Microalgae Lipid Characterization

Abstract

To meet the growing interest of utilizing microalgae biomass in the production of biofuels and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical lipids, we need suitable analytical methods and a comprehensive database for their lipid components. The objective of the present work was to demonstrate methodology and provide data on fatty acid composition, lipid class content and composition, characteristics of the unsaponifiables, and type of chlorophylls of five microalgae. Microalgae lipids were fractionated into TAG, FFA, and polar lipids using TLC, and the composition of fatty acids in total lipids and in each lipid class, hydrocarbons, and sterols were determined by GC-MS. Glyco-and phospholipids were profiled by LC/ESI-MS. Chlorophylls and their related metabolites were qualified by LC/APCI-MS. The melting and crystallization profiles of microalgae total lipids and their esters were analyzed by DSC to evaluate their potential biofuel applications. Significant differences and complexities of lipid composition among the algae tested were observed. The compositional information is valuable for strain selection, downstream biomass fractionation, and utilization. ABSTRACT: To meet the growing interest of utilizing microalgae biomass in the production of biofuels and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical lipids, we need suitable analytical methods and a comprehensive database for their lipid components. The objective of the present work was to demonstrate methodology and provide data on fatty acid composition, lipid class content and composition, characteristics of the unsaponifiables, and type of chlorophylls of five microalgae. Microalgae lipids were fractionated into TAG, FFA, and polar lipids using TLC, and the composition of fatty acids in total lipids and in each lipid class, hydrocarbons, and sterols were determined by GC-MS. Glyco-and phospholipids were profiled by LC/ESI-MS. Chlorophylls and their related metabolites were qualified by LC/APCI-MS. The melting and crystallization profiles of microalgae total lipids and their esters were analyzed by DSC to evaluate their potential biofuel applications. Significant differences and complexities of lipid composition among the algae tested were observed. The compositional information is valuable for strain selection, downstream biomass fractionation, and utilization.

Fish farm effluents are suitable growth media for Nannochloropsis gaditana, a polyunsaturated fatty acid producing microalga

“…cultivated either in synthetic medium or in shrimp farm wastewater under constant illumination [26]. In contrast to our results, Yao et al [43] reported that Nannochloropsis sp. Equally Xi et al [40] reported that Scenedesmus sp.…”

“…However, the fraction of polar lipids was lower on the phosphate limited EST. In contrast to our results, Yao et al [43] reported that Nannochloropsis sp. contained higher quantities of P than G, while G+S fraction was predominant over NL and P in lipids of Chlorella sp., N. salina, P. cruentum and Tetraselmis sp.…”

Rice Protein Matrix Enhances Circulating Levels of Xanthohumol Following Acute Oral Intake of Spent Hops in Humans

“…The chalcone xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid found in the flowers of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties via inhibition of NF-kB, [1,2] and upregulation of Nrf2 signaling. [3][4][5]…”

A Review on Methods Used in Analysis of Microalgae Lipid Composition

“…Numerous reports have been published on usage of ESI-MS for direct lipid analysis without pre-separation by LC 46) , profiling of glycophospholipids and phospholipids of microalgae lipid 47) and structural characterization of TAG from microalgae lipid 48) . Recently, atmospheric Although NMR analysis provides more molecule structure information than other techniques, its use for lipid analysis is not popular due to relatively low sensitivity and overlapping of signal in the spectrum 49) .…”