Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
11:08
Cultivation of Green Microalgae in Bubble Column Photobioreactors and an Assay for Neutral Lipids
Published on: January 7, 2019
22.0K
Techniques to Control Microbial Contaminants in Nonsterile Microalgae Cultivation
Daniel Pleissner1,2, Astrid Victoria Lindner3, Ranga Rao Ambati4
1Sustainable Chemistry (Resource Efficiency), Institute of Sustainable and Environmental Chemistry, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, C13, 21335, Luneburg, Germany. daniel.pleissner@leuphana.de.
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|August 19, 2020
Summary
Controlling microbial contaminants in photo- and mixotrophic cultivations is challenging. While environmental modifications and physical methods reduce contaminants in phototrophic systems, effective suppression in mixotrophic cultures remains elusive.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Algal Cultivation
Background:
- Microbial contamination poses a significant challenge in algal cultivation.
- Contaminants can reduce yields and compromise product quality in phototrophic and mixotrophic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify effective techniques for suppressing microbial contaminants in photo- and mixotrophic algal cultivations.
- To evaluate the impact of various methods on contaminant reduction and algal growth.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing techniques and presentation of original results.
- Modification of environmental conditions: pH, oxygen, nutrient levels.
- Application of physical methods: pulsed electric field, ultrasonication, surfactants.
Main Results:
- Phototrophic cultivations: techniques reduced predatory cells but did not eliminate them.
- Mixotrophic cultivations: no effective measures were identified to suppress bacterial and fungal growth.
- Co-cultivation of algae and fungi showed potential for utilizing unusual carbon compounds.
Conclusions:
- Suppression of microbial contaminants in phototrophic cultures is partially achievable.
- Effective strategies for contaminant control in mixotrophic algal cultivation require further investigation.
- Algae-fungi co-cultivation offers a promising avenue for bioremediation and valorization of complex substrates.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Key Techniques in Microbiology
1.2K
Aseptic techniques prevent contamination, ensure experimental accuracy, and protect researchers and microbial cultures. These techniques are essential in clinical, industrial, and research settings where sterility is required.Maintaining Sterility in Laboratory PracticesScientists maintain sterility by sterilizing tools with heat or chemicals, disinfecting work surfaces, and handling cultures in controlled environments. Working near an open flame or within a laminar flow hood reduces the risk...
1.2K
01:29Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth
1.4K
Microbial growth control refers to various methods employed to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate microorganisms to ensure safety and hygiene across different settings. These methods are categorized based on the target environment and the level of microbial control required.Biocides are versatile agents designed to control microorganisms by either inhibiting their growth or outright killing them. These agents work through various physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological mechanisms. The...
1.4K
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
868
Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
868
01:24Techniques for Isolation of Pure Cultures
1.1K
Microorganisms are routinely cultured in the laboratory using various techniques to isolate, grow, and quantify them for further study. These methods rely on inoculating microorganisms into a suitable growth medium under aseptic conditions to prevent contamination. Depending on the objective, inoculation can involve direct transfer or the use of diluted bacterial suspensions as the inoculum.Streak-Plate Method for IsolationThe streak-plate method is a common technique for obtaining pure...
1.1K
01:28Biological Methods for Microbial Control
680
Biological agents offer an effective means of controlling microbial growth by leveraging natural processes like predation, competition, and the secretion of antimicrobial substances.Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio species target and kill pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. They are widely used in poultry farms to control infections. Myxococcus species help combat plant-pathogenic fungi. These naturally occurring predators serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and...
680
01:23Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
803
Heat is a widely used method to control microbial growth by targeting and denaturing cellular proteins, thereby killing or inactivating microbes. This method's effectiveness is quantified using parameters such as the thermal death point (TDP), thermal death time (TDT), and decimal reduction time (D value). TDP represents the lowest temperature at which all microorganisms in a liquid suspension are eliminated within 10 minutes, whereas TDT is the time necessary to achieve sterilization at a...
803