Abstract
Desmodesmus is a green microalgal genus that is frequently found in aquatic environments. Its high biomass productivity and potential as a source of lipids have attracted considerable attention. Although Desmodesmus is ubiquitous, it is difficult to identify; even within a small area, the diversity of the species and the fatty acids they produce are unknown. In this study, we performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed the genetic diversity of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to accurately identify Desmodesmus in a local area of Japan (Saga City, Saga Pref.) and to assess its existence as a biological resource. In addition, we analyzed the fatty acid composition and content of the newly established strains. In total, 10 new strains were established, and 9 previously described species were identified. The presence of a cosmopolitan species indicated the global distribution of Desmodesmus. However, only regional species were found. One strain, dSgDes-b, did not form a clear clade with any described species in the phylogenetic analysis and had a characteristic ITS2 secondary structure. The cell wall of this strain exhibited a distinctive microstructure, and it produced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); hence, the strain was described as a new species, Desmodesmus dohacommunis Demura sp. nov. Thus, useful information regarding the use of Desmodesmus as a bioresource was provided.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
We identified newly established Desmodesmus strains based on detailed morpholog106 ical observations and phylogenetic analysis and revealed the FAME(fatty acid methyl esters) profile of these strains
With the exception of isolate dSgDes-b, these isolates could be identified as previously recorded species, namely, D. armatus, D. communis, D. pirkollei, D. protuberans, and D. tropicus, on the basis of morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analysis (Table 1 and Figure 3)
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Desmodesmus (Chodat) An, Friedl, and Hegewald is a green algal genus that is frequently found in aquatic environments. Because of the ease of culturing and high biomass productivity, it has attracted attention as a material for biofuels [1,2]. The high lipid content indicates its potential as a source of high value-added fatty acids, such as ω-3 fatty acids [3]. Sijil et al [3] reported that high α-linolenic acid production in a strain of Desmodesmus is enhanced by culturing under mixotrophic and low-temperature conditions
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