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Phycology, Volume 2, Issue 1 (March 2022) – 11 articles

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12 pages, 893 KiB  
Article
Biochemical and Elemental Composition of Pelagic Sargassum Biomass Harvested across the Caribbean
by Thierry Tonon, Carla Botelho Machado, Mona Webber, Deanna Webber, James Smith, Amy Pilsbury, Félix Cicéron, Leopoldo Herrera-Rodriguez, Eduardo Mora Jimenez, Julio V. Suarez, Michael Ahearn, Frederick Gonzalez and Michael J. Allen
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 204-215; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010011 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4759
Abstract
Massive and recurrent strandings of pelagic Sargassum biomass have become the new norm in the Caribbean and the Western Africa since 2011, and there is no sign of this abating. These Sargassum events have negative environmental, socioeconomic and health impacts in the affected [...] Read more.
Massive and recurrent strandings of pelagic Sargassum biomass have become the new norm in the Caribbean and the Western Africa since 2011, and there is no sign of this abating. These Sargassum events have negative environmental, socioeconomic and health impacts in the affected countries. In the meantime, various processing techniques and applications have been suggested for valorisation of this biomass. However, variability in quantity, quality and location creates substantial uncertainty for the development of reliable and robust industrial processes. As part of ongoing efforts to better characterise seasonal and geographical variations in the biochemical and elemental composition of the pelagic Sargassum biomass across the Caribbean, we analysed samples from Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic harvested during summer 2020 and winter 2021. Different degrees of variation were observed in the contents of ash, metals and metalloids, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids and biogenic amines, and monosaccharides. Our results indicate that biomass is of highly variable quality depending on season and location. In this context, we suggest that biorefinery approaches geared towards controlled metal removal and focused on the extraction and purification of amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins should be prioritised to assess the potential valorisation of pelagic Sargassum biomass into standardised and high-value outputs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sargassum Golden Tides, a Global Problem)
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32 pages, 4011 KiB  
Review
Pioneering Role of Marine Macroalgae in Cosmeceuticals
by Haresh S. Kalasariya, Leonel Pereira and Nikunj B. Patel
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 172-203; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010010 - 1 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6915
Abstract
Cosmetics are broadly used by people to protect the skin from external environmental stresses and for beauty purposes globally. A recent trend towards cosmetics with natural formulations has emerged. The cosmetic industry uses the term ‘cosmeceutical’ to refer to a cosmetic formula that [...] Read more.
Cosmetics are broadly used by people to protect the skin from external environmental stresses and for beauty purposes globally. A recent trend towards cosmetics with natural formulations has emerged. The cosmetic industry uses the term ‘cosmeceutical’ to refer to a cosmetic formula that has drug-like applicative advantages. Recently, macroalgae have received increased attention as natural ingredients for cosmeceutical applications. Many marine algae are rich in biologically active components that have been reported to exhibit strong benefits to the skin, mainly for photoprotection, skin whitening, moisturization, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, antioxidants, and antimicrobial uses. The present review provides a detailed study of the literature on the cosmetic potentials of marine algae-derived polysaccharides, peptides and amino acids, pigments, phenolic components, and fatty acids. We provide an overview of different types of macroalgae with their biologically active constituents and potential cosmetic benefits. In addition, the bioactive molecules of cosmetic products containing marine macroalgae as well as their mechanisms of action are briefly discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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40 pages, 2853 KiB  
Review
Halogens in Seaweeds: Biological and Environmental Significance
by Hanan Al-Adilah, Martin C. Feiters, Lucy J. Carpenter, Puja Kumari, Carl J. Carrano, Dhia Al-Bader and Frithjof C. Küpper
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 132-171; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010009 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 9693
Abstract
Many marine algae are strong accumulators of halogens. Commercial iodine production started by burning seaweeds in the 19th century. The high iodine content of certain seaweeds has potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications. While the metabolism of iodine in brown algae is linked to [...] Read more.
Many marine algae are strong accumulators of halogens. Commercial iodine production started by burning seaweeds in the 19th century. The high iodine content of certain seaweeds has potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications. While the metabolism of iodine in brown algae is linked to oxidative metabolism, with iodide serving the function of an inorganic antioxidant protecting the cell and thallus surface against reactive oxygen species with implications for atmospheric and marine chemistry, rather little is known about the regulation and homoeostasis of other halogens in seaweeds in general and the ecological and biological role of marine algal halogenated metabolites (except for organohalogen secondary metabolites). The present review covers these areas, including the significance of seaweed-derived halogens and of halogens in general in the context of human diet and physiology. Furthermore, the understanding of interactions between halogenated compound production by algae and the environment, including anthropogenic impacts, effects on the ozone layer and global climate change, is reviewed together with the production of halogenated natural products by seaweeds and the potential of seaweeds as bioindicators for halogen radionuclides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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12 pages, 865 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of United Arab Emirates Native Seaweed Ulva intestinalis as a Food Source: Study of Nutritional and Mineral Compositions
by Rashed Farzanah, Mathias Porsmose Clausen, Eva Christensen Arnspang, Jens Ejbye Schmidt and Juan-Rodrigo Bastidas-Oyanedel
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 120-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010008 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5967
Abstract
Food resources are limited in arid countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE); the salinity of the groundwater, together with a lack of natural fresh water sources and arable land, force the country to import most of its food. However, seaweed could [...] Read more.
Food resources are limited in arid countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE); the salinity of the groundwater, together with a lack of natural fresh water sources and arable land, force the country to import most of its food. However, seaweed could play an important role in providing a locally available food resource, as it does not require fresh water and arable land to grow. The traditional use of several seaweed species as food sources has been documented in Asia and the Americas, where their nutritional composition has been well reported. Although the UAE’s aquatic environment is quite harsh due to high water salinity (over 40 g/L) and high surface water temperatures (over 35 °C), its native seaweed species could play a role as a food source in this arid region, thereby bolstering the country’s level of food security. To evaluate its potential in this context, fresh samples of the native Ulva intestinalis seaweed were collected in the shallow waters of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE. These samples were calculated to contain 34.38 ± 0.24 kcal, with a biomass composition of 5.185 ± 0.04% carbohydrate, 3.32 ± 0.14% protein, and 0.04 ± 0.01% fat (by dry matter). Of all the minerals present in the biomass, potassium had the highest concentration (7947 ± 319.5 ppm), followed by magnesium (3075.9 ± 1357 ppm) and sodium (756.3 ± 478 ppm). The water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and C were below the detection limit in the samples. The rich concentration of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc in Ulva intestinalis makes it a promising novel food source. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental study to examine the feasibility of using seaweed that is native to the UAE as a nutritional and sustainable food source in order to address the challenge of food security currently being faced by the country. Full article
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12 pages, 1631 KiB  
Article
Pseudostichococcus Stands Out from Its Siblings Due to High Salinity and Desiccation Tolerance
by Anh Tu Van and Karin Glaser
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 108-119; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010007 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2515
Abstract
Desiccation and high salinity are two abiotic stressors that are related in terms of their effect on water homeostasis within cells. The success of certain aeroterrestrial microalgae is influenced by their ability to cope with desiccation, and in some cases, high salinity. The [...] Read more.
Desiccation and high salinity are two abiotic stressors that are related in terms of their effect on water homeostasis within cells. The success of certain aeroterrestrial microalgae is influenced by their ability to cope with desiccation, and in some cases, high salinity. The microalgae of the Stichococcus clade are ubiquitous in terrestrial habitats and are known to withstand desiccation and salinity stress by accumulating secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if those two related stressors have a synergistic effect. Hence, we studied the effect of salinity on desiccation on various representative taxa within the Stichococcus clade. The results showed that in contrast to other Stichococcus taxa, Pseudostichococcus was able to recover fully after desiccation, with and without salinity stress. This observation was connected to elevated proline production under salinity stress and higher proline:sorbitol ratio in Pseudostichococcus to the other strains tested. In the other taxa, increasing salinity reduced their ability to withstand desiccation. This might have severe effects on microalgae in (semi)arid regions, where salinization of soils is an increasing threat also for agriculture. The results encourage further research to be done on the possible applications of this genus in salinity bioremediation, as it seems to be comparable to other halotolerant green algae used for this purpose. Full article
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22 pages, 5148 KiB  
Article
Fast-Tracking Isolation, Identification and Characterization of New Microalgae for Nutraceutical and Feed Applications
by Boer Bao, Skye R. Thomas-Hall and Peer M. Schenk
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 86-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010006 - 16 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3985
Abstract
Microalgae contain high-value biochemical compounds including fatty acids (FA), protein and carotenoids, and are promising bioresources to enhance nutrition of food and animal feed. Important requirements for commercial strains are rapid growth and high productivities of desirable compounds. As these traits are believed [...] Read more.
Microalgae contain high-value biochemical compounds including fatty acids (FA), protein and carotenoids, and are promising bioresources to enhance nutrition of food and animal feed. Important requirements for commercial strains are rapid growth and high productivities of desirable compounds. As these traits are believed to be found in aquatic environments with fluctuating conditions, we collected microalgae from marine and freshwater environments that are subjected to eutrophication and/or tidal fluctuations. Using this directed approach, 40 monoalgal cultures were isolated and 25 identified through 18S rDNA sequencing and morphological characterization. Based on their high growth rates (0.28–0.60 day−1) and biomass productivities (0.25–0.44 g L−1 day−1) in commercial fertilizer under standardized conditions, six new strains were selected. Scenedesmus sp. GW63 produced quality FA-rich biomass with high omega-3 polyunsaturated FA (28.5% of total FA (TFA)) contents, especially α-linolenic acid (ALA; 20.0% of TFA) with a very low n-6/n-3 ratio (0.4), and high FA productivity (32.6 mg L−1 day−1). A high protein productivity (34.5 mg L−1 day−1) made Desmodesmus sp. UQL1_26 (33.4% of dry weight (DW)) attractive as potential protein-rich feed and nutrition supplement. Monoraphidium convolutum GW5 displayed valuable carotenoid production (0.8% DW) with high carotenoid accumulation capability (0.8 mg L−1 day−1). This research provides a pathway for fast-tracking the selection of high-performing local microalgae from different environments for nutraceuticals, functional foods and animal feed applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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10 pages, 2602 KiB  
Article
Production of Scenedesmus almeriensis Using Pilot-Scale Raceway Reactors Located inside a Greenhouse
by Ainoa Morillas-España, Silvia Villaró, Martina Ciardi, Gabriel Acién and Tomás Lafarga
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 76-85; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010005 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3039
Abstract
The microalga S. almeriensis was produced in spring and summer using 80 m2 raceway reactors located inside a greenhouse in Almería, Spain. This microalga was selected because it is a fast-growing and robust strain with potential applications in the production of functional [...] Read more.
The microalga S. almeriensis was produced in spring and summer using 80 m2 raceway reactors located inside a greenhouse in Almería, Spain. This microalga was selected because it is a fast-growing and robust strain with potential applications in the production of functional foods and feeds or as a high-value agricultural biostimulant. Overall, the biomass productivity obtained in summer was 24.9 ± 0.9 g·m−2·day−1. This value was higher than that obtained in spring, with an average value of 21.4 ± 1.3 g·m−2·day−1 (p < 0.05). The Fv/Fm value of the cultures at the stationary phase was comparable and around 0.6, which is the optimum of this strain. No major differences in the macromolecular composition of the biomass were observed between seasons, with an average protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate content of 37.9, 4.6, 10.8, and 46.7%, respectively. The data reported herein were used to validate a previously described model. The differences between the experimental and the predicted biomass productivities were below 5% in spring and 8% in summer, although a larger dataset is needed to validate the model. Overall, results supported the robustness of the selected strain and its utilisation in different industrial sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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16 pages, 10839 KiB  
Article
Rapidly Deployable Algae Cleaning System for Applications in Freshwater Reservoirs and Water Bodies
by Sirius Pui-Kam Tse, Ka-Fu Yung, Pak-Yeung Lo, Cheok-Kei Lam, Tsz-Wang Chu, Wing-Tak Wong and Samuel Chun-Lap Lo
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 60-75; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010004 - 10 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3262
Abstract
Occurrence of large-scale harmful algal blooms (HABs) in our reservoirs and water bodies threaten both quality of our drinking water and economy of aquaculture immensely. Hence, rapid removal of HAB biomass during and after a bloom is crucial in protecting the quality of [...] Read more.
Occurrence of large-scale harmful algal blooms (HABs) in our reservoirs and water bodies threaten both quality of our drinking water and economy of aquaculture immensely. Hence, rapid removal of HAB biomass during and after a bloom is crucial in protecting the quality of our drinking water and preserve our water resources. We reported here a rapidly deployable algae cleaning system based on a high-capacity high-throughput (HCHT) spiral blade continuous centrifuge connected with inlet and effluent water tanks and a series of feed-in and feed-out pumps as well as piping, all fitted into a standard 20 feet metal shipping container. The system separates algal biomass from algae-laden water with a maximum flow rate of 4000 L/h and a centrifugal force of 4500× g. Cells collected by the system are still intact due to the low centrifugal force used. We showed that after HCHT centrifugation, cellular contents of HAB biomass were not found in the effluent water, and hence, could be discharged directly back to the water body. Furthermore, the addition of flocculants and chemicals prior to the separation process is not required. The system could operate continuously with proper programmed procedures. Taken overall, this system offered a much better alternative than the traditional flocculation- and sonication-based methods of HAB removal in a freshwater environment. This deployable system is the first of its kind being built and had been field-tested successfully. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Harmful Microalgae)
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15 pages, 2724 KiB  
Article
Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Spondin-Like and Fasciclin-Like Genes in Neopyropia yezoensis, A Marine Red Alga
by Toshiki Uji, Shinnosuke Ueda and Hiroyuki Mizuta
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 45-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010003 - 6 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2986
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play crucial roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. We identified homologous genes encoding ECM proteins that are known to associate with integrins in animal cells in red macroalga Neopyropia yezoensis. Four genes encoding spondin domain-containing [...] Read more.
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play crucial roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. We identified homologous genes encoding ECM proteins that are known to associate with integrins in animal cells in red macroalga Neopyropia yezoensis. Four genes encoding spondin domain-containing proteins (NySPLs) and eight genes encoding fasciclin domain-containing proteins (NyFALs) from N. yezoensis were selected for bioinformatics and expression analysis in order to obtain insights into the roles of ECM proteins for the life cycle. NySPLs had eight β-strands with two contiguous α-helices, which were similar to those of the F-spondin domain of animals. NyFALs had conserved H1 and H2 motifs and a YH motif between the H1 and H2 regions. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that NySPL1–3 and NyFAL8 transcripts were highly accumulated in mature gametophytes that formed the spermatia. Furthermore, expressions of all NySPLs were upregulated in response to the ethylene precursor 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid that induces gametogenesis. NyFAL1, 4 were highly expressed in sporophytes, whereas NyFAL2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were overexpressed in gametophytes, especially at the vegetative stage. These findings facilitate future research on ECM architecture in the unique life cycles of red macroalgae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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15 pages, 4865 KiB  
Article
Shining Light on Photosynthesis in the Harmful Dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi–Responses to Short-Term Changes in Temperature, Nitrogen Form, and Availability
by So Hyun (Sophia) Ahn and Patricia M. Glibert
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 30-44; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010002 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2874
Abstract
Karenia mikimotoi is a toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellate that sometimes co-blooms with Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico, especially on the West Florida Shelf where strong vertical temperature gradients and rapid changes in nitrogen (N) can be found. Here, the short-term interactions of [...] Read more.
Karenia mikimotoi is a toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellate that sometimes co-blooms with Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico, especially on the West Florida Shelf where strong vertical temperature gradients and rapid changes in nitrogen (N) can be found. Here, the short-term interactions of temperature, N form, and availability on photosynthesis–irradiance responses were examined using rapid light curves and PAM fluorometry in order to understand their interactions, and how they may affect photosynthetic yields. Cultures of K. mikimotoi were enriched with either nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NH4+), or urea with varying amounts (1, 5, 10, 20, 50 µM-N) and then incubated at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 °C for 1 h. At 15–25 °C, fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, rETR) when averaged for all N treatments were comparable. Within a given light intensity, increasing all forms of N concentrations generally led to higher photosynthetic yields. Cells appeared to dynamically balance the “push” due to photon flux pressure and reductant generation, with consumption in overall metabolism (“pull” due to demand). However, at 30 °C, all fluorescence parameters declined precipitously, but differential responses were observed depending on N form. Cells enriched with urea at 30 °C showed a smaller decline in fluorescence parameters than cells treated with NO3 or NH4+, implying that urea might induce a photoprotective mechanism by increasing metabolic “pull”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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29 pages, 3282 KiB  
Review
Red Seaweed Pigments from a Biotechnological Perspective
by Marta V. Freitas, Diana Pacheco, João Cotas, Teresa Mouga, Clélia Afonso and Leonel Pereira
Phycology 2022, 2(1), 1-29; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010001 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 10464
Abstract
Algae taxa are notably diverse regarding pigment diversity and composition, red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) being a valuable source of phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrins, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin), carotenes (carotenoids and xanthophylls), and chlorophyll a. These pigments have a considerable biotechnological potential, which has been translated into [...] Read more.
Algae taxa are notably diverse regarding pigment diversity and composition, red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) being a valuable source of phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrins, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin), carotenes (carotenoids and xanthophylls), and chlorophyll a. These pigments have a considerable biotechnological potential, which has been translated into several registered patents and commercial applications. However, challenges remain regarding the optimization and subsequent scale-up of extraction and purification methodologies, especially when considering the quality and quantity needs, from an industrial and commercial point of view. This review aims to provide the state-of-the-art information on each of the aforementioned groups of pigments that can be found within Rhodophyta. An outline of the chemical biodiversity within pigment groups, current extraction and purification methodologies and challenges, and an overview of commercially available products and registered patents, will be provided. Thus, the current biotechnological applications of red seaweeds pigments will be highlighted, from a sustainable and economical perspective, as well as their integration in the Blue Economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phycology)
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