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Nguyen DT, Johir MAH, Mahlia TMI, Silitonga AS, Zhang X, Liu Q, Nghiem LD. Microalgae-derived biolubricants: Challenges and opportunities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176759. [PMID: 39393688 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Lubricants are indispensable in the modern economy for controlling friction and wear across many industries. Traditional lubricants are derived from petroleum crude and can cause significant ecological impact if released into the environment. Microalgae have emerged as a potential alternative to petroleum crude for producing renewable and environmentally friendly biolubricants. This review systematically assesses recent developments in microalgal-based biolubricant production, including tribological performance, microalgae selection, cultivation, harvesting, lipid and polysaccharide extraction and conversion to biolubricants, and market development. Compared to petroleum-based lubricants in terms of tribological properties, biolubricants are compatible with most emerging applications, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. Nevertheless, they are less thermally and chemically stable, thus, may not be suitable for some traditional applications such as internal combustion engines. Literature data corroborated in this study reveals an urgent need for further research to scale up microalgae production and lower the cost of biomass harvesting. While technologies for converting microalgae-derived lipids to biolubricants appear to be well established, additional work is necessary to also utilize polysaccharides as another key ingredient for producing biolubricants, especially for low-temperature applications. Extraction methods are well established but further research is also needed to reduce the ecological impact, especially to utilize green solvents and reduce solvent consumption. Additionally, future research should delve into the use of nanoparticles as effective additives to obtain microalgae-based biolubricants with superior properties. Finally, it is essential to standardize the labeling system of biolubricants to establish a global market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duong T Nguyen
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Md Abu Hasan Johir
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - T M Indra Mahlia
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - A S Silitonga
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, No. 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, No. 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Trovão M, Schüler LM, Machado A, Bombo G, Navalho S, Barros A, Pereira H, Silva J, Freitas F, Varela J. Random Mutagenesis as a Promising Tool for Microalgal Strain Improvement towards Industrial Production. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:440. [PMID: 35877733 PMCID: PMC9318807 DOI: 10.3390/md20070440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae have become a promising novel and sustainable feedstock for meeting the rising demand for food and feed. However, microalgae-based products are currently hindered by high production costs. One major reason for this is that commonly cultivated wildtype strains do not possess the robustness and productivity required for successful industrial production. Several strain improvement technologies have been developed towards creating more stress tolerant and productive strains. While classical methods of forward genetics have been extensively used to determine gene function of randomly generated mutants, reverse genetics has been explored to generate specific mutations and target phenotypes. Site-directed mutagenesis can be accomplished by employing different gene editing tools, which enable the generation of tailor-made genotypes. Nevertheless, strategies promoting the selection of randomly generated mutants avoid the introduction of foreign genetic material. In this paper, we review different microalgal strain improvement approaches and their applications, with a primary focus on random mutagenesis. Current challenges hampering strain improvement, selection, and commercialization will be discussed. The combination of these approaches with high-throughput technologies, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting, as tools to select the most promising mutants, will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Trovão
- Allmicroalgae Natural Products S.A., R&D Department, Rua 25 de Abril s/n, 2445-413 Pataias, Portugal; (M.T.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (J.S.)
- GreenCoLab—Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (L.M.S.); (G.B.); (S.N.); (H.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Lisa M. Schüler
- GreenCoLab—Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (L.M.S.); (G.B.); (S.N.); (H.P.)
| | - Adriana Machado
- Allmicroalgae Natural Products S.A., R&D Department, Rua 25 de Abril s/n, 2445-413 Pataias, Portugal; (M.T.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bombo
- GreenCoLab—Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (L.M.S.); (G.B.); (S.N.); (H.P.)
| | - Sofia Navalho
- GreenCoLab—Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (L.M.S.); (G.B.); (S.N.); (H.P.)
| | - Ana Barros
- Allmicroalgae Natural Products S.A., R&D Department, Rua 25 de Abril s/n, 2445-413 Pataias, Portugal; (M.T.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Hugo Pereira
- GreenCoLab—Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (L.M.S.); (G.B.); (S.N.); (H.P.)
| | - Joana Silva
- Allmicroalgae Natural Products S.A., R&D Department, Rua 25 de Abril s/n, 2445-413 Pataias, Portugal; (M.T.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Filomena Freitas
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - João Varela
- GreenCoLab—Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (L.M.S.); (G.B.); (S.N.); (H.P.)
- CCMAR—Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Optimization of Lipid Production by Schizochytrium limacinum Biomass Modified with Ethyl Methane Sulfonate and Grown on Waste Glycerol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053108. [PMID: 35270800 PMCID: PMC8910453 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the most promising avenues of biofuel research relates to using waste as a starting feedstock to produce liquid or gaseous energy carriers. The global production of waste glycerol by the refinery industry is rising year after year. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) on the growth rates and intracellular lipid accumulation in heterotrophically-cultured Schizochytrium limacinum microalgae, grown on waste glycerol as the carbon source. The strain S. limacinum E20, produced by incubating a reference strain in EMS for 20 min, was found to perform the best in terms of producing biomass (0.054 gDW/dm3·h) and accumulating intracellular bio-oil (0.021 g/dm3·h). The selected parameters proved to be optimal for S. limacinum E20 biomass growth at the following values: temperature 27.3 °C, glycerol level 249.0 g/dm3, oxygen in the culture 26%, and yeast extract concentration 45.0 g/dm3. In turn, the optimal values for lipid production in an S. limacinum E20 culture were: temperature 24.2 °C, glycerol level 223.0 g/dm3, oxygen in the culture 10%, and yeast extract concentration 10.0 g/dm3. As the process conditions are different for biomass growth and for intracellular lipid accumulation, it is recommended to use a two-step culture process, which resulted in a lipid synthesis rate of 0.41 g/dm3·h.
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Jakhwal P, Kumar Biswas J, Tiwari A, Kwon EE, Bhatnagar A. Genetic and non-genetic tailoring of microalgae for the enhanced production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126250. [PMID: 34728356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The myriad health benefits associated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) laid the path for their application in the functional foods and nutraceutical industries. Fish being primarily exploited for extraction of EPA and DHA are unsustainable sources; thus, oleaginous microalgae turn out to be an alternative sustainable source. This review paper aims to provide the recent developments in the context of enhancing EPA and DHA production by utilising non-genetic tailoring and genetic tailoring methods. We have also summarized the legislation, public perception, and possible risks associated with the usage of genetically modified microalgae focusing on EPA and DHA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Jakhwal
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Sammonkatu 12, FI-50130, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- Enviromicrobiology, Ecotoxicology and Ecotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, West Bengal, India; International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Archana Tiwari
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Eilhann E Kwon
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Amit Bhatnagar
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Sammonkatu 12, FI-50130, Mikkeli, Finland.
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Liyanaarachchi VC, Premaratne M, Ariyadasa TU, Nimarshana P, Malik A. Two-stage cultivation of microalgae for production of high-value compounds and biofuels: A review. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Harnessing the Power of Mutagenesis and Adaptive Laboratory Evolution for High Lipid Production by Oleaginous Microalgae and Yeasts. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12125125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oleaginous microalgae and yeasts represent promising candidates for large-scale production of lipids, which can be utilized for production of drop-in biofuels, nutraceuticals, pigments, and cosmetics. However, low lipid productivity and costly downstream processing continue to hamper the commercial deployment of oleaginous microorganisms. Strain improvement can play an essential role in the development of such industrial microorganisms by increasing lipid production and hence reducing production costs. The main means of strain improvement are random mutagenesis, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE), and rational genetic engineering. Among these, random mutagenesis and ALE are straight forward, low-cost, and do not require thorough knowledge of the microorganism’s genetic composition. This paper reviews available mutagenesis and ALE techniques and screening methods to effectively select for oleaginous microalgae and yeasts with enhanced lipid yield and understand the alterations caused to metabolic pathways, which could subsequently serve as the basis for further targeted genetic engineering.
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Cheng J, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Yang W. Modification and improvement of microalgae strains for strengthening CO 2 fixation from coal-fired flue gas in power plants. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 291:121850. [PMID: 31358426 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Biological CO2 capture using microalgae is a promising new method for reducing CO2 emission of coal-fired flue gas. The strain of microalgae used in this process plays a vital role in determining the rate of CO2 fixation and characteristics of biomass production. High requirements are put forward for algae strains due to high CO2 concentration and diverse pollutants in flue gas. CO2 can directly diffuse into the cytoplasm of cells by extra- and intracellular CO2 osmotic pressure under high CO2 concentrations. The flue gas pollutants, such as SOx, NOx and fly ashes, have negative effects on the growth of microalgae. This work reviewed the state-of-the-art advances on microalgae strains used for CO2 fixation, focusing on the modification and improvement of strains that are used for coal-fired flue gas. Methods such as genetic engineering, random mutagenesis, and adaptive evolution have the potential to facilitate photosynthesis, improve growth rate and reduce CO2 emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Yanxia Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Weijuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Behera B, Acharya A, Gargey IA, Aly N, P B. Bioprocess engineering principles of microalgal cultivation for sustainable biofuel production. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Initial population density plays a vital role to enhance biodiesel productivity of Tetraselmis sp. under reciprocal nitrogen concentration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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