Abstract
Botryococcus braunii is an oleaginous green algae with the distinctive property of accumulating high quantities of hydrocarbons per dry weight in its colonies. Large variation in colony structure exists, yet its implications and influence of oil distribution and diffusion dynamics are not known and could not be answered due to lack of suitable in vivo methods. This publication seeks to further the understanding on oil dynamics, by investigating naturally relevant large (700–1500μm) and extra-large (1500–2500μm) sized colonies of Botryococcus braunii (race B, strain Showa) in vivo, using a comprehensive approach of chemical shift selective imaging, chemical shift imaging and spin echo diffusion measurements at high magnetic field (17.6T). Hydrocarbon distribution in large colonies was found to be localised in two concentric oil layers with different thickness and concentration. Extra-large colonies were highly unstructured and oil was spread throughout colonies, but with large local variations. Interestingly, fluid channels were observed in extra-large colonies. Diffusion-weighted MRI revealed a strong correlation between colony heterogeneity, oil distribution, and diffusion dynamics in different parts of Botryococcus colonies. Differences between large and extra-large colonies were characterised by using T2 weighted MRI along with relaxation measurements. Our result, therefore, provides first non-invasive MRI means to obtain spatial information on oil distribution and diffusion dynamics in Botryococcus braunii colonies.
Highlights
Research into biofuel sources is receiving increasing attention as the general public and policymakers become aware of the need to shift from a fossil energy based economy to a more sustainable bio-based economy
This study provides for the first time noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) means to obtain spatial information of oil distribution, and diffusion dynamics in vivo
This band is most likely comprised of cells in the extracellular matrix, in which living cells occur predominantly near the surface
Summary
Research into biofuel sources is receiving increasing attention as the general public and policymakers become aware of the need to shift from a fossil energy based economy to a more sustainable bio-based economy. First and second generation biofuels have difficulty reaching sufficient economic efficiency, due to the costly conversion steps involved, energy diverted to biomass and a large areal footprint. Third generation biofuels ideally need to provide direct conversion of CO2 into biofuels, avoid conversion losses and utilize biofuels as an energy sink which would altogether increase yield. Algae, known for their large biodiversity and range of secondary metabolites, could provide a promising solution for this challenge
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