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Camarena-Bernard C, Pozzobon V. Evolving perspectives on lutein production from microalgae - A focus on productivity and heterotrophic culture. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108375. [PMID: 38762164 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Increased consumer awareness for healthier and more sustainable products has driven the search for naturally sourced compounds as substitutes for chemically synthesized counterparts. Research on pigments of natural origin, such as carotenoids, particularly lutein, has been increasing for over three decades. Lutein is recognized for its antioxidant and photoprotective activity. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows it to act at the eye and brain level and has been linked to benefits for vision, cognitive function and other conditions. While marigold flower is positioned as the only crop from which lutein is extracted from and commercialized, microalgae are proposed as an alternative with several advantages over this terrestrial crop. The main barrier to scaling up lutein production from microalgae to the commercial level is the low productivity compared to the high costs. This review explores strategies to enhance lutein production in microalgae by emphasizing the overall productivity over lutein content alone. Evaluation of how culture parameters, such as light quality, nitrogen sufficiency, temperature and even stress factors, affect lutein content and biomass development in batch phototrophic cultures was performed. Overall, the total lutein production remains low under this metabolic regime due to the low biomass productivity of photosynthetic batch cultures. For this reason, we describe findings on microalgal cultures grown under different metabolic regimes and culture protocols (fed-batch, pulse-feed, semi-batch, semi-continuous, continuous). After a careful literature examination, two-step heterotrophic or mixotrophic cultivation strategies are suggested to surpass the lutein productivity achieved in single-step photosynthetic cultures. Furthermore, this review highlights the urgent need to develop technical feasibility studies at a pilot scale for these cultivation strategies, which will strengthen the necessary techno-economic analyses to drive their commercial production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Camarena-Bernard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Centre Européen de Biotechnologie et de Bioéconomie (CEBB), 3 rue des Rouges Terres 51110 Pomacle, France; Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO), 45604 Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Victor Pozzobon
- Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Centre Européen de Biotechnologie et de Bioéconomie (CEBB), 3 rue des Rouges Terres 51110 Pomacle, France
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2
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Yu Z, Zhao W, Sun H, Mou H, Liu J, Yu H, Dai L, Kong Q, Yang S. Phycocyanin from microalgae: A comprehensive review covering microalgal culture, phycocyanin sources and stability. Food Res Int 2024; 186:114362. [PMID: 38729724 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
As food safety continues to gain prominence, phycocyanin (PC) is increasingly favored by consumers as a natural blue pigment, which is extracted from microalgae and serves the dual function of promoting health and providing coloration. Spirulina-derived PC demonstrates exceptional stability within temperature ranges below 45 °C and under pH conditions between 5.5 and 6.0. However, its application is limited in scenarios involving high-temperature processing due to its sensitivity to heat and light. This comprehensive review provides insights into the efficient production of PC from microalgae, covers the metabolic engineering of microalgae to increase PC yields and discusses various strategies for enhancing its stability in food applications. In addition to the most widely used Spirulina, some red algae and Thermosynechococcus can serve as good source of PC. The genetic and metabolic manipulation of microalgae strains has shown promise in increasing PC yield and improving its quality. Delivery systems including nanoparticles, hydrogels, emulsions, and microcapsules offer a promising solution to protect and extend the shelf life of PC in food products, ensuring its vibrant color and health-promoting properties are preserved. This review highlights the importance of metabolic engineering, multi-omics applications, and innovative delivery systems in unlocking the full potential of this natural blue pigment in the realm of food applications, provides a complete overview of the entire process from production to commercialization of PC, including the extraction and purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengyu Yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, NO.1299 sansha road, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Weiyang Zhao
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Han Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haijin Mou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, NO.1299 sansha road, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Hui Yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, NO.1299 sansha road, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Lei Dai
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Qing Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, NO.1299 sansha road, Qingdao 266404, China.
| | - Shufang Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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Lin MW, Lin CS, Chen YT, Huang SQ, Yang YC, Zhang WX, Chiu WH, Lin CH, Kuo CM. Continuous microalgal culture module and method of culturing microalgae containing macular pigment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 401:130714. [PMID: 38641299 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
This study established and investigated continuous macular pigment (MP) production with a lutein (L):zeaxanthin (Z) ratio of 4-5:1 by an MP-rich Chlorella sp. CN6 mutant strain in a continuous microalgal culture module. Chlorella sp. CN6 was cultured in a four-stage module for 10 days. The microalgal culture volume increased to 200 L in the first stage (6 days). Biomass productivity increased to 0.931 g/L/day with continuous indoor white light irradiation during the second stage (3 days). MP content effectively increased to 8.29 mg/g upon continuous, indoor white light and blue light-emitting diode irradiation in the third stage (1 day), and the microalgal biomass and MP concentrations were 8.88 g/L and 73.6 mg/L in the fourth stage, respectively. Using a two-step MP extraction process, 80 % of the MP was recovered with a high purity of 93 %, and its L:Z ratio was 4-5:1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Wei Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sheng Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-systems (IDS(2)B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tso Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Qian Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Yang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Xin Zhang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hong Chiu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Mei Kuo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan.
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Lu X, Zhao W, Wang J, He Y, Yang S, Sun H. A comprehensive review on the heterotrophic production of bioactive compounds by microalgae. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:210. [PMID: 38773011 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have garnered considerable attention as valuable resources for drugs, functional foods, and cosmetics. Among these compounds, photosynthetic pigments and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have gained increasing interest due to their numerous beneficial properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Several microalgae species have been identified as rich sources of bioactive compounds, including the Chlorophyceae Dunaliella and Haematococcus, the Bacillariophyta Phaeodactylum and Nitzschia, and the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii. However, most of the reported microalgae species primarily grow through autotrophic mechanisms, resulting in low yields and high production costs of bioactive compounds. Consequently, the utilization of heterotrophic microalgae, such as Chromochloris zofingiensis and Nitzschia laevis, has shown significant advantages in the production of astaxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), respectively. These heterotrophic microalgae exhibit superior capabilities in synthesizing target compounds. This comprehensive review provides a thorough examination of the heterotrophic production of bioactive compounds by microalgae. It covers key aspects, including the metabolic pathways involved, the impact of cultivation conditions, and the practical applications of these compounds. The review discusses how heterotrophic cultivation strategies can be optimized to enhance bioactive compound yields, shedding light on the potential of microalgae as a valuable resource for high-value product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Lu
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Weixuan Zhao
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yongjin He
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Shufang Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Han Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Makaranga A, Nesamma AA, Jutur PP. Microbial chassis as the platform for production of dihydroxy xanthophyll-based carotenoids: an overview of recent advances in biomanufacturing. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:197. [PMID: 38722384 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Physiological and environmental cues prompt microbes to synthesize diverse carotenoids, including dihydroxy xanthophylls, facilitating their adaptation and survival. Lutein and its isomeric counterpart, zeaxanthin, are notable dihydroxy xanthophylls with bioactive properties such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects, particularly beneficial for human ocular health. However, global natural resources for co-producing lutein and zeaxanthin are scarce, with zeaxanthin lacking commercial sources, unlike lutein sourced from marigold plants and microalgae. Traditionally, dihydroxy xanthophyll production primarily relies on petrochemical synthetic routes, with limited biological sourcing reported. Nonetheless, microbiological synthesis presents promising avenues as a commercial source, albeit challenged by low dihydroxy xanthophyll yield at high cell density. Strategies involving optimization of physical and chemical parameters are essential to achieve high-quality dihydroxy xanthophyll products. This overview briefly discusses dihydroxy xanthophyll biosynthesis and highlights recent advancements, discoveries, and industrial benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin production from microorganisms as alternative biofactories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalah Makaranga
- Omics of Algae Group, Industrial Biotechnology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Asha Arumugam Nesamma
- Omics of Algae Group, Industrial Biotechnology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pannaga Pavan Jutur
- Omics of Algae Group, Industrial Biotechnology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Montuori E, Lima S, Marchese A, Scargiali F, Lauritano C. Lutein Production and Extraction from Microalgae: Recent Insights and Bioactive Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2892. [PMID: 38474137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae have been reported to be excellent producers of bioactive molecules. Lutein is a pigment reported to have various beneficial effects for humans, and especially for eye well-being. In the current review, we summarize various methods that have been developed to optimize its extraction and bioactivities reported for human health. Several protective effects have been reported for lutein, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activity. This review also reports attempts to increase lutein production by microalgae by changing culturing parameters or by using pilot-scale systems. Genetic engineering lutein production is also discussed. Considering the increasing aging of the worldwide population will create an increased need for lutein, a viable economic and eco-sustainable method to produce lutein is needed to face this market demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Montuori
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Serena Lima
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Arima Marchese
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Scargiali
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
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Sun H, Wang J, Li Y, Yang S, Chen DD, Tu Y, Liu J, Sun Z. Synthetic biology in microalgae towards fucoxanthin production for pharmacy and nutraceuticals. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115958. [PMID: 38052271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has emerged as a powerful tool for engineering biological systems to produce valuable compounds, including pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Microalgae, in particular, offer a promising platform for the production of bioactive compounds due to their high productivity, low land and water requirements, and ability to perform photosynthesis. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid pigment found predominantly in brown seaweeds and certain microalgae, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, such as antioxidation, antitumor effect and precaution osteoporosis. This review provides an overview of the principles and applications of synthetic biology in the microbial engineering of microalgae for enhanced fucoxanthin production. Firstly, the fucoxanthin bioavailability and metabolism in vivo was introduced for the beneficial roles, followed by the biological functions of anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antiapoptotic role antidiabetic and antilipemic effects. Secondly, the cultivation condition and strategy were summarized for fucoxanthin improvement with low production costs. Thirdly, the genetic engineering of microalgae, including gene overexpression, knockdown and knockout strategies were discussed for further improving the fucoxanthin production. Then, synthetic biology tools of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, transcription activator-like effector nucleases as well as modular assembly and chassis engineering were proposed to precise modification of microalgal genomes to improve fucoxanthin production. Finally, challenges and future perspectives were discussed to realize the industrial production and development of functional foods of fucoxanthin from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuelian Li
- China National Chemical Information Center, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Shufang Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | | | - Yidong Tu
- Technology Center, Shanghai Inoherb Co. Ltd, 121 Chengyin Road, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, Algae Innovation Center for Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Ye Y, Liu M, Yu L, Sun H, Liu J. Nannochloropsis as an Emerging Algal Chassis for Light-Driven Synthesis of Lipids and High-Value Products. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:54. [PMID: 38393025 PMCID: PMC10890015 DOI: 10.3390/md22020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of the escalating global energy crisis, microalgae have emerged as highly promising producers of biofuel and high-value products. Among these microalgae, Nannochloropsis has received significant attention due to its capacity to generate not only triacylglycerol (TAG) but also eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and valuable carotenoids. Recent advancements in genetic tools and the field of synthetic biology have revolutionized Nannochloropsis into a powerful biofactory. This comprehensive review provides an initial overview of the current state of cultivation and utilization of the Nannochloropsis genus. Subsequently, our review examines the metabolic pathways governing lipids and carotenoids, emphasizing strategies to enhance oil production and optimize carbon flux redirection toward target products. Additionally, we summarize the utilization of advanced genetic manipulation techniques in Nannochloropsis. Together, the insights presented in this review highlight the immense potential of Nannochloropsis as a valuable model for biofuels and synthetic biology. By effectively integrating genetic tools and metabolic engineering, the realization of this potential becomes increasingly feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ye
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
| | - Meijing Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
| | - Han Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
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Kadri MS, Singhania RR, Anisha GS, Gohil N, Singh V, Patel AK, Patel AK. Microalgal lutein: Advancements in production, extraction, market potential, and applications. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 389:129808. [PMID: 37806362 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Lutein, a bioactive xanthophyll, has recently attracted significant attention for numerous health benefits, e.g., protection of eye health, macular degeneration, and acute and chronic syndromes etc. Microalgae have emerged as the best platform for high-value lutein production with high productivity, lutein content, and scale-up potential. Algal lutein possesses numerous bioactivities, hence widely used in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, aquaculture, cosmetics, etc. This review highlights advances in upstream lutein production enhancement and feasible downstream extraction and cell disruption techniques for a large-scale lutein biorefinery. Besides bioprocess-related advances, possible solutions for existing production challenges in microalgae-based lutein biorefinery, market potential, and emerging commercial scopes of lutein and its potential health applications are also discussed. The key enzymes involved in the lutein biosynthesizing Methyl-Erythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway have been briefly described. This review provides a comprehensive updates on lutein research advancements covering scalable upstream and downstream production strategies and potential applications for researchers and industrialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sibtain Kadri
- Department of Education and Human Potential Development, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, 974301, Taiwan
| | - Reeta Rani Singhania
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Grace Sathyanesan Anisha
- Post-graduate and Research Department of Zoology, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Alok Kumar Patel
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Anil Kumar Patel
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Rodriguez-Amaya DB, Esquivel P, Meléndez-Martínez AJ. Comprehensive Update on Carotenoid Colorants from Plants and Microalgae: Challenges and Advances from Research Laboratories to Industry. Foods 2023; 12:4080. [PMID: 38002140 PMCID: PMC10670565 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The substitution of synthetic food dyes with natural colorants continues to be assiduously pursued. The current list of natural carotenoid colorants consists of plant-derived annatto (bixin and norbixin), paprika (capsanthin and capsorubin), saffron (crocin), tomato and gac fruit lycopene, marigold lutein, and red palm oil (α- and β-carotene), along with microalgal Dunaliella β-carotene and Haematococcus astaxanthin and fungal Blakeslea trispora β-carotene and lycopene. Potential microalgal sources are being sought, especially in relation to lutein, for which commercial plant sources are lacking. Research efforts, manifested in numerous reviews and research papers published in the last decade, have been directed to green extraction, microencapsulation/nanoencapsulation, and valorization of processing by-products. Extraction is shifting from conventional extraction with organic solvents to supercritical CO2 extraction and different types of assisted extraction. Initially intended for the stabilization of the highly degradable carotenoids, additional benefits of encapsulation have been demonstrated, especially the improvement of carotenoid solubility and bioavailability. Instead of searching for new higher plant sources, enormous effort has been directed to the utilization of by-products of the fruit and vegetable processing industry, with the application of biorefinery and circular economy concepts. Amidst enormous research activities, however, the gap between research and industrial implementation remains wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia B. Rodriguez-Amaya
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Esquivel
- Centro Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CITA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
- Escuela de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
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McQuillan JL, Cutolo EA, Evans C, Pandhal J. Proteomic characterization of a lutein-hyperaccumulating Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant reveals photoprotection-related factors as targets for increasing cellular carotenoid content. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:166. [PMID: 37925447 PMCID: PMC10625216 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02421-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalgae are emerging hosts for the sustainable production of lutein, a high-value carotenoid; however, to be commercially competitive with existing systems, their capacity for lutein sequestration must be augmented. Previous attempts to boost microalgal lutein production have focussed on upregulating carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes, in part due to a lack of metabolic engineering targets for expanding lutein storage. RESULTS Here, we isolated a lutein hyper-producing mutant of the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and characterized the metabolic mechanisms driving its enhanced lutein accumulation using label-free quantitative proteomics. Norflurazon- and high light-resistant C. reinhardtii mutants were screened to yield four mutant lines that produced significantly more lutein per cell compared to the CC-125 parental strain. Mutant 5 (Mut-5) exhibited a 5.4-fold increase in lutein content per cell, which to our knowledge is the highest fold increase of lutein in C. reinhardtii resulting from mutagenesis or metabolic engineering so far. Comparative proteomics of Mut-5 against its parental strain CC-125 revealed an increased abundance of light-harvesting complex-like proteins involved in photoprotection, among differences in pigment biosynthesis, central carbon metabolism, and translation. Further characterization of Mut-5 under varying light conditions revealed constitutive overexpression of the photoprotective proteins light-harvesting complex stress-related 1 (LHCSR1) and LHCSR3 and PSII subunit S regardless of light intensity, and increased accrual of total chlorophyll and carotenoids as light intensity increased. Although the photosynthetic efficiency of Mut-5 was comparatively lower than CC-125, the amplitude of non-photochemical quenching responses of Mut-5 was 4.5-fold higher than in CC-125 at low irradiance. CONCLUSIONS We used C. reinhardtii as a model green alga and identified light-harvesting complex-like proteins (among others) as potential metabolic engineering targets to enhance lutein accumulation in microalgae. These have the added value of imparting resistance to high light, although partially compromising photosynthetic efficiency. Further genetic characterization and engineering of Mut-5 could lead to the discovery of unknown players in photoprotective mechanisms and the development of a potent microalgal lutein production system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie L McQuillan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Edoardo Andrea Cutolo
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Bioenergy, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Caroline Evans
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Jagroop Pandhal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
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12
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Teng CS, Ng IS. Optimization of 4-aminobutyric acid feeding strategy and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats activation for enhanced value-added chemicals in halophilic Chlorella sorokiniana. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129599. [PMID: 37532061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Chlorella sorokiniana (CS) is a prominent microalga with vast potential as a biocarrier for carbon mitigation toward a green process. However, challenges remain in achieving high biomass levels and production rates. Therefore, a systematic feeding strategy using 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and CRISPR technology was applied to improve microalgal productivity. At first, GABA increased protein content by 1.4-fold, while intermittent supplementation during cultivation resulted in a 1.58-fold and 2.13-fold increase in biomass and pigment content, respectively. Under halophilic conditions, the optimal approach involved repeated feeding of 5 mM GABA at the initial and mid-log phases of growth, resulting in biomass, protein, and pigment levels of 6.74 g/L, 3.24 g/L, and 49.87 mg/L. CRISPRa mediated glutamate synthase and using monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a cheap precursor for GABA has effectively enhanced the biomass, protein, and lutein content, thus offers a cost-effective approach to commercialize high-valued chemical using algae towards a low-carbon paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiau-Sin Teng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - I-Son Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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13
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Patel AK, Vadrale AP, Singhania RR, Chen CW, Chang JS, Dong CD. Enhanced mixotrophic production of lutein and lipid from potential microalgae isolate Chlorella sorokiniana C16. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 386:129477. [PMID: 37437816 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The current work aims to isolate high lutein-producing microalgae and maximize lutein production under a sustainable lutein-lipid biorefinery scheme. Lutein reduces retinitis, macular degeneration risk and improves eye health. An effective bioprocess design optimized nutrients, temperature, light, and salinity for biomass and lutein yield enhancement. 3X macro/micronutrients maximally enhanced biomass and lutein yields, 5.2 g/Land 71.13 mg/L. Temperature 32 °C exhibited maximum 17.4 mg/g lutein content and 10 k lux was most favorable for growth and lutein yield (15.47 mg/g). A 25% seawater addition led maximum of 21-27% lipid that could be used for biodiesel. Isolate was identified as Chlorella sorokiniana C16, which exhibited one of the highest lutein yields reported among recent studies, positioning it as a promising candidate for commercial lutein production. This study provides valuable insights into an effective bioprocess design and highlights the C16 strain potential as a sustainable platform for high-value lutein production under a biorefinery scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Patel
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akash Pralhad Vadrale
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Reeta-Rani Singhania
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Jo Shu Chang
- Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taiwan; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
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14
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Lin JY, Ng IS. Enhanced carbon capture, lipid and lutein production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under meso-thermophilic conditions using chaperone and CRISPRi system. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023:129340. [PMID: 37343802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are widely recognized as a promising bioresource for producing renewable fuels and chemicals. Microalgal biorefinery has tremendous potential for incorporation into circular bioeconomy, including sustainability, cascading use, and waste reduction. In this study, genetic engineering was used to enhance the growth, lipid and lutein productivity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii including strains of CC400, PY9, pCHS, and PG. Notably, CRISPRi mediated on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC1) gene to down-regulate the branch pathway from glycolysis to partitioning more carbon flux to lipid was explored under meso-thermophilic condition. The best chassis PGi, which has overexpressed chaperone GroELS and applied CRISPRi resulting in the highest biomass of 2.56 g/L and also boosted the lipids and lutein with 893 and 23.5 mg/L, respectively at 35 °C. Finally, all strains with CRISPRi exhibited higher transcriptional levels of the crucial genes from photosynthesis, starch, lipid and lutein metabolism, thus reaching a CO2 assimilation of 1.087 g-CO2/g-DCW in mixotrophic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - I-Son Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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15
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Kuo CM, Yang YC, Zhang WX, Wu JX, Chen YT, Lin CH, Lin MW, Lin CS. A Low-Cost Fertilizer Medium Supplemented with Urea for the Lutein Production of Chlorella sp. and the Ability of the Lutein to Protect Cells against Blue Light Irradiation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050594. [PMID: 37237664 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the use of organic fertilizers instead of modified f/2 medium for Chlorella sp. cultivation, and the extracted lutein of the microalga to protect mammal cells against blue-light irradiation. The biomass productivity and lutein content of Chlorella sp. cultured in 20 g/L fertilizer medium for 6 days were 1.04 g/L/d and 4.41 mg/g, respectively. These values are approximately 1.3- and 1.4-fold higher than those achieved with the modified f/2 medium, respectively. The cost of medium per gram of microalgal biomass reduced by about 97%. The microalgal lutein content was further increased to 6.03 mg/g in 20 g/L fertilizer medium when supplemented with 20 mM urea, and the cost of medium per gram lutein reduced by about 96%. When doses of ≥1 μM microalgal lutein were used to protect mammal NIH/3T3 cells, there was a significant reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the cells in the following blue-light irradiation treatments. The results show that microalgal lutein produced by fertilizers with urea supplements has the potential to develop anti-blue-light oxidation products and reduce the economic challenges of microalgal biomass applied to carbon biofixation and biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Mei Kuo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Yang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Xin Zhang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Xun Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tso Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Wei Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sheng Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
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