Immobilized microalgae in biotechnology

Abstract

Here we present a brief account of current data on immobilization of oxygenic phototrophic microorganisms—cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae—in natural and artificial experimental systems. We emphasize that immobilization e.g. in biofilms is a basic, widespread in nature strategy ensuring the survival of microorganisms. Accordingly, the artificially immobilized microalgal cells might be considered as a special group of biomimetic materials. Special attention is paid to the effect(s) of different immobilization on the physiology of microalgal cells and their stress tolerance as well as productivity of microalgal cultures. A comparison of the advantages and drawbacks of different immobilization techniques and cell carriers is presented. The review concludes with outlook on the possibilities of using of the immobilized phototrophic cells in biotechnology. Specific areas include (but not limited to) the biomass and metabolites production and harvesting, removal of heavy metals, biocapture of nutrients from wastewater and destroying of organic pollutants are explored.