Evaluation of Marine Synechococcus for an Algal Biorefinery in Arid Regions

Abstract

Implementing microalgae biorefinery in arid environments requires utilization of strains that can grow at high temperatures (above 28 °C) and salinity levels (above 30 ppt). In this study, we investigate the newly isolated seawater strain, Synechococcus, native to the United Arab Emirates, and evaluate its value as a perspective organism for cultivation (for fuel and bio-products) in regions with freshwater scarcity. The strain displayed tolerance to a wide range of temperature (22–37 °C) and salinity (20–41 ppt), with maximum biomass concentration of 0.72 g L−1 and a maximum growth rate of 82 mg L−1 d−1 at 25 °C and 33 ppt salinity. Lipids accumulation reached up to 26% of dry weight in nitrogen-depleted conditions (with 1.8 mM of nitrates addition to the media), whereas protein content exceeded 50% dry weight. In this study, harvesting is investigated using three chemical agents: Ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide, and chitosan. Cell disruption is analyzed for four distinct treatments: Enzymatic, alkaline, ultrasonic, and hydrothermal. Among tested methods, flocculation with sodium hydroxide and ultrasonication were found to be the most efficient techniques for harvesting and cell disruption, respectively. The growth characteristics of the local strain and the potential to derive protein and lipids from it makes it a promising biomass in a biorefinery context.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of algal extracts

“…Algal culture technology is similar to terrestrial plants agriculture; however, algae possess higher productivity. Plants are in a different scale level with an evolved organisation of tissues, but micro and macroalgae have some advantages compared to them: they are not cultivated in agricultural soils, they can grow in non-potable water, in coastal, arid and marginal areas unsuitable for agricultural purposes (Cardon et al 2008;Gouveia and Oliveira 2009;Bochenski et al 2019). Moreover, considering the challenges and the agrozootechnical scenario of the coming years, the enlargement of feed resource base through identification of novel feeds or development of new additives that enhance resources use efficiency would play an important role in sustainable development of the animal productions.…”

Co‐production of bioethanol and commercially important exopolysaccharides from the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus BDU 10144 in a novel low‐cost seawater‐fertilizer‐based medium

“…Recently, Bochenski et al 65 also stated that the marine isolate of Synechococcus sp. native to the United Arab Emirates demonstrated resistance to temperatures ranging from 22°C to 37°C.…”

“…Recently, Bochenski et al 65 also stated that the marine isolate of Synechococcus sp. native to the United Arab Emirates demonstrated resistance to temperatures ranging from 22 C to 37 C. In line with previous research, 66 it was demonstrated that growing C. vulgaris cultures at 25 C may favor the carbohydrates production.…”