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Mixotrophy in Marine Microalgae to Enhance Their Bioactivity
Gabriella Licata1, Christian Galasso2, Fortunato Palma Esposito3
1Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Microorganisms
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Mixotrophic cultivation boosts microalgal biomass and bioactive compound production. This method enhances algae
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Sustainable Resources
- Microalgal Cultivation and Applications
- Climate Change Mitigation
Background:
- Photosynthetic microorganisms, like microalgae, are key for carbon dioxide fixation and producing valuable biomolecules.
- Mixotrophic growth, combining light with organic and inorganic carbon, enhances microalgal biomass and metabolic diversity.
- Microalgae are crucial for climate mitigation and sustainable biotechnological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate microalgal species (Nannochloropsis granulata, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chlorella sp.) under phototrophic and mixotrophic cultivation.
- To assess the impact of mixotrophy on biomass production and bioactive compound generation.
- To identify microalgal strains with significant antiproliferative and antibacterial activities.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of Nannochloropsis granulata, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and Chlorella sp. under phototrophic and mixotrophic conditions.
- Biomass yield assessment and measurement of bioactive compound production.
- In vitro bioactivity assays, including antiproliferative and antibacterial testing.
- Metabolomics analysis to identify bioactive compounds.
Main Results:
- Mixotrophic cultivation significantly increased biomass production in all tested microalgal species.
- Phaeodactylum tricornutum demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity against human melanoma cells and antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus.
- Chlorella sp. also exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
- Metabolomics analysis provided insights into compounds responsible for observed bioactivities.
Conclusions:
- Mixotrophic cultivation is a valuable strategy for enhancing microalgal productivity and bioactivity.
- Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chlorella sp. show significant potential for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.
- Microalgae are versatile organisms for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
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