Native species of microalgae were isolated from natural water bodies in the Midwestern United States of America and were screened for the ultimate goal of mass cultivation in Missouri and the surrounding states, and for their potential as biomass and biodiesel sources. A number of different nutrient media recipes were utilized to isolate the maximum number of colonies from each field samples. These nutrient recipes were modified in order to optimize the isolation and growth dynamics of specific colonies. All of the isolates were categorized based on the morphological appearance of the culture and the microscopic cellular appearance of the isolated colonies. Isolates included many common green microalgae and cyanobacteria. Lipid content was determined for selected strains that demonstrated relatively quick growth. Scenedesmus sp. that demonstrated the high growth rate, resistance to invasion, and contained sufficient amounts of lipid was investigated for its potential as a sustainable biomass and biodiesel feedstocks.

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The mixed-ligand copper(II) complex [Cu(tdp)(tmp)](ClO4), where H(tdp) is 2-[(2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino)methyl]phenol and tmp is 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, exhibits cleavage of the proteins bovine serum albumin and lysozyme, producing approximately 5 and 4 kDa protein fragments respectively within a few minutes at micromolar concentrations. The hydrophobic tmp ligand recognizes the hydrophobic site and enhances protein binding and cleavage even at physiological pH and temperature.

The various marine cyanobacterial strains tested showed wide variation in growth patterns and decolourization patterns of the lignin model polymeric dye Poly R-478. The study revealed the presence of laccases (LACs) and polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) in marine cyanobacteria. All the ten tested strains were found to possess constitutive PPOs, whereas only four strains showed the presence of constitutive laccases. Within 7 days of incubation the highest percentage of decolourization was shown by Phormidium valderianum BDU140441 (65%), and Oscillatoria chlorina BDU 140691 (12%) showed the least. Isoforms of LACs were found to be induced by the laccase elicitors veratryl aldehyde, caffeic acid, guaiacol and tannic acid. Cyanobacterial strains that possess both LACs and PPOs were relatively more efficient in decolourizing the dye. Altering the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur from the basal medium influenced the efficiency of dye decolourization.

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