Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:13
A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Multidimensional interaction mechanisms and engineering applications of microalgae-fungal microorganism symbiotic
Yong Zhang1, Yang Shen2,3, Yining Gu4
1Qinhuangdao Marine Center, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Qinhuangdao, 066000, China.
AIMS Microbiology
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Microalgae-fungi symbiotic systems offer environmental remediation and bioresource potential. Fungal pellet bioflocculation overcomes harvesting energy costs, enabling efficient biorefineries for wastewater treatment and valuable products.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microalgae-fungi symbiotic systems show promise for environmental remediation and bioresource development.
- Current challenges include understanding symbiotic mechanisms, high harvesting energy costs, and poor adaptability to complex wastewater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research progress on microalgae-fungi symbiotic systems.
- To focus on fungal pellet-assisted bioflocculation for efficient biomass harvesting.
- To provide guidance for developing sustainable microalgae-fungi biorefineries.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of germplasm resources, interaction mechanisms, and engineering applications.
- Evaluation of fungal pellet-assisted bioflocculation technology.
- Assessment of system performance in wastewater purification, bioenergy, and metabolite production.
Main Results:
- Fungal pellet bioflocculation significantly reduces energy consumption for biomass harvesting.
- The symbiotic system demonstrates effectiveness in wastewater purification.
- Potential for bioenergy accumulation and high-value metabolite production is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae-fungi systems, particularly with fungal pellet bioflocculation, offer a sustainable approach for biorefineries.
- This technology can bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application for environmental and bioresource goals.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...
01:25Biofuels
The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...
01:26Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
Microbial cooperation involves beneficial interactions in which different species work together for individual or mutual advantage. These interactions can profoundly influence ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, and they are essential to many pathogenic and symbiotic relationships.Nematode–Bacteria CooperationA striking example is the relationship between the Gram-negative bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and the parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Juvenile nematodes...
01:21Green Algae
Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
01:09Microbe-Plant Interactions
Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...