Chlorophyll Extraction Research Articles

PHOTOINACTIVATION OF CANDIDA ALBICANS BIOFILM WITH GREEN LASER MEDIATED BY THE PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACT CHLOROPHYLL

This study aims to activate the effectiveness of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) as an antibacterial agent by using a green laser and papaya leaf chlorophyll extract to prevent Candida albicans cell death. Papaya leaf extract chlorophyll is known to have potential as a photosensitizer (PS) through its antimicrobial properties and ability to absorb optimal light photons at a wavelength range of 405–680 nm. Activation of chlorophyll molecules with appropriate light produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are toxic to pathogenic microbes such as Candida albicans. The research method involves using PDI with a green laser light source and chlorophyll extract on Candida albicans biofilms. Four main treatment groups were applied, negative control (C-), positive controls with 10% (C1+) and 15% chlorophyll (C2+), irradiation for 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 seconds (L1–L5), and combinations of irradiation with chlorophyll (L1F1–L5F2, where F1 for 10% chlorophyll and F2 for 15% chlorophyll), with measurements performed three times for each treatment. Living Candida albicans cells were detected using the XTT assay staining method. The results showed a significant decrease in activity in all treatment groups. Maximum activity was achieved in the L5F1 and L5F2 treatment groups with inactivation of 80% (p<0.05) and 83% (p<0.05), respectively. This study concludes that high papaya leaf extract chlorophyll concentrations combined with a green laser effectively inhibit Candida albicans biofilm.

Extraction and separation of pigments from Saccharina latissima using eutectic solvents

Harnessing the untapped potential of marine biomass has emerged as a pivotal strategy to address growing demands for natural bioactive compounds across many industries. Among these, Saccharina latissima, a prolific marine alga, is a rich source of fucoxanthin and chlorophylls — molecules of significant biotechnological interest. This work used Saccharina latissima as a source of pigments to develop an integrated platform to promote the extraction and separation of chlorophyll and fucoxanthin using eutectic solvents (ES). Hydrophobic ES were investigated in the extraction of these pigments, and operational conditions were optimised. Among four hydrophobic ES screened, the Ment:LevA system, enhanced with 20 % (v/v) of water, exhibited the greatest potential, yielding an optimised extract rich in fucoxanthin with 137.2 ± 2.6 µgfucoxanthin·gbiomass-1. Additionally, a unique ES-ES biphasic system facilitated the selective partitioning of pigments: chlorophylls predominantly remained in the hydrophobic phase, while 95 % of fucoxanthin migrated to the hydrophilic. To further refine the quality of the extracted fucoxanthin, a subsequent purification step using water was implemented successfully, resulting in a concentrated pigment product. This work highlights ES as potential biocompatible solvents for the recovery of value-added compounds from marine biomass.

Biosynthesis and Extraction of Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, and Betalaine In Vivo and In Vitro.

As natural bioactive compounds, plant pigments play crucial roles not only in plant phenotype, growth, development, and adaptation to stress but also hold unique value in biotechnology, healthcare, and industrial applications. There is growing interest in the biosynthesis and acquisition of plant pigments. Thus, this paper explores emerging extraction methods of natural pigments and elucidates the biosynthesis pathways of four key plant pigments, chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalaine in vivo and in vitro. We comprehensively discuss the application of solvent, supercritical fluid [extraction], ultrasonic, and microwave-assisted extraction techniques, as well as introducing key enzymes, precursors, and synthetic pathways involved in pigment synthesis. δ-Aminolevulinic acid represents a pivotal initiating enzyme for chlorophyll synthesis, whereas isopentenylpyrophosphate, (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, (DMAPP) are closely associated with carotenoid biosynthesis. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are critical substances for anthocyanin and betalaine synthesis, respectively. Hence, crucial genes such as chlI, crtB, PGT8, CYP76AD1, and BvDODA can be employed for heterologous biosynthesis in vitro to meet the demand for increased plant pigment amount. As a pivotal determinant of plant coloration, an in-depth exploration into the high-quality acquisition of plant pigments can provide a basis for developing superior pigments and offer new insights into increasing pigment yield.

Exploring macroalgae biorefinery: Extraction of bioactive compounds and production of volatile fatty acids

Macroalgae have gained significant attention in recent research owing to their potential as novel food source and their noteworthy nutritional properties. However, a substantial amount of these macroalgae accumulates along the coast without being utilized, highlighting the need for proper treatment and disposal methods to mitigate secondary pollution effects. Previous studies on macroalgae have primarily focused on extracting bioactive compounds or anaerobic digestion processes to produce methane or volatile fatty acids (VFA), with observed improvements following different pre-treatments. In this study, three biorefinery options for macroalgae have been compared. Additionally, the extraction of bioactive compounds followed by VFA production is proposed as a promising new valorization strategy. Milled macroalgae exhibited a low methane production yield (138 ± 17 NmL CH4·g volatile solid−1), corresponding to 31 ± 4 % biodegradability, while the acidification percentage was higher (45 ± 1%). Among the three solvents applied (water, ethanol and acetone), ethanol (80%) at 25 °C was the most effective in recovering bioactive compounds, such as chlorophylls, sugars, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. The extraction of chlorophylls and phenolic compounds was not influenced by particle size reduction. However, a more efficient extraction of sugars was observed with lower particle size. Moreover, ethanol treatment demonstrated the good efficiency in VFA production, reaching up to 3.6 ± 0.2 g VFA-(chemical oxygen demand, COD)·L−1, with a VFA spectrum (in COD basis) consisting of 51% acetic acid, 29% propionic acid, 5% i-butyric acid, 7% butyric acid, and 7% i-valeric acid. These findings highlight the potential of ethanol for efficient compound recovery and VFA production from macroalgae.

Antiviral Activity of Chlorophyll Extracts from Tetraselmis sp., a Marine Microalga, Against Zika Virus Infection.

Recent advancements in the large-scale cultivation of Tetraselmis sp. in Korea have enabled year-round production of this marine microalgae. This study explores the potential industrial applications of Tetraselmis sp. biomass by investigating the antiviral properties of its extracts and primary components. The antiviral effects of Tetraselmis sp. extracts were evaluated in Zika virus (ZIKV)-infected cells. Following extensive isolation and purification, the main compounds were characterized using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Their antiviral activities were confirmed using in vitro and in silico tests. Tetraselmis sp. extracts reduced infectious viral particles and non-structural protein 1 messenger RNA levels in ZIKV-infected cells without inducing cytotoxicity. Additionally, they modulated the interferon-mediated immune system responses. Tetraselmis sp. extracts are composed of four main chlorophylls: chlorophyll a, chlorin e6-131-152-dimethyl-173-phytyl ester, hydroxychlorophyll a, and hydroxypheophytin a. Among them, chlorophyll a, chlorin e6-131-152-dimethyl-173-phytyl ester, and hydroxypheophytin showed the antiviral activities in ZIKV-infected cells and molecular docking simulations predicted interactions between these chlorophylls and ZIKV. Our findings suggest that Tetraselmis sp. chlorophyll extracts exert antiviral effects against ZIKV and could serve as potential therapeutic candidates against ZIKV infection.

Identification of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase gene family reveals that SlLACS1 is essential for cuticular wax biosynthesis in tomato

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (LACSs), belonging to the acyl-activating enzyme superfamily, play crucial roles in lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid catabolism. Here, we identified 11 LACS genes in the tomato reference genome, and these genes were clustered into six subfamilies. Gene structure and conserved motif analyses indicated that LACSs from the same subfamily shared conserved gene and protein structures. Expression analysis revealed that SlLACS1 was highly expressed in the outer epidermis of tomato fruits and leaves. Subcellular localization assay results showed that SlLACS1 was located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Compared with wild-type plants, the wax content on leaves and fruits decreased by 22.5–34.2 % in SlLACS1 knockout lines, confirming that SlLACS1 was involved in wax biosynthesis in both leaves and fruits. Water loss, chlorophyll extraction, water-deficit, and toluidine blue assays suggested that cuticle permeability was elevated in SlLACS1 knockout lines, resulting in reduction in both drought stress resistance and fruit shelf-life. Overall, our analysis of the LACSs in tomato, coupled with investigations of SlLACS1 function, yielded a deeper understanding of the evolutionary patterns of LACS members and revealed the involvement of SlLACS1 in wax accumulation contribute to drought resistance and extended fruit shelf-life in tomato.

Stabilized chlorophyll-based food colorants from spinach: Kinetics of a tailored enzymatic extraction.

An organic solvent-free method based on limited dosing options (biocatalyst and zinc chloride) for the quick and mild recovery of chlorophyll (Chl) from spinach has been proposed. This tailored, custom-made protocol has been designed to produce stable green natural colorants. The kinetics of pigment extraction turned out to be a very useful tool to identify the proper conditions, in terms of biocatalyst dose (0.10-50U/g), extraction time (1-48h), and ZnCl2 amount (50-300ppm), both for enhancing the recovery yield and preserving the green color. Considering the extraction kinetics, the recovery yield, and the colorimetric data, the suitable conditions to produce stable green and food-grade colorants are 0.10U/g of enzyme, 3h, and 150ppm of ZnCl2 at 25°C. The extraction yield of Chl (4863µg/U) was about 51% greater than control, with a higher extraction rate constant (5.43×10-4g/(µgmin)). Considering the impact of ZnCl2 amount on Chl, its protective action resulted to be more noticeable toward Chl a: at 150ppm, an increased amount of about 2.5 and 1.5 times was found for Chl a and Chl b, respectively, in comparison to the reference (0ppm ZnCl2). PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research demonstrates how a suitable kinetic approach helps to provide a tailored protocol, customized for the vegetable matrix, to produce stable green natural colorants from spinach. Lowering enzyme dosage and ZnCl2 amount during the extraction of chlorophyll at low temperature is crucial for its potential use as a colorant in food industry, providing high economic values through saving time and environmental protection.

Metabolic profiling reveal changes in shoots and roots of nitrogen-deficient tea plants (Camellia sinensis cv. Jinxuan)

Tea plants require high levels of nitrogen for optimal growth. However, delayed or insufficient nitrogen supply often induces nitrogen deficiency stress. This stress can adversely affect the plant's growth, development, and metabolic processes. Therefore, studying how tea plants respond to nitrogen deficiency conditions is crucial for enhancing our understanding and management of their growth environment. In this study, we utilized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) techniques to analyze the non-volatile and volatile components of both shoots and roots of the 'Jing Xuan (JX)' tea variety under nitrogen deprivation for 30 days (Nd). The results revealed that nitrogen deprivation led to a deceleration in shoot growth of 'JX', accompanied by reduced chlorophyll and water-soluble extract contents, with nitrogen accumulating predominantly in the roots. Significant decreases were observed in caffeine content in shoots and in the total amounts of theanine and catechins in both shoots and roots, while epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) accumulation increased in shoots. Moreover, we identified 65 volatile components in shoots, including a notable decrease in floral and fruity compounds such as trans-β-Ionone, Geranylacetone, and α-Ionone. The biosynthesis of amino acids and phenylpropane metabolism are more active pathways under nitrogen stress. Nitrogen deficiency led to reduced levels of amino acids, carboxylic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and their derivatives in roots, with the most notable decline observed in carboxylic acids, typified by Leucine, l-Aspartate, and l-histidine. In contrast, shoots accumulate carbohydrates and phenolic compounds, mainly sucrose. Additionally, metabolites such as Myristic acid and 3-Dehydroshikimate could be a critical indicator of stress levels. These findings enhance our understanding of tea plant growth and metabolism under nitrogen deficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding nitrogen-efficient tea varieties.

Developing a Semi-Automated Near-Coastal, Water Quality-Retrieval Process from Global Multi-Spectral Data: South-Eastern Australia

The estimation of water quality properties through satellite remote sensing relies on (1) the optical characteristics of the water body, (2) the resolutions (spatial, spectral, radiometric and temporal) of the sensor and (3) algorithm(s) applied. More than 80% of global water bodies fall under Case I (open ocean) waters, dominated by scattering and absorption associated with phytoplankton in the water column. Globally, previous studies show significant correlations between satellite-based retrieval methods and field measurements of absorbing and scattering constituents, while limited research from Australian coastal water bodies appears. This study presents a methodology to extract chlorophyll a properties from surface waters from near-coastal environments, within 2 km of coastline, in Tasmania, south-eastern Australia. We use general purpose, global, long-time series, multi-spectral satellite data, as opposed to ocean colour-specific sensor data. This approach may offer globally applicable tools for combining global satellite image archives with in situ field sensors for water quality monitoring. To enable applications from local to global scales, a cloud-based geospatial analysis workflow was developed and tested on several sites. This work represents the initial stage in developing a semi-automated near-coastal water-quality workflow using easily accessed, fully corrected global multi-spectral datasets alongside large-scale computation and delivery capabilities. Our results indicated a strong correlation between the in situ chlorophyll concentration data and blue-green band ratios from the multi-spectral sensor. In line with published research, environment-specific empirical models exhibited the highest correlations between in situ and satellite measurements, underscoring the importance of tailoring models to specific coastal waters. Our findings may provide the basis for developing this workflow for other sites in Australia. We acknowledge the use of general purpose multi-spectral data such as the Sentinel-2 and Landsat Series, their corrections and algorithms may not be as accurate and precise as ocean colour satellites. The data we are using are more readily accessible and also have true global coverage with global historic archives and regular, global collection will continue at least 10 years in the future. Regardless of sensor specifications, the retrieval method relies on localised algorithm calibration and validation using in situ measurements, which demonstrates close-to-realistic outputs. We hope this approach enables future applications to also consider these globally accessible and regularly updated datasets that are suited to coastal environments.

Pemanfaatan Eceng Gondok dan Crude Palm Oil sebagai Bioaditif Bahan Bakar Kendaraan Bermotor

Eceng gondok contains chlorophyll which is an oxygenate type additive which can increase the combustion reaction in fuel and reduce exhaust emissions. Therefore, eceng gondok has the potential to be used as a bioadditive in fuel by adding carotene from crude palm oil which functions as an antioxidant through electron transfer, thereby protecting chlorophyll from autooxidation. The two chlorophyll and carotene extracts at a ratio of 0:1, 2:3, 3:1, 4:1, 3:2, and 1:0 respectively were mixed with toluene and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester as a bioadditive formula. in gasoline fuel. The research results show that there is an increase in octane value of 0.1-0.5% according to ASTM D 2699 and GC-FID and results in a reduction in CO and CO2 exhaust emissions of 52.38% and 37% respectively. .00% on the use of chlorophyll : carotene (2:3) bioadditives in gasoline. This shows that eceng gondok and crude palm oil can be used as bioadditives in gasoline motor vehicles.

An undergrad experiment for the at-home study of fluorescence: Extraction of quinine and chlorophyll from Cinchona tree bark

Herein we describe a method for the effective extraction and qualitative detection of quinine and chlorophyll. Both compounds can be successfully extracted from Cinchona tree bark (Cinchona pubescens Vahl) using nothing but household materials, usually cheap and easily acquired items available in any hardware store. During solid-liquid extraction with reflux, using an organic solvent is used to retain both compounds. Afterward, the compounds are partitioned between water and paint solvent. The organic phase containing the chlorophyll is saved, and the aqueous layer is acidified. Finally, an ultraviolet (UV) light is used to provoke fluorescence in both compounds.

Examining Chlorophyll Extraction Methods in Sesame Genotypes: Uncovering Leaf Coloration Effects and Anatomy Variations.

This study focuses on optimizing chlorophyll extraction techniques, in which leaf discs are cut from places on the leaf blade to enhance chlorophyll concentration in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaves. Thirty sesame genotypes, categorized into light green (LG), middle green (MG), and deep green (DG) pigment groups based on leaf coloration, were selected from a larger pool of field-grown accessions. The investigation involved determining optimal Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value index measurements, quantifying pigment concentrations, exploring extraction solvents, and selecting suitable leaf disk positions. Significant variations in chlorophyll content were observed across genotypes, greenness categories, and leaf disk positions. The categorization of genotypes into DG, MG, and LG groups revealed a correlation between leaf appearance and chlorophyll content. The study highlighted a consistent relationship between carotenoids and chlorophyll, indicating their role in adaptation to warm environments. An examination of leaf disk positions revealed a significant chlorophyll gradient along the leaf blade, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols. Chlorophyll extraction experiments identified DMSO and 96% ethanol, particularly in those incubated for 10 min at 85 °C, as effective choices. This recommendation considers factors like cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, safety, and environmental regulations, ensuring consistent and simplified extraction processes. For higher chlorophyll extraction, focusing on leaf tips and the 75% localization along the sesame leaf blade is suggested, as this consistently yields increased chlorophyll content. Furthermore, our examination revealed significant anatomical variations in the internal structure of the mesophyll tissue leaves between deep green and light green sesame plants, primarily linked to chloroplast density and pigment-producing structures. Our findings, therefore, provide insightful knowledge of chlorophyll gradients and encourage the use of standardized protocols that enable researchers to refine their experimental designs for precise and comparable chlorophyll measurements. The recommended solvent choices ensure reliable outcomes in plant physiology, ecology, and environmental studies.

Optimization of Chlorophyll Extraction from Dried Spirulina platensis Using Low Power Microwave Assisted Extraction Method

Optimization of Chlorophyll Extraction from Dried Spirulina platensis Using Low Power Microwave Assisted Extraction Method

Alternative green solvents associated with ultrasound-assisted extraction: A green chemistry approach for the extraction of carotenoids and chlorophylls from microalgae

This study proposes a method for the ultrasonic extraction of carotenoids and chlorophyll from Scenedesmus obliquus and Arthrospira platensis microalgae with green solvents. Ethanol and ethanolic solutions of ionic liquids were tested with a variety of extraction parameters, including number of extractions, time of extraction, and solid–liquid ratio R(S/L), to determine the optimal conditions. After selecting the most effective green solvent (ethanol), the process conditions were established: R(S/L) of 1:10, three extraction cycles at 3 min each), giving an extraction yield of 2602.36 and 764.21 μgcarotenoids.gdried biomass−1; and 22.01 and 5.81 mgchlorophyll.gdried biomass−1 in S. obliquus and A. platensis, respectively. The carotenoid and chlorophyll extracts obtained using ethanol were shown to be potent scavengers of peroxyl radical, being 5.94 to 26.08 times more potent α-tocopherol. These findings pave the way for a green strategy for valorizing microalgal biocompounds through efficient and environmentally friendly technological processes.

Induction of volatile organic compounds in chrysanthemum plants following infection by Rhizoctonia solani.

This study investigated the effects of Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn infestation on the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and biochemical composition of ten cultivars of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium /Ramat./ Hemsl.) to bring new insights for future disease management strategies and the development of resistant chrysanthemum cultivars. The chrysanthemum plants were propagated vegetatively and cultivated in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions. VOCs emitted by the plants were collected using a specialized system and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Biochemical analyses of the leaves were performed, including the extraction and quantification of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The emission of VOCs varied among the cultivars, with some cultivars producing a wider range of VOCs compared to others. The analysis of the VOC emissions from control plants revealed differences in both their quality and quantity among the tested cultivars. R. solani infection influenced the VOC emissions, with different cultivars exhibiting varying responses to the infection. Statistical analyses confirmed the significant effects of cultivar, collection time, and their interaction on the VOCs. Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships between certain pairs of VOCs. The results show significant differences in the biochemical composition among the cultivars, with variations in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds content. Interestingly, R. solani soil and leaf infestation decreased the content of carotenoids in chrysanthemums. Plants subjected to soil infestation were characterized with the highest content of phenolics. This study unveils alterations in the volatile and biochemical responses of chrysanthemum plants to R. solani infestation, which can contribute to the development of strategies for disease management and the improvement of chrysanthemum cultivars with enhanced resistance to R. solani.

Optimization of Chlorophyll Extraction from Ulva Sp. with Ultrasound-Assisted Liquid Biphasic Systems Method

Ulva sp. is a type of green algae that is easily found in the shallow seas of Indonesia and contains various bioactive compounds. Chlorophyll is a bioactive compound that functions as a natural dye, free radical scavenger, and antioxidant in the body. Chlorophyll extraction with conventional methods requires a relatively long time and large amount of solvent. In this research, chlorophyll extraction from Ulva sp. with the Ultrasound-Assisted Liquid Biphasic System (UALBS) method. Ulva sp. as much as 2.5 grams mixed in acetone solvent, added K2HPO4 solution, and carried out the sonification process in a dark room. The extraction process performs at a parameter range of 5-15 minutes, ratio 0.05-0.1 g/mL, and 60-100 mesh particle size. The extracted filtrate was added with petroleum ether and distilled water to form a biphasic condition. The extracted chlorophyll was analyzed with chromatography and spectrophotometry method. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using the DPPH method. The optimum result of Ulva sp. chlorophyll extraction at an extraction time of 10 minutes, the ratio of solids to solvent was 0.1, the particle size of 60 mesh produced a yield of 1.88% with chlorophyll a 20.13664%, chlorophyll b 21.58672% and total chlorophyll 41.71012%, and the percentage inhibition 45.32%.

Pulsed electric field-assisted extraction of carotenoids from Chlorella zofingiensis

The present work aimed to evaluate the use of PEF as a pretreatment to carotenoid and chlorophyll extraction from two different C. zofingiensis biomasses, green (non-stressed) and orange (stressed). PEF treatment was performed by varying the electric field strength (15, 20, 25 kV/cm) and the treatment time (30, 75, 150 μs). The effect of incubation in a pH 7 buffer for 24 h after PEF and before extraction was also evaluated. The application of an intermediate intensity combined with higher number of pulses (20 kV/cm with 50 pulses) was sufficient to promote the extraction, yielding the highest contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls. The incubation promoted higher extraction yields for treatments performed with shorter treatment times and with mild electric field strengths. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the application of PEF combined with ethanol could represent a suitable approach for the extraction of carotenoids and chlorophylls from Chlorella zofingiensis biomass.

Antioxidant Activity of Dechlorophyllation of Kejibeling Leaf (Strobilanthes crispu L.) Extract Using the Free Radical Reduction Method

Kejibeling leaves (Strobilanthes crispus L.) from the Acanthaceae family is a medicinal plant that has medicinal properties. This research aims to determine and determine the antioxidant activity of the dechlorophyllation ethanol extract of kejibeling leaves (Strobilanthes crispus L.) based on the IC50 value with the DPPH method. Kejibeling leaf extract (Strobilanthes crispus L.) extracted by soxhletation method, wherein the extraction process uses two types of solvents of different polarity, to attract chlorophyll compounds and antioxidant compounds, the percent yield of chlorophyll extract is obtained 0.0352% and percent yield of dechlorophyllation ethanol extract 9.604%. Then tested the antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The results showed that there was antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 106.375 µg/mL, that is, the result shows moderate antioxidant activity, while quercetin as a comparison has very strong antioxidant activity with a value of 1.391 µg/mL.

Effect of seasonal and regional variations on the physio-biochemical parameters of Artemisia campestris (L.) in arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria

ABSTRACT Seasonal and regional variations in biochemical and physiological parameters of Artemisia campestris (L.) were investigated. The quantification of proline by the formation of a coloured complex was done by coupling proline with ninhydrin. The determination of soluble sugars and the extraction of chlorophyll from the leaves were carried out. The seasonal average leaf proline concentration of plants from the arid region was higher than that from the semi-arid region. The more the seasonal temperature increases, the greater the concentration of proline, as with the concentrations of soluble sugars in the two study regions. The distribution and accumulation of certain minerals (e.g. Sodium and Potassium) in the plant can be modified to increase resistance to heat stress.

Extraction of chlorophyll a from Tetradesmus obliquus—a method upgrade

Nowadays, the use of algae is prevalent for both industrial and agricultural purposes. The determination of chlorophyll (Chl) content is a commonly used method for estimating the phytoplankton abundance in different water bodies or biomass density of algal cultures. The aim of the present work is to optimise the efficiency of the Chl extraction from the green alga Tetradesmus obliquus using methanol as extracting solvent. The extraction efficiency was estimated by measuring the Chl a concentration of the extracts using fluorescence spectroscopy. To increase the extraction yield, glass fibre filters with algal cells on top were treated with 10% (v/v) formalin prior to the extraction. We found that this pretreatment significantly enhanced the extraction yield of Chl without its chemical decomposition. We also found that the optimal cell concentration for Chl determination ranged from 1.44 × 104 to 3.60 × 105 cells/mL and the extraction efficiency was lower when the cell density of the culture was out of this range. These results highlight the importance of the optimization of the pigment extraction for the studied algal species.