MALDI-TOF MS Classification of Formosan Thraustochytrids and Their Use in Shrimp Farming

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Aquaculture nutrition

Background:

• Thraustochytrids are marine protists valuable for producing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and carotenoids such as astaxanthin.
• Sustainable aquaculture requires efficient methods for identifying and utilizing these high-value bioactive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper database for Formosan thraustochytrid strains.
• To enhance taxonomic resolution and functionally group strains using biochemical traits.
• To select and evaluate thraustochytrid strains for improving shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture.

Main Methods:

• MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper database creation and comparison with 18S rRNA gene phylogeny.
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering of biochemical data.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for quantifying DHA and astaxanthin yields.
• Aquaculture trials with selected thraustochytrid strains (Schizochytrium sp. W1.2 and Aurantiochytrium sp. YA7.1).

Main Results:

• MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper provided higher taxonomic resolution than 18S rRNA gene analysis.
• Integrated classification enabled effective functional grouping of thraustochytrid strains based on bioactive yields.
• DHA-rich strain W1.2 improved postlarval survival and growth in shrimp.
• Astaxanthin-rich strain YA7.1 enhanced feed conversion and adult size in shrimp.

Conclusions:

• Integrated proteomic and biochemical classification is effective for selecting thraustochytrid strains for specific applications.
• Thraustochytrids offer dual benefits in microbial taxonomy and functional nutrition for sustainable aquaculture.
• Selected thraustochytrid strains can significantly enhance shrimp aquaculture performance.