A Non-Vector Approach to Increase Lipid Levels in the Microalga Planktochlorella nurekis

Abstract

Microalgae are freshwater and marine unicellular photosynthetic organisms that utilize sunlight to produce biomass. Due to fast microalgal growth rate and their unique biochemical profiles and potential applications in food and renewable energy industries, the interest in microalgal research is rapidly increasing. Biochemical and genetic engineering have been considered to improve microalgal biomass production but these manipulations also limited microalgal growth. The aim of the study was the biochemical characterization of recently identified microalgal strain Planktochlorella nurekis with elevated cell size and DNA levels compared to wild type strain that was achieved by a safe non-vector approach, namely co-treatment with colchicine and cytochalasin B (CC). A slight increase in growth rate was observed in twelve clones of CC-treated cells. For biochemical profiling, several parameters were considered, namely the content of proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, β-glucans, chlorophylls, carotenoids, B vitamins and ash. CC-treated cells were characterized by elevated levels of lipids compared to unmodified cells. Moreover, the ratio of carotenoids to chlorophyll a and total antioxidant capacity were slightly increased in CC-treated cells. We suggest that Planktochlorella nurekis with modified DNA levels and improved lipid content can be considered to be used as a dietary supplement and biofuel feedstock.

Treatment with Modified Extracts of the Microalga Planktochlorella nurekis Attenuates the Development of Stress-Induced Senescence in Human Skin Cells

“…Twelve clones of the microalga Planktochlorella nurekis with improved biochemical features were used [16]. A detailed description of biochemical profiles of modified microalgal clones can be found elsewhere [16].…”

“…Twelve clones of the microalga Planktochlorella nurekis with improved biochemical features were used [16]. A detailed description of biochemical profiles of modified microalgal clones can be found elsewhere [16]. To prepare microalgal extracts of twelve clones of the microalga Planktochlorella nurekis and one control clone, two solvents were considered, namely, water and 80% ethanol.…”

“…In 2014, a new species of microalgae was reported, namely, Planktochlorella nurekis [15]. More recently, we comprehensively characterized its biochemical features and also selected twelve microalgal clones with improved biochemical profiles based on colchicine and cytochalasin B-mediated changes in ploidy state and DNA content [16]. However, the biological activity of water and ethanolic extracts of the microalga Planktochlorella nurekis has not been addressed.…”

“…To conclude, WE7 and WE9 promoted the most pronounced anti-senescence activity in both cell lines (Figure 9). In the case of WE7, the protective effect may rely on WE7-mediated nitric oxide signaling, at least in BJ cells ( Figure 8) and increased pools of niacin and biotin compared to unmodified control microalgal clone (CWE) [16]. A plethora of biological processes can be modulated by niacin-derived nucleotides (e.g., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NADH, and its phosphorylated form NADPH), namely, redox reactions, antioxidative protection, DNA repair, and the activity of signaling pathways, which may stimulate some protective effects during stress conditions [42].…”

“…In 2014, a new microalgal species was reported, namely, Planktochlorella nurekis [15]. More recently, we provided a comprehensive biochemical characterization of the microalga Planktochlorella nurekis and selected twelve clones with elevated levels of lipids and several pigments and B vitamins, and increased antioxidant activity [16]. However, Planktochlorella nurekis-mediated effects in cellular models in vitro have never been addressed, e.g., the ability to stimulate cell proliferation and migration and to promote some anti-aging effects.…”