An Evidence of Carbonic Anhydrase Activity in Native Microalgae for CO₂ Capture Application

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Microalgae are efficient at carbon capture due to rapid growth and photosynthesis.
• Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is crucial for microalgal carbon concentration mechanisms, converting CO2 to bicarbonate.
• Understanding microalgal CA activity is key for developing biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize microalgal cultures with high carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity.
• To assess the potential of microalgae for carbon capture and bio-energy applications.
• To investigate the genetic basis of CA activity in microalgae.

Main Methods:

• Microalgal samples were collected, characterized, and cultured under controlled conditions.
• Carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity was quantified using the Wilbur-Anderson assay.
• Carbon dioxide hydration rates were determined by monitoring pH changes; genetic analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• Cultures I, VI, and IX exhibited high CA enzyme activity rates of 4.15, 4.0, and 4.2 µg·mL⁻¹, respectively.
• The study successfully measured and compared CA activity across different microalgal cultures.
• Genetic analysis identified key genes related to CA activity and microalgal metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Specific microalgal cultures possess significant CA activity, highlighting their potential for carbon capture.
• Further research into unknown microalgal cultures can unlock novel applications in bio-energy and industrial processes.
• Genetic insights pave the way for future metabolic engineering of microalgae for enhanced carbon utilization.