comparison of their retention times with those of pure standards. The chemical composition of fatty acids in lipidic extract was determined by GC/FIDs and GC/MS method. Results The obtained results revealed that using DPPH, the ethanolic extract recorded the highest activity with (IC50=449 μg/mL ± 83). It was characterized with a high levels of phenolic and flavonoid content 0.33 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g dw and 0.21 ± 0.01 mg quercetin/g dw, respectively. The ethanolic extract showed the presence of caffeic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, quercetin and apigenin. Those entire phenolic compounds seem participle synergistically to the pronounced higher activity. To the best of our knowledge, the apigenin (4', 5, 7,-trihydroxyflavone), a natural compound which is famously known by its potent antiradical activity, was identified for the first time in Moroccan S. platensis only in the ethanolic extract. A high positive correlation (r=0.895) between the antioxidant activity and the chemical composition of ethanolic extract was observed. For ABTS, lipidic extract showed the highest activity with (IC50=740 μg/mL ± 12). A total of 15 fatty acids compounds, amounting 89.73% of the extract were identified. γ-linolenic acid (GLA) (39.02%) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) (13.85%) were the major component and contribute greatly to the antioxidant activity observed. The lipidic extract has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (70.95%) which are often exhibited very high antioxidant activity since they have two or more double bonds and chain lengths. The aqueous extract either with DPPH or ABTS methods, recorded low antioxidant activity. Its correlation was r=0.499, lower than found in the ethanolic extract. Conclusions These results showed that Spirulina platensis could be considered as a valuable source of fatty acids and phenolics with potent antioxidant activity. It may be employed in the manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs as an alternative source of natural antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touria Ould Bellahcen
- Laboratoire Santé et Environnement, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences - Ain Chock - Université Hassan II de Casablanca, B.P 5366 Mâarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abderrahmane AAmiri
- Laboratoire Santé et Environnement, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences - Ain Chock - Université Hassan II de Casablanca, B.P 5366 Mâarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ikram Touam
- Laboratoire Santé et Environnement, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences - Ain Chock - Université Hassan II de Casablanca, B.P 5366 Mâarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Fouzia Hmimid
- Equipe de Biotechnologie, Environnement et Santé, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences - Université Chouaib Doukkali, El-Jadida, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz El Amrani
- Laboratoire Synthèse, Extraction et Etude Physico-Chimique des Molécules Organiques, Université Hassan II de Faculté des Sciences Aîn -Chock, B.P 5366 Mâarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelmjid Cherif
- Laboratoire Génie des Matériaux pour Environnement et Valorisation (GEMEV), Université Hassan II de Casablanca, Faculté des Sciences Aïn Chock, B.P 5366 Mâarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mounia Cherki
- Laboratoire Santé et Environnement, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences - Ain Chock - Université Hassan II de Casablanca, B.P 5366 Mâarif, Casablanca, Morocco
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Marangoni A, Foschi C, Micucci M, Nahui Palomino RA, Gallina Toschi T, Vitali B, Camarda L, Mandrioli M, De Giorgio M, Aldini R, Corazza I, Chiarini A, Cevenini R, Budriesi R. In vitro activity of Spirulina platensis water extract against different Candida species isolated from vulvo-vaginal candidiasis cases. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188567. [PMID: 29190763 PMCID: PMC5708745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis, combined with the growing problems about azole resistance and toxicity of antifungal drugs, highlights the need for the development of new effective strategies for the treatment of this condition. In this context, natural compounds represent promising alternatives. The cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, a blue-green alga, exhibits antimicrobial activities against several microorganisms. Nevertheless, only few data about the antifungal properties of Spirulina platensis are available and its potential toxic effects have not been largely investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of a fully-characterized water extract of Spirulina platensis against 22 strains of Candida spp. Prior to considering its potential topical use, we both investigated whether the extract exerted target activities on guinea pig uterine smooth muscle, and the impact of Spirulina platensis on the dominant microorganisms of the vaginal microbiota (i.e., lactobacilli), in order to exclude possible adverse events. By means of a broth microdilution assay, we found that the microalga extract possesses good antifungal properties (MIC: 0.125-0.5 mg/ml), against all the Candida species with a fungicidal activity. At the concentrations active against candida, Spirulina platensis did not modify the spontaneous basic waves pattern of uterine myometrium as underlined by the absence of aberrant contractions, and did not affect the main health-promoting bacteria of the vaginal ecosystem. Finally, we evaluated the selectivity index of our extract by testing its cytotoxicity on three different cell lines and it showed values ranging between 2 and 16. Further in vivo studies are needed, in particular to evaluate the use of control-release formulations in order to maintain Spirulina platensis concentrations at anti-Candida active doses but below the toxic levels found in the present work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Marangoni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Micucci
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tullia Gallina Toschi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DiSTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Vitali
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Camarda
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mara Mandrioli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DiSTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Marta De Giorgio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Aldini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ivan Corazza
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Chiarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Cevenini
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Budriesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Singh R, Parihar P, Singh M, Bajguz A, Kumar J, Singh S, Singh VP, Prasad SM. Uncovering Potential Applications of Cyanobacteria and Algal Metabolites in Biology, Agriculture and Medicine: Current Status and Future Prospects. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:515. [PMID: 28487674 PMCID: PMC5403934 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria and algae having complex photosynthetic systems can channelize absorbed solar energy into other forms of energy for production of food and metabolites. In addition, they are promising biocatalysts and can be used in the field of "white biotechnology" for enhancing the sustainable production of food, metabolites, and green energy sources such as biodiesel. In this review, an endeavor has been made to uncover the significance of various metabolites like phenolics, phytoene/terpenoids, phytols, sterols, free fatty acids, photoprotective compounds (MAAs, scytonemin, carotenoids, polysaccharides, halogenated compounds, etc.), phytohormones, cyanotoxins, biocides (algaecides, herbicides, and insecticides) etc. Apart from this, the importance of these metabolites as antibiotics, immunosuppressant, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory agent has also been discussed. Metabolites obtained from cyanobacteria and algae have several biotechnological, industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic uses which have also been discussed in this review along with the emerging technology of their harvesting for enhancing the production of compounds like bioethanol, biofuel etc. at commercial level. In later sections, we have discussed genetically modified organisms and metabolite production from them. We have also briefly discussed the concept of bioprocessing highlighting the functioning of companies engaged in metabolites production as well as their cost effectiveness and challenges that are being addressed by these companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Singh
- Ranjan Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of AllahabadAllahabad, India
| | - Parul Parihar
- Ranjan Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of AllahabadAllahabad, India
| | - Madhulika Singh
- Ranjan Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of AllahabadAllahabad, India
| | - Andrzej Bajguz
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Institute of Biology, University of BialystokBialystok, Poland
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Ranjan Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of AllahabadAllahabad, India
| | - Samiksha Singh
- Ranjan Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of AllahabadAllahabad, India
| | - Vijay P. Singh
- Department of Botany, Govt. Ramanuj Pratap Singhdev Post-Graduate CollegeBaikunthpur, Koriya, India
| | - Sheo M. Prasad
- Ranjan Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of AllahabadAllahabad, India
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Pagès A, Grice K, Welsh DT, Teasdale PT, Van Kranendonk MJ, Greenwood P. Lipid Biomarker and Isotopic Study of Community Distribution and Biomarker Preservation in a Laminated Microbial Mat from Shark Bay, Western Australia. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2015; 70:459-472. [PMID: 25812998 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0598-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Modern microbial mats from Shark Bay present some structural similarities with ancient stromatolites; thus, the functionality of microbial communities and processes of diagenetic preservation of modern mats may provide an insight into ancient microbial assemblages and preservation. In this study, the vertical distribution of microbial communities was investigated in a well-laminated smooth mat from Shark Bay. Biolipid and compound-specific isotopic analyses were performed to investigate the distribution of microbial communities in four distinct layers of the mat. Biomarkers indicative of cyanobacteria were more abundant in the uppermost oxic layer. Diatom markers (e.g. C25 HBI alkene, C20:4ω6 and C20:5ω3 polar lipid fatty acids (PLFAs)) were also detected in high abundance in the uppermost layer, but also in the deepest layer under conditions of permanent darkness and anoxia, where they probably used NO3 (-) for respiration. CycC19:0, an abundant PLFA of purple sulfur bacteria (PSB), was detected in all layers and presented the most (13)C-depleted values of all PLFAs, consistent with photoautotrophic PSB. Sulfur-bound aliphatic and aromatic biomarkers were detected in all layers, highlighting the occurrence of early sulfurisation which may be an important mechanism in the sedimentary preservation of functional biolipids in living and, thus, also ancient mats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Pagès
- WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, The Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia,
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Luo X, Su P, Zhang W. Advances in Microalgae-Derived Phytosterols for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:4231-54. [PMID: 26184233 PMCID: PMC4515614 DOI: 10.3390/md13074231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae contain a variety of bioactive lipids with potential applications in aquaculture feed, biofuel, food and pharmaceutical industries. While microalgae-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and their roles in promoting human health have been extensively studied, other lipid types from this resource, such as phytosterols, have been poorly explored. Phytosterols have been used as additives in many food products such as spread, dairy products and salad dressing. This review focuses on the recent advances in microalgae-derived phytosterols with functional bioactivities and their potential applications in functional food and pharmaceutical industries. It highlights the importance of microalgae-derived lipids other than PUFA for the development of an advanced microalgae industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Luo
- Flinders Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Peng Su
- Flinders Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Flinders Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
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Pagès A, Grice K, Ertefai T, Skrzypek G, Jahnert R, Greenwood P. Organic geochemical studies of modern microbial mats from Shark Bay: Part I: Influence of depth and salinity on lipid biomarkers and their isotopic signatures. GEOBIOLOGY 2014; 12:469-487. [PMID: 25039712 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the influence of abiotic conditions on microbial mat communities from Shark Bay, a World Heritage area well known for a diverse range of extant mats presenting structural similarities with ancient stromatolites. The distributions and stable carbon isotopic values of lipid biomarkers [aliphatic hydrocarbons and polar lipid fatty acids (PLFAs)] and bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope values of biomass were analysed in four different types of mats along a tidal flat gradient to characterize the microbial communities and systematically investigate the relationship of the above parameters with water depth. Cyanobacteria were dominant in all mats, as demonstrated by the presence of diagnostic hydrocarbons (e.g. n-C17 and n-C17:1). Several subtle but important differences in lipid composition across the littoral gradient were, however, evident. For instance, the shallower mats contained a higher diatom contribution, concordant with previous mat studies from other locations (e.g. Antarctica). Conversely, the organic matter (OM) of the deeper mats showed evidence for a higher seagrass contribution [high C/N, 13C-depleted long-chain n-alkanes]. The morphological structure of the mats may have influenced CO2 diffusion leading to more 13C-enriched lipids in the shallow mats. Alternatively, changes in CO2 fixation pathways, such as increase in the acetyl COA-pathway by sulphate-reducing bacteria, could have also caused the observed shifts in δ13C values of the mats. In addition, three smooth mats from different Shark Bay sites were analysed to investigate potential functional relationship of the microbial communities with differing salinity levels. The C25:1 HBI was identified in the high salinity mat only and a lower abundance of PLFAs associated with diatoms was observed in the less saline mats, suggesting a higher abundance of diatoms at the most saline site. Furthermore, it appeared that the most and least saline mats were dominated by autotrophic biomass using different CO2 fixation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pagès
- WA Organic & Isotope Geochemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Coates RC, Podell S, Korobeynikov A, Lapidus A, Pevzner P, Sherman DH, Allen EE, Gerwick L, Gerwick WH. Characterization of cyanobacterial hydrocarbon composition and distribution of biosynthetic pathways. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85140. [PMID: 24475038 PMCID: PMC3903477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria possess the unique capacity to naturally produce hydrocarbons from fatty acids. Hydrocarbon compositions of thirty-two strains of cyanobacteria were characterized to reveal novel structural features and insights into hydrocarbon biosynthesis in cyanobacteria. This investigation revealed new double bond (2- and 3-heptadecene) and methyl group positions (3-, 4- and 5-methylheptadecane) for a variety of strains. Additionally, results from this study and literature reports indicate that hydrocarbon production is a universal phenomenon in cyanobacteria. All cyanobacteria possess the capacity to produce hydrocarbons from fatty acids yet not all accomplish this through the same metabolic pathway. One pathway comprises a two-step conversion of fatty acids first to fatty aldehydes and then alkanes that involves a fatty acyl ACP reductase (FAAR) and aldehyde deformylating oxygenase (ADO). The second involves a polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway that first elongates the acyl chain followed by decarboxylation to produce a terminal alkene (olefin synthase, OLS). Sixty-one strains possessing the FAAR/ADO pathway and twelve strains possessing the OLS pathway were newly identified through bioinformatic analyses. Strains possessing the OLS pathway formed a cohesive phylogenetic clade with the exception of three Moorea strains and Leptolyngbya sp. PCC 6406 which may have acquired the OLS pathway via horizontal gene transfer. Hydrocarbon pathways were identified in one-hundred-forty-two strains of cyanobacteria over a broad phylogenetic range and there were no instances where both the FAAR/ADO and the OLS pathways were found together in the same genome, suggesting an unknown selective pressure maintains one or the other pathway, but not both.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Cameron Coates
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sheila Podell
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Anton Korobeynikov
- Algorithmic Biology Laboratory, St. Petersburg Academic University, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Mathematics and Mechanics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alla Lapidus
- Algorithmic Biology Laboratory, St. Petersburg Academic University, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bionformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel Pevzner
- Algorithmic Biology Laboratory, St. Petersburg Academic University, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - David H. Sherman
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Eric E. Allen
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Lena Gerwick
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Jones J, Manning S, Montoya M, Keller K, Poenie M. Extraction of Algal Lipids and Their Analysis by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. J AM OIL CHEM SOC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11746-012-2044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Mechanisms and occurrence of microbial oxidation of long-chain alkanes. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/3-540-10464-x_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Sakata S, Hayes JM, McTaggart AR, Evans RA, Leckrone KJ, Togasaki RK. Carbon isotopic fractionation associated with lipid biosynthesis by a cyanobacterium: relevance for interpretation of biomarker records. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 1997; 61:5379-5389. [PMID: 11540730 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-7037(97)00314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
For the cyanobacterium Synechocystis UTEX 2470, grown photoautotrophically to a logarithmic stage of growth, the total lipid extract is depleted in 13C by 4.8% relative to average biomass. Depletions observed for acetogenic (straight-chain) lipids range from 7.6 (hexadecanoic acid) to 9.9% (a C16 n-alkyl chain bound in a polar-lipid fraction), with a mass-weighted average of 9.1%. Polyisoprenoid lipids fall into two isotopic groups, with phytol, diplopterol, and diploptene depleted by 6.4-6.9% and bishomohopanol (produced from the extracts by the preparative degradation of bacteriohopanepolyol) depleted by 8.4%. Analysis of the pattern of depletions indicates that two carbon positions in each C5 biomonomer leading to polyisoprenoid products are probably depleted in 13C relative to average biomass. The depletion of bacteriohopanepolyol relative to other polyisoprenoids can be ascribed to changes that occur over the life of each cell: (1) the 13C content of carbon flowing to lipid biosynthesis decreases as the cell size increases and (2) a greater proportion of the bacteriohopanepolyol which, unlike other polyisoprenoids, is present mainly in the cytoplasm rather than in membranes and is synthesized when cells are larger. Chlorophyll a is depleted relative to average biomass by O.7%. Given the observed depletion of 13C in phytol, the heteroaromatic, chlorophyllide portion of chlorophyll must be enriched in 13C by 2.7%. This enrichment is large relative to that in chlorophyllides produced by eukaryotes and may be related to a parallel enrichment of 13C in cyanobacterial glutamic acid. As in many previous investigations of cyanobacterial lipids, long-chain n-alkanes (C22-C29) are found in the extracts. They are, however, enriched in 13C relative to biomass and have isotopic compositions suggesting that they are contaminants of petrochemical origin. Available results indicate that cyanobacterial lipids will be depleted relative to dissolved CO2 that has served as a carbon source by 22-30% and that a wider range of depletions will be characteristic of eukaryotic products. The absence of long-chain n-alkanes in cyanobacteria reduces the possibility that petroleum ever formed from pre-eukaryotic sedimentary debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sakata
- Department of Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Thompson
- Department of Botany, University of Texas, Austin 78713, USA.
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Aliphatic hydrocarbon and sterol content of zooplankton of the emilia-romagna coast (northern adriatic). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1989. [DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(89)90025-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Řezanka T, Lívanský K, Podojil M. Regulation of lipid biosynthesis inChlorella kessleri by clomiphene. J Basic Microbiol 1985. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.3620250816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Liquid column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography were used to determine the total content of hydrocarbons and gas chromatography was used to evaluate composition of hydrocarbons in green algae (Chlorella kessleri, C. vulgaris, Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus acutus, S. acuminatus, S. obliquus) and the blue-green alga (Spirulina platensis) cultivated under autotrophic or heterotrophic conditions. In C. kessleri cultivated under heterotrophic conditions the content of hydrocarbons was found to be about 10(-2)% (per dry mass), whereas under autotrophic conditions it was about 10(-3)% (per dry mass). The highest content of hydrocarbons was detected in species of the genus Scenedesmus cultivated autotrophically (10(-1)%). Heptadecane and hexacosane were found as major alkanes, 1-heptadecene was detected among alkenes.
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Meyers PA, Takeuchi N. Environmental changes in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron recorded by geolipid contents of sediments deposited since 1800. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1981. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02473517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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