Enhanced Microalgal Lipid Production in Internally Illuminated Airlift Photobioreactor

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-45
Author(s):  
Irem Deniz ◽  
Zeliha Demirel ◽  
Esra Imamoglu ◽  
Meltem Conk Dalay

AbstractInternal illumination systems are being considered for use as an alternative light supply technique in microalgal products. The main goal of the study was to analyze the roles of different light wavelengths in internally illuminated airlift photobioreactors (PBRs) providing the light energy in an efficient way for the biomass production, lipid yield, and fatty acid composition of Amphora capitellata. The maximum chlorophyll-a concentration per unit biomass (2.62 ± 0.16 mg L−1) was obtained under red light, which was only 14% higher than under blue light in internally illuminated airlift PBR, whereas low chlorophyll-a content was found under white light. Maximum specific growth rate of 0.317 day−1, which corresponded to a doubling time of 2.185 days, was obtained under red light for A. capitellata. It was found that lipid content increased with decreasing growth rate for A. capitellata. Palmitic acid (C16:0) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1) were the principal fatty acids accounting for between 31%‐33% and 31%‐32% of total fatty acids, respectively. It is important to underline that red and blue light spectrum ranges contribute to improved biomass growth, whereas white light has the potential to support lipid content of diatoms.

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1211
Author(s):  
Barbara Frąszczak ◽  
Monika Kula-Maximenko

The spectrum of light significantly influences the growth of plants cultivated in closed systems. Five lettuce cultivars with different leaf colours were grown under white light (W, 170 μmol m−2 s−1) and under white light with the addition of red (W + R) or blue light (W + B) (230 μmol m−2 s−1). The plants were grown until they reached the seedling phase (30 days). Each cultivar reacted differently to the light spectrum applied. The red-leaved cultivar exhibited the strongest plasticity in response to the spectrum. The blue light stimulated the growth of the leaf surface in all the plants. The red light negatively influenced the length of leaves in the cultivars, but it positively affected their number in red and dark-green lettuce. It also increased the relative chlorophyll content and fresh weight gain in the cultivars containing anthocyanins. When the cultivars were grown under white light, they had longer leaves and higher value of the leaf shape index. The light-green cultivars had a greater fresh weight. Both the addition of blue and red light significantly increased the relative chlorophyll content in the dark-green cultivar. The spectrum enhanced with blue light had positive influence on most of the parameters under analysis in butter lettuce cultivars. These cultivars were also characterised by the highest absorbance of blue light.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2489
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Psachoulia ◽  
Christos Chatzidoukas

The light spectrum effect on the cultivation efficiency of the microalgae strain Stichococcus sp. is explored, as a means of potentially intensifying the biomass productivity and regulating the cellular composition. Stichococcus sp. batch culture experiments, within a 3 L bench-top photobioreactor (PBR), are designed and implemented under different light spectrum profiles (i.e., cool white light (WL), cool white combined with red light (WRL), and cool white combined with blue light, (WBL)). The obtained results indicate that the studied strain is capable of adapting its metabolite profile to the light field to which it is exposed. The highest biomass concentration (3.5 g/L), combined with intense carbohydrate accumulation activity, resulting in a respective final concentration of 1.15 g/L was achieved within 17 days using exclusively cool white light of increasing intensity. The addition of blue light emitting diodes (LED) light, combined with appropriately selected culture conditions, contributed significantly to the massive synthesis and accumulation of lipids, resulting in a concentration of 1.43 g/L and a respective content of 46.13% w/w, with a distinct impact on biomass, carbohydrates and proteins productivity. Finally, a beneficial contribution of red LED light to the protein synthesis is recognized and this can be conditionally amplified provided nitrogen sufficiency in the culture medium.


Author(s):  
Ikumi Umetani ◽  
Eshetu Janka ◽  
Michal Sposób ◽  
Chris J. Hulatt ◽  
Synne Kleiven ◽  
...  

AbstractBicarbonate was evaluated as an alternative carbon source for a green microalga, Tetradesmus wisconsinensis, isolated from Lake Norsjø in Norway. Photosynthesis, growth, and lipid production were studied using four inorganic carbon regimes: (1) aeration only, (2) 20 mM NaHCO3, (3) 5% (v/v) CO2 gas, and (4) combination of 20 mM NaHCO3 and 5% CO2. Variable chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis revealed that the bicarbonate treatment supported effective photosynthesis, while the CO2 treatment led to inefficient photosynthetic activity with a PSII maximum quantum yield as low as 0.31. Conversely, bicarbonate and CO2 treatments gave similar biomass and fatty acid production. The maximum growth rate, the final cell dry weight, and total fatty acids under the bicarbonate-only treatment were 0.33 (± 0.06) day−1, 673 (± 124) mg L−1 and 75 (± 5) mg g−1 dry biomass, respectively. The most abundant fatty acid components were α-linolenic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids constituting 69% of the total fatty acids. The fatty acid profile eventuated in unsuitable biodiesel fuel properties such as high degree of unsaturation and low cetane number; however, it would be relevant for food and feed applications. We concluded that bicarbonate could give healthy growth and comparative product yields as CO2.


RSC Advances ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 4707-4715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiwei Zhang ◽  
Haiqin Sun ◽  
Tao Kuang ◽  
Ruiguang Xing ◽  
Xihong Hao

Materials emitting red light (∼611 nm) under excitation with blue light (440–470 nm) are highly desired for fabricating high-performance white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).


2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Zexiong Chen ◽  
Juan Lou

Light is the source of energy for plants. Light wavelengths, densities and irradiation periods act as signals directing morphological and physiological characteristics during plant growth and development. To evaluate the effects of light wavelengths on tomato growth and development, Solanum lycopersicum (cv. micro-Tom) seedlings were exposed to different light-quality environments, including white light and red light supplemented with blue light (at ratios of 3:1 and 8;1, respectively). Tomatoes grown under red light supplemented with blue light displayed significantly shorter stem length, a higher number of flower buds and rate of fruit set, but an extremely late flowering compared to white-light-grown plants. To illustrate the mechanism underlying the inhibition of stem growth and floral transition mediated by red/blue light, 10 trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) genes were identified in tomato, and bioinformatics analysis was performed. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SlTPSs were expressed widely throughout plant development and SlTPS1 was expressed at extremely high levels in stems and buds. Further analysis of several flowering-associated genes and microRNAs showed that the expressions of SlTPS1, SlFT and miR172 were significantly downregulated in tomato grown under red and blue light compared with those grown under white light, whereas miR156 transcript levels were increased. A regulatory model underlying vegetative growth and floral transition regulated by light qualities is presented. Our data provide evidence that light quality strongly affects plant growth and phase transition, most likely via the TPS1-T6P signaling pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Liu ◽  
Marc W. van Iersel

Red and blue light are traditionally believed to have a higher quantum yield of CO2 assimilation (QY, moles of CO2 assimilated per mole of photons) than green light, because green light is absorbed less efficiently. However, because of its lower absorptance, green light can penetrate deeper and excite chlorophyll deeper in leaves. We hypothesized that, at high photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), green light may achieve higher QY and net CO2 assimilation rate (An) than red or blue light, because of its more uniform absorption throughtout leaves. To test the interactive effects of PPFD and light spectrum on photosynthesis, we measured leaf An of “Green Tower” lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under red, blue, and green light, and combinations of those at PPFDs from 30 to 1,300 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. The electron transport rates (J) and the maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vc,max) at low (200 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1) and high PPFD (1,000 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1) were estimated from photosynthetic CO2 response curves. Both QYm,inc (maximum QY on incident PPFD basis) and J at low PPFD were higher under red light than under blue and green light. Factoring in light absorption, QYm,abs (the maximum QY on absorbed PPFD basis) under green and red light were both higher than under blue light, indicating that the low QYm,inc under green light was due to lower absorptance, while absorbed blue photons were used inherently least efficiently. At high PPFD, the QYinc [gross CO2 assimilation (Ag)/incident PPFD] and J under red and green light were similar, and higher than under blue light, confirming our hypothesis. Vc,max may not limit photosynthesis at a PPFD of 200 μmol m–2 s–1 and was largely unaffected by light spectrum at 1,000 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. Ag and J under different spectra were positively correlated, suggesting that the interactive effect between light spectrum and PPFD on photosynthesis was due to effects on J. No interaction between the three colors of light was detected. In summary, at low PPFD, green light had the lowest photosynthetic efficiency because of its low absorptance. Contrary, at high PPFD, QYinc under green light was among the highest, likely resulting from more uniform distribution of green light in leaves.


1988 ◽  
Vol 43 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  

Marine algae, maintained for one month under blue, white and red light were rather rich in lipids but obviously poor in fat (triacylglycerols). These lipids consisted predominantly of glycolipids and phospholipids. Irrespective of the light quality, the major constituent fatty acids in lipids of these algae were, in most cases, those with 20 carbon atoms. The light quality had a definite effect on the proportion of arachidonic acid in the lipids of certain algae. Thus, the proportion of arachidonic acid in Enteromorpha intestinalis maintained under white light was 45% and in Sargassum salicifolium kept under red light 25% of the total constituent fatty acids in the total algal lipids


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruiling Gao ◽  
Zifu Li ◽  
Xiaoqin Zhou ◽  
Wenjun Bao ◽  
Shikun Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) can be effective and promising alternate carbon sources for microbial lipid production by a few oleaginous yeasts. However, the severe inhibitory effect of high-content (> 10 g/L) VFAs on these yeasts has impeded the production of high lipid yields and their large-scale application. Slightly acidic conditions have been commonly adopted because they have been considered favorable to oleaginous yeast cultivation. However, the acidic pH environment further aggravates this inhibition because VFAs appear largely in an undissociated form under this condition. Alkaline conditions likely alleviate the severe inhibition of high-content VFAs by significantly increasing the dissociation degree of VFAs. This hypothesis should be verified through a systematic research. Results The combined effects of high acetic acid concentrations and alkaline conditions on VFA utilization, cell growth, and lipid accumulation of Yarrowia lipolytica were systematically investigated through batch cultures of Y. lipolytica by using high concentrations (30–110 g/L) of acetic acid as a carbon source at an initial pH ranging from 6 to 10. An initial pH of 8 was determined as optimal. The highest biomass and lipid production (37.14 and 10.11 g/L) were obtained with 70 g/L acetic acid, whereas cultures with > 70 g/L acetic acid had decreased biomass and lipid yield due to excessive anion accumulation. Feasibilities on high-content propionic acid, butyric acid, and mixed VFAs were compared and evaluated. Results indicated that YX/S and YL/S of cultures on butyric acid (0.570, 0.144) were comparable with those on acetic acid (0.578, 0.160) under alkaline conditions. The performance on propionic acid was much inferior to that on other acids. Mixed VFAs were more beneficial to fast adaptation and lipid production than single types of VFA. Furthermore, cultures on food waste (FW) and fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) fermentate were carried out and lipid production was effectively improved under this alkaline condition. The highest biomass and lipid production on FW fermentate reached 14.65 g/L (YX/S: 0.414) and 3.20 g/L (YL/S: 0.091) with a lipid content of 21.86%, respectively. By comparison, the highest biomass and lipid production on FVW fermentate were 11.84 g/L (YX/S: 0.534) and 3.08 g/L (YL/S: 0.139), respectively, with a lipid content of 26.02%. Conclusions This study assumed and verified that alkaline conditions (optimal pH 8) could effectively alleviate the lethal effect of high-content VFA on Y. lipolytica and significantly improve biomass and lipid production. These results could provide a new cultivation strategy to achieve simple utilizations of high-content VFAs and increase lipid production. Feasibilities on FW and FVW-derived VFAs were evaluated, and meaningful information was provided for practical applications.


1973 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gunasekaran ◽  
W. M. Hess ◽  
D. J. Weber

Pyrenochaeta terrestris, the onion pink root fungus, was grown on a reciprocal shaker in a synthetic medium which contained cellulose as the only carbon source. The mycelium was processed for lipid analysis and ultrastructural investigations after 8, 16, 24, and 32-day growth intervals.Hyphal cells contained membrane complexes. An electron-dense substance was present in large quantities on hyphal cell walls until after the 24-day period. As the cultures aged, organelles in some hyphal cells disintegrated and viable hyphal cells grew inside senescent cells in some cases. It was not possible to correlate positively lipid content observed at the ultrastructural level with the biochemical lipid analysis as a result of the relatively small amount of lipid observed in hyphal cells at the ultrastructural level.The lipid analysis indicated that the lipid content and mycelial weight reached a maximum at the 16-day period. The major fatty acids present were: C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and C18:2. As aging occurred, the amount of unsaturation increased in the free fatty acids, the total fatty acids, and the fatty acids of the diglycerides and triglycerides. Only the fatty acids of the monoglycerides failed to increase in unsaturation. The sterol content increased slightly over the total growth period.


Author(s):  
Rúben Marques ◽  
Sónia Cruz ◽  
Ricardo Calado ◽  
Ana Lillebø ◽  
Helena Abreu ◽  
...  

Abstract Codium tomentosum is a marine green macroalga with multiple value-added applications that is being successfully used as an extractive species in sustainable integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems. Nonetheless, growth conditions of this species at an early development phase still require optimization. The present study addresses, under controlled laboratory conditions, the effects of photoperiod (long vs. short-day) and light spectra (white, blue, and red light) on growth and pigment composition of C. tomentosum. Relative growth rate was approximately 2× higher under long-day photoperiod (average of 39.2 and 20.1% week−1 for long and short-day, respectively). Concentrations per dry weight of major pigments such as chlorophyll a (Chla) and siphonoxanthin (Siph) were significantly higher under long-day photoperiod. Relative growth rates were higher under red light, intermediate under white light, and lower under blue light. These last results were rather surprising, as Siph-Chla/Chlb light harvesting complexes of Codium have increased absorption in the blue-green region of the light spectra. Changes in carbon allocation patterns caused by the spectral composition of light and overgrowth of green microalgae in blue light cultures could explain the differences recorded for relative growth rate. Long-day photoperiod and light sources with preferential emission at the red region of the light spectra were identified as optimal for growth of C. tomentosum at early development stages. These lighting conditions can reduce the time required to reach the necessary biomass before transfer to grow-out systems. Overall, these findings can shorten production time, increase macroalgal productivity, and enhance aquaculture revenues.


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