Utilization of enzymatic cell disruption hydrolysate of Chlorella pyrenoidosa as potential carbon source in algae mixotrophic cultivation

Solid-state fermentation-based enzyme-assisted extraction of eicosapentaenoic acid-rich oil from Nannochloropsis sp

Enzymatic treatment of microalgal biomass is a promising approach for extraction of microalgal lipid, but high cost of commercially sourcing enzyme is a major drawback in industrial implementation. Present study involves extraction of eicosapentaenoic acid-rich oil from Nannochloropsis sp. biomass using low cost cellulolytic enzymes produced from Trichoderma reesei in a solid-state fermentation bioreactor. Maximum total fatty acid recovery of 369.4 ± 4.6 mg/g dry weight (total fatty acid yield of 77%) was achieved in 12 h from the enzymatically treated microalgal cells, of which the eicosapentaenoic acid content was 11%. Sugar release of 1.70 ± 0.05 g/L was obtained post enzymatic treatment at 50 °C. The enzyme was reused thrice for cell wall disruption without compromising on total fatty acid yield. Additionally, high protein content of 47% in the defatted biomass could be explored as a potential aquafeed, thus enhancing the overall economics and sustainability of the process.

Effect of free ammonia shock on Chlorella sp. in wastewater: Concentration-dependent activity response and enhanced settleability

The unstable microbial activity and unsatisfactory settling performance impede the development and implementation of microalgal wastewater treatment, especially in high-ammonium wastewater in the presence of free ammonia (FA). The shock of FA due to the nutrient fluctuation in wastewater was demonstrated as the primary stress factor suppressing microalgal activities. Recent study has clearly revealed the inhibition mechanism of FA at a specific high level (110.97 mg/L) by inhibiting the genetic information processing, photosynthesis, and nutrient metabolism. However, the effects of various FA shock concentrations on microalgal activities and settling performance remain unknown, limiting the wastewater bioremediation efficiencies improvement and the process development. Herein, a concentration-dependent shock FA (that was employed on microalgae during their exponential growth stages) effect on microalgal growth and photosynthesis was observed. Results showed that the studied five FA shock concentrations ranging from 25 to 125 mg/L significantly inhibited biomass production by 14.7-57.0%, but sharp reductions in photosynthesis with the 36.0-49.0% decreased Fv/Fm values were only observed when FA concentration was above 75.0 mg/L. On the other hand, FA shock enhanced microalgal settling efficiency by 12.8-fold, which was believed to be due to the stimulated intra- and extracellular protein contents and thereby the enhanced extracellular polymer substances (EPS) secretion. Specifically, FA shock induced 40.2 ± 2.3% higher cellular protein content at the cost of the decreased carbohydrates (22.6 ± 1.3%) and fatty acid (39.0 ± 0.8%) contents, further improving the protein secretion by 1.21-fold and the EPS production by 40.2 ± 2.3%. These FA shock-induced variations in intra- and extracellular biomolecules were supported by the up-regulated protein processing and export at the assistance of excessive energy generated from fatty acid degradation and carbohydrates consumption. In addition, FA shock significantly decreased the biomass nutritional value as indicated by the 1.86-fold lower essential amino acid score and nearly 50% reduced essential to non-essential amino acids ratio, while slightly decreased the biodiesel quality. This study is expected to enrich the knowledge of microalgal activities and settling performance in response to fluctuant ammonium concentrations in wastewater and to promote the development of microalgal wastewater treatment.

Ultrasound for microalgal cell disruption and product extraction: A review

Microalgae are a promising feedstock for the production of biofuels, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, due to their superior capability of converting solar energy and CO₂ into lipids, proteins, and other valuable bioactive compounds. To facilitate the release of these important biomolecules from microalgae, effective cell disruption is usually necessary, where the use of ultrasound has gained tremendous interests as an alternative to traditional methods. This review not only summarizes the mechanisms of and operation parameters affecting cell disruption, but also takes an insight into measuring techniques, synergistic integration with other disruption methods, and challenges of ultrasonication for microalgal biorefining. Optimal conditions including ultrasonic frequency, intensity, and duration, and liquid viscosity and sonochemical reactor are the key factors for maximizing the disruption and extraction efficiency. A combination of ultrasound with other disruption methods such as ozonation, microwave, homogenization, enzymatic lysis, and solvents facilitates cell disruption and release of target compounds, thus provides powerful solutions to commercial scale-up of ultrasound extraction for microalgal biorefining. It is concluded that ultrasonication is a sustainable "green" process, but more research and work are needed to upscale this process without sacrificing performance or consuming more energy.

A comprehensive review on carbon source effect of microalgae lipid accumulation for biofuel production

Energy is a major driving force for the economic development. Due to the scarcity of fossil fuels and negative impact on the environment, it is important to develop renewable and sustainable energy sources for humankind. Microalgae as the primary feedstock for biodiesel has shown great application potential. However, lipid yield from microalgae is limited by the upstream cost, which restrain the realization of large-scale biofuel production. The modification of lipid-rich microalgae cell has become the focus over the last few decades to improve the lipid content and productivity of microalgae. Carbon is a vital nutrient that regulates the growth and metabolism of microalgae. Different carbon sources are assimilated by microalgae cells via different pathways. Inorganic carbon sources are mainly used through the CO₂-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs), while organic carbon sources are absorbed by microalgae mainly through the Pentose Phosphate (PPP) Pathway and the Embden-Meyerhof-Pranas (EMP) pathway. Therefore, the addition of carbon source has a significant impact on the production of microalgae biomass and lipid accumulation. In this paper, mechanisms of lipid synthesis and carbon uptake of microalgae were introduced, and the effects of different carbon conditions (types, concentrations, and addition methods) on lipid accumulation in microalgal biomass production and biodiesel production were comprehensively discussed. This review also highlights the recent advances in microalgae lipid cultivation with large-scale commercialization and the development prospects of biodiesel production. Current challenges and constructive suggestions are proposed on cost-benefit concerns in large-scale production of microalgae biodiesel.

Cultivation and Biorefinery of Microalgae (Chlorella sp.) for Producing Biofuels and Other Byproducts: A Review

Microalgae-based carbon dioxide (CO2) biofixation and biorefinery are the most efficient methods of biological CO2 reduction and reutilization. The diversification and high-value byproducts of microalgal biomass, known as microalgae-based biorefinery, are considered the most promising platforms for the sustainable development of energy and the environment, in addition to the improvement and integration of microalgal cultivation, scale-up, harvest, and extraction technologies. In this review, the factors influencing CO2 biofixation by microalgae, including microalgal strains, flue gas, wastewater, light, pH, temperature, and microalgae cultivation systems are summarized. Moreover, the biorefinery of Chlorella biomass for producing biofuels and its byproducts, such as fine chemicals, feed additives, and high-value products, are also discussed. The technical and economic assessments (TEAs) and life cycle assessments (LCAs) are introduced to evaluate the sustainability of microalgae CO2 fixation technology. This review provides detailed insights on the adjusted factors of microalgal cultivation to establish sustainable biological CO2 fixation technology, and the diversified applications of microalgal biomass in biorefinery. The economic and environmental sustainability, and the limitations and needs of microalgal CO2 fixation, are discussed. Finally, future research directions are provided for CO2 reduction by microalgae.

Influence of the Microalga Chlorella vulgaris on the Growth and Metabolic Activity of Lactobacillus spp. Bacteria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the algae Chlorella vulgaris on the growth, acidifying activity, proportion of lactic acid isomers, and enzymatic profile of Lactobacillus brevis (ŁOCK 0944, ŁOCK 0980, ŁOCK 0992, and MG451814) isolated from vegetable silages. The results indicated that adding algae at concentrations of 0.1% (w/v) and 1.5% (w/v) to the Lactobacillus spp. growth medium accelerated the growth of bacteria and thus shortened their phase of logarithmic growth. The acidifying activity of the tested Lactobacillus brevis increased with an increased concentration of algae. Lactobacillus spp. cultured in the presence of Chlorella vulgaris showed higher production of l-lactic acid and lower d-lactic acid production. Moreover, the addition of algae changed the enzymatic activity of lactic acid bacteria; for instance, Lactobacillus brevis ŁOCK 0980 demonstrated more enzymatic activity of valine arylamidase, α-galactosidase, and α-glucosidase. Combining Lactobacillus brevis with the algae Chlorella vulgaris allows for the creation of innovative, functional products which confer favorable properties to the final product and open new horizons for the food industry.