Microalga Haematococcus Pluvialis Research Articles

Production of new functional coconut milk kefir with blueberry extract and microalgae: the comparison of the prebiotic potentials on lactic acid bacteria of kefir grain and biochemical characteristics

AbstractProbiotic foods are recognized for their importance on human health. Kefir is a versatile probiotic food that can be made from non-dairy sources for vegan diet. This study evaluated the addition of microalga Haematococcus pluvialis (0.50% w/v) and blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus (0.50% w/v) extracts to compare their influence on the biochemical properties and the bacterial community of coconut milk kefir through Nanopore-based DNA sequencing. Results revealed that the V. myrtillus increased the microbial diversity in coconut milk kefir with more abundant Proteobacteria species such as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (22%) and Lactococcus lactis (6.3%). Microalga demonstrated the opposite effect on C, making Firmicutes represent the whole of the microbiota. Biochemical analysis revealed increased fat content in the kefir samples, with the C1 registering 1.62% and the 1.07% in C2, in contrast to the control group’s 0.87% fat content. The crude protein content exhibited a decrease in both samples compared to the control group (0.00% and 0.88% versus 1.07%). These findings suggest that fortifying vegan kefir with prebiotics has the potential to induce significant alterations in the kefir microbiota. Graphical abstract

Biorefinery approach to stimulate astaxanthin and biofuel generation in microalga Haematococcus pluvialis under different light irradiance

Biorefinery approach to stimulate astaxanthin and biofuel generation in microalga Haematococcus pluvialis under different light irradiance

Bet hedging in a unicellular microalga

Understanding how organisms have adapted to persist in unpredictable environments is a fundamental goal in biology. Bet hedging, an evolutionary adaptation observed from microbes to humans, facilitates reproduction and population persistence in randomly fluctuating environments. Despite its prevalence, empirical evidence in microalgae, crucial primary producers and carbon sinks, is lacking. Here, we report a bet-hedging strategy in the unicellular microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. We show that isogenic populations reversibly diversify into heterophenotypic mobile and non-mobile cells independently of environmental conditions, likely driven by stochastic gene expression. Mobile cells grow faster but are stress-sensitive, while non-mobile cells prioritise stress resistance over growth. This is due to shifts from growth-promoting activities (cell division, photosynthesis) to resilience-promoting processes (thickened cell wall, cell enlargement, aggregation, accumulation of antioxidant and energy-storing compounds). Our results provide empirical evidence for bet hedging in a microalga, indicating the potential for adaptation to current and future environmental conditions and consequently conservation of ecosystem functions.

Dietary Astaxanthin: A Promising Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agent for Brain Aging and Adult Neurogenesis.

Decreased adult neurogenesis, or the gradual depletion of neural stem cells in adult neurogenic niches, is considered a hallmark of brain aging. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between aging, adult neurogenesis, and the potential neuroregenerative properties of astaxanthin, a carotenoid principally extracted from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. The unique chemical structure of astaxanthin enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier and easily reach the brain, where it may positively influence adult neurogenesis. Astaxanthin can affect molecular pathways involved in the homeostasis, through the activation of FOXO3-related genetic pathways, growth, and regeneration of adult brain neurons, enhancing cell proliferation and the potency of stem cells in neural progenitor cells. Furthermore, astaxanthin appears to modulate neuroinflammation by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and limiting neuroinflammation associated with aging and chronic microglial activation. By modulating these pathways, along with its potent antioxidant properties, astaxanthin may contribute to the restoration of a healthy neurogenic microenvironment, thereby preserving the activity of neurogenic niches during both normal and pathological aging.

Influence of standard culture conditions and effect of oleoresin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis on splenic cells from healthy Balb/c mice — a pilot study

In this work, we used splenocytes from healthy mice to study the effects of the two most commonly used cell culture media (A, B) with different compositions of redox reagents. The incubation of cells for 24 h resulted in a significant decrease in viability and metabolic activity of splenocytes, and the negative effects of incubation in medium B were more pronounced. In standard conditions, oxidative stress in cells was manifested by reduced mitochondrial potential, and this effect correlated with the transition of 58.3% of cells to the early stage of apoptosis under reducing conditions of medium A and up to 66.1% of cells under super-reducing conditions in medium B, suggesting altered cell physiology. High levels of ROS/RNS activated transcription factor Nrf2, superoxide dismutase 1, and catalase. The higher mRNA levels of these genes were under the conditions of medium B, whose super-reducing environment in combination with the environment of conventional incubators proved to be less suitable for the cells compared to medium A. Treatment of the cells with a lower concentration (10 µg/ml) of oleoresin obtained from the microalga H. pluvialis partially eliminated the negative effects of cultivation. Higher concentration of oleoresin (40 µg/ml) was slightly cytotoxic, due to the significant antioxidant effect of astaxanthin, the main bioactive component of the extract, which eliminated most of the ROS/RNS acting as signalling molecules. This study shows that the standard culture conditions do not reflect the physiological in vivo cell conditions; therefore, they are not generally suitable for incubation of all cell types.

Influence of light absorption rate on the astaxanthin production by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis during nitrogen starvation

Large amounts of astaxanthin (about 4% DW) can be produced under nitrogen starvation of Haematococcus pluvialis in photobioreactors (PBRs) exposed to high light conditions to induce a light stress. However, in PBR, the large biomass concentration usually achieved leads to strong light attenuation conditions, which makes complex the analysis of this “light stress”. This study aims to elucidate the role of light transfer in astaxanthin cell content and productivity from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis during nitrogen starvation. Haematococcus pluvialis was cultivated in a flat-panel PBR in a batch mode with sudden nitrogen starvation conditions and an incident photon flux density (PFD) of 250 µmolhν m−2 s−1. Different initial biomass concentrations ({C}_{{x}_{0}}) were evaluated, 0.21, 0.52, 1.39 and 2.21 kg m−3. As a result, spectral mass absorption cross-sections of Haematococcus pluvialis were measured at different times during nitrogen starvation, and were used to relate the mean rate of photon absorption (MRPA) to the astaxanthin productivity. A minimum initial MRPA of 7000 ± 500 µmolhν kgx−1 s−1 was found necessary to trigger large accumulation of astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis cells (up to 3.21% DW) during nitrogen starvation conditions. The results also demonstrated the link between the MRPA and the daily astaxanthin productivity of Haematococcus pluvialis cultures, introducing then the MRPA as a physical quantity of interest for a rational optimization of the light culture conditions in PBRs.Graphical

A chromosome-level genome assembly for the astaxanthin-producing microalga Haematococcus pluvialis

The green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis can synthesize high amounts of astaxanthin, which is a valuable antioxidant that has been utilized in human health, cosmetics, and aquaculture. To illustrate detailed molecular clues to astaxanthin yield, we performed PacBio HIFI along with Hi-C sequencing to construct an improved chromosome-level haplotypic genome assembly with 32 chromosomes and a genome size of 316.0 Mb. Its scaffold N50 (942.6 kb) and contig N50 (304.8 kb) have been upgraded remarkably from our previous genome draft, and a total of 32,416 protein-coding genes were predicted. We also established a high-evidence phylogenetic tree from seven representative algae species, with the main aim to calculate their divergence times and identify expanded/contracted gene families. We also characterized genome-wide localizations on chromosomes of some important genes such as five BKTs (encoding beta-carotene ketolases) that are putatively involved in astaxanthin production. In summary, we reported the first chromosome-scale map of H. pluvialis, which provides a valuable genetic resource for in-depth biomedical investigations on this momentous green alga and commercial astaxanthin bioproduction.

Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism as a potential antifungal target for the sustainable cultivation of microalga Haematococcus pluvialis

BackgroundMicroalgae are widely considered as multifunctional cell factories that are able to transform the photo-synthetically fixed CO2 to numerous high-value compounds, including lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and pigments. However, contamination of the algal mass culture with fungal parasites continues to threaten the production of algal biomass, which dramatically highlights the importance of developing effective measures to control the fungal infection. One viable solution is to identify potential metabolic pathways that are essential for fungal pathogenicity but are not obligate for algal growth, and to use inhibitors targeting such pathways to restrain the infection. However, such targets remain largely unknown, making it challenging to develop effective measures to mitigate the infection in algal mass culture.ResultsIn the present study, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis for the fungus Paraphysoderma sedebokerense, which can infect the astaxanthin-producing microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It was found that many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM) were enriched in P. sedebokerense, which was assumed to produce metabolites required for the fungal parasitism. To verify this hypothesis, antifolate that hampered FOCM was applied to the culture systems. Results showed that when 20 ppm of the antifolate co-trimoxazole were added, the infection ratio decreased to ~ 10% after 9 days inoculation (for the control, the infection ratio was 100% after 5 days inoculation). Moreover, application of co-trimoxazole to H. pluvialis mono-culture showed no obvious differences in the biomass and pigment accumulation compared with the control, suggesting that this is a potentially algae-safe, fungi-targeted treatment.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that applying antifolate to H. pluvialis culturing systems can abolish the infection of the fungus P. sedebokerense and the treatment shows no obvious disturbance to the algal culture, suggesting FOCM is a potential target for antifungal drug design in the microalgal mass culture industry.

Astaxanthin Extract from Haematococcus pluvialis and Its Fractions of Astaxanthin Mono- and Diesters Obtained by CCC Show Differential Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects on Naïve-Mouse Spleen Cells.

Carotenoids are the most abundant lipid-soluble phytochemicals and are used as dietary supplements to protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a very potent antioxidant with numerous beneficial effects on cellular functions and signaling pathways. In this study, using spleen cells from healthy Balb/c mice, we report the bio-functional effects of an astaxanthin-rich extract (EXT) prepared from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and its astaxanthin monoesters-rich fraction (ME) and astaxanthin diesters-rich fraction (DE) obtained by fractionation of EXT using countercurrent chromatography (CCC). After incubation under standard culture conditions (humidity, 37 °C, 5% CO2, atmospheric oxygen), the viability of untreated splenocytes, as determined by the trypan blue exclusion assay, the MTT assay, and the neutral red assay, decreases to approximately 75% after 24 h compared with naïve splenocytes. This effect correlated with the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and the transition of ~59% of cells to the early stage of apoptosis, as well as with the decreased ROS production, indicating that hyperoxia in cell-culture deteriorates cell functions. They are restored or stimulated by co-cultivation with EXT, ME, and DE up to 10 µg/mL in the order EXT > DE > ME, suggesting that esterification increases bioavailability to cells in vitro. ROS and H2O2 concentrations reflect mRNA transcriptional activity of Nrf2, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 1, as well as SOD-mediated ROS conversion, whereas they inversely correlate with iNOS-mediated NO production. The highest-tested concentration of EXT, ME, and DE (40 µg/mL) is detrimental to cells, probably because of the overwhelming scavenging activity of astaxanthin and its esters for the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species required for cellular functions and signal transduction at low physiological concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate that differential activities of ME and DE contribute to the final antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of astaxanthin extract, which is beneficial in preventing a wide range of ROS-induced adverse effects, with DE being more effective. In addition, the selection of physioxia-like conditions for pharmacological research is highlighted.

Extraction of Valuable Biomolecules from the Microalga Haematococcus pluvialis Assisted by Electrotechnologies

The freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is well known as the cell factory for natural astaxanthin, which composes up to 4-7% of its total dry weight. The bioaccumulation of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis cysts seems to be a very complex process that depends on different stress conditions during its cultivation. The red cysts of H. pluvialis develop thick and rigid cell walls under stress growing conditions. Thus, the biomolecule extraction requires general cell disruption technologies to reach a high recovery rate. This short review provides an analysis of the different steps in H. pluvialis's up and downstream processing including cultivation and harvesting of biomass, cell disruption, extraction and purification techniques. Useful information on the structure of H. pluvialis's cells, biomolecular composition and properties and the bioactivity of astaxanthin is collected. Special emphasis is given to the recent progress in application of different electrotechnologies during the growth stages and for assistance of the recovery of different biomolecules from H. pluvialis.

Development of a bench-scale photobioreactor with a novel recirculation system for continuous cultivation of microalgae

Microalgae cultivation can be used to increase the sustainability of carbon emitting processes, converting the CO2 from exhaust gases into fuels, food and chemicals. Many of the carbon emitting industries operate in a continuous manner, for periods that can span days or months, resulting in a continuous stream of gas emissions. Biogenic CO2 from industrial microbiological processes is one example, since in many cases it becomes unsustainable to stop these processes on a daily or weekly basis. To correctly sequester these emissions, microalgae systems must be operated under continuous constant conditions, requiring photobioreactors (PBRs) that can act as chemostats for long periods of time. However, in order to optimize culture parameters or study metabolic responses, bench-scale setups are necessary. Currently there is a lack of studies and design alternatives using chemostat, since most works focus on batch assays or semi-continuous cultures. Therefore, this work focused on the development of a continuous bench-scale PBR, which combines a retention vessel, a photocollector and a degasser, with an innovative recirculation system, that allows it to operate as an autotrophic chemostat, to study carbon sequestration from a biogenic CO2-rich constant air stream. To assess its applicability, the PBR was used to cultivate the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis using as sole carbon source the CO2 produced by a coupled heterotrophic bacterial chemostat. An air stream containing ≈0.35 vol% of CO2, was fed to the system, and it was evaluated in terms of stability, carbon fixation and biomass productivity, for dilution rates ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 d−1. The PBR was able to operate under chemostat conditions for more than 100 days, producing a stable culture that generated proportional responses to the stimuli it was subjected to, attaining a maximum biomass productivity of 183 mg/L/d with a carbon fixation efficiency of ≈39% at 0.3 d−1. These results reinforce the effectiveness of the developed PBR system, making it suitable for laboratory-scale studies of continuous photoautotrophic microalgae cultivation.

The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions

The current review provides an up-to-date analysis of scientific data on astaxanthin (ASX) sources and experimental studies on its health benefits as a potent antioxidant in the aging process. ASX is a liposoluble carotenoid nutrient and reddish-orange pigment, naturally synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria as secondary metabolites. Provides a reddish hue to redfish and shellfish flesh that feed on ASX-producing microorganisms. The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the most important source for its industrial bioproduction. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, numerous investigations reported that natural ASX is a more significant antioxidant agent than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene. Furthermore, several data show that ASX possesses important nutraceutical applications and health benefits, especially in healthy aging processes. However, further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms through which ASX could lead to its effective role in the healthy aging process, such as supporting brain health and skin homeostasis. This review highlights the current investigations on the effective role of ASX in oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, skin physiology, and central nervous system functioning, and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption.

Separation and Concentration of Astaxanthin and Lutein from Microalgae Liquid Extracts Using Magnetic Nanoparticles

The downstream processing of natural active molecules remains the most significant cost in the production pipeline. This considerable cost is largely attributed to rigorous chromatographic purification protocols. In an ongoing effort to abate the dependence on chromatography in downstream processing, alternative affinity matrices in the form of magnetic particles (e.g., iron oxide) have emerged as viable candidates. Nevertheless, biotechnological applications of iron oxide particles are still confined to the research level or for low-throughput clinical applications. Herein, we describe an efficient, quick, and environmentally friendly method for the isolation of astaxanthin and lutein, two carotenoids with very similar chemical structure, from extracts of the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. The technology proposed, named Selective Magnetic Separation (SMS), is based on the use of magnetic materials carrying affinity ligands that bind carotenoids and is applied as second step of purification. The method, thanks to functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, reduces the use of organic or toxic solvents. In the present work, we examined the most efficient binding conditions such as temperature, magnetic nanoparticles concentration, and elution time, as well as their effects on carotenoids recovery, with the aim to improve the non-covalent binding between the ligand (amines) and astaxanthin/lutein. Our initial results clearly showed that it is possible to use magnetic separation as an alternative to chromatography to isolate important and valuable compounds.

Multispectral imaging flow cytometry for process monitoring in microalgae biotechnology

In the course of efficient development and optimization of biotechnological processes, the need for methods to track morphological and compositional changes of single cells is increasing. So far, the material composition of cells is determined by chemical analysis of a pooled cell sample, which reflects the average composition of the taken cell collection. Conventional flow cytometry enables the analysis of individuals from a population. However, it cannot resolve such valuable information like morphological details and distribution of molecular compounds inside the cells. This gap is bridged by a combination of imaging flow cytometry and multispectral imaging. The potential of this Multispectral Imaging Flow Cytometry (MIFC) approach has been investigated and confirmed in the presented parameter study on the bioproduction of Astaxanthin (Ax) by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (HP). As far as multispectral imaging in transmission mode, only three spectral channels (446 nm, 532 nm, 646 nm) were used to measure the amount of substance and the molecular distribution of the core components chlorophyll (Chl) and Ax. Both could be clearly separated from the phase-contrast information generated from the cellular structures and morphology. In general, the results from the MIFC method comply with the conventional measurements but extend them for details on the morphology and on compositional changes within the cultivated cell population during the cultivation process and in response to the applied stimuli. • Process monitoring for bioproduction of Astaxanthin (Ax) by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (HP). • Multispectral imaging flow cytometry (MIFC) allows direct measurements of cell populations at the single cell level. • MIFC offer quantitative distribution maps of the components and other image-based features at single-cell level. • Measured chemical extraction values (CEV) correlate with the measured values of the MIFC.

Oxidative stress facilitates infection of the unicellular alga Haematococcus pluvialis by the fungus Paraphysoderma sedebokerense

BackgroundThe green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is used as a cell factory for producing astaxanthin, the high-value carotenoid with multiple biological functions. However, H. pluvialis is prone to the infection by a parasitic fungus Paraphysoderma sedebokerense, which is the most devastating threat to the mass culture of H. pluvialis all over the world. Through dissecting the mechanisms underlying the infection process, effective measures could be developed to mitigate the pathogen threatening for the natural astaxanthin industry. By far, understanding about the interaction between the algal host and fungal pathogen remains very limited.ResultsWe observed that there were heat-stable substances with small molecular weight produced during the infection process and enhanced the susceptibility of H. pluvialis cells to the pathogen. The infection ratio increased from 10.2% (for the algal cells treated with the BG11 medium as the control) to 52.9% (for the algal cells treated with supernatant contained such substances) on the second day post-infection, indicating the yet unknown substances in the supernatant stimulated the parasitism process. Systematic approaches including multi-omics, biochemical and imaging analysis were deployed to uncover the identity of the metabolites and the underlying mechanisms. Two metabolites, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and hordenine were identified and proved to stimulate the infection via driving oxidative stress to the algal cells. These metabolites generated hydroxyl radicals to disrupt the subcellular components of the algal cells and to make the algal cells more susceptible to the infection. Based on these findings, a biosafe and environment-friendly antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was selected to inhibit the fungal infection, which completely abolished the infection at 12 ppm. By applying 7 ppm BHA every 2 days to the algal cell culture infected with P. sedebokerense in the 100 L open raceway ponds, the biomass of H. pluvialis reached 0.448 g/L, which was comparable to that of the control (0.473 g/L).ConclusionsThis study provides for the first time, a framework to dissect the functions of secondary metabolites in the interaction between the unicellular alga H. pluvialis and its fungal parasite, indicating that oxidative degradation is a strategy used for the fungal infest. Eliminating the oxidative burst through adding antioxidant BHA could be an effective measure to reduce parasitic infection in H. pluvialis mass culture.Graphical

Correction to: A strategy for boosting astaxanthin accumulation in green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis by using combined diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate and high light

Correction to: A strategy for boosting astaxanthin accumulation in green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis by using combined diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate and high light

Establishment and optimization of PEG-mediated protoplast transformation in the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis

Genetic manipulation of Haematococcus pluvialis is difficult because of the lack of a stable and convenient transformation system. The pH124-EGFP-Ble vector containing ble as a selective gene and EGFP as a reporter gene was constructed and employed for effective transformation. H. pluvialis protoplasts were obtained by treating with cellulase and macerozeme. Then polyethylene glycol-mediated transformation was established by incubating the protoplast with the vector. To improve the transformation efficiency of H. pluvialis protoplasts, the transformation system was optimized in consideration of different influencing factors, including zeomycin concentration, growth stage, amount of transformed vector, linearization of the vector, and duration of low-intensity illumination. The integration and expression of ble and EGFP was confirmed in the transformants. Moreover, the optimal combination for protoplast transformation of H. pluvialis was determined to be 5 µg of the linearized vector used to transform cells in the log growth phase, and then the transformed protoplasts allowed to recover under low-intensity illumination for 6 h. This study represents and describes the successful development of an H. pluvialis transformation protocol using protoplasts, which will enable convenient genetic manipulation of this important algal species.

Haematococcus pluvialis: A potential feedstock for multiple-product biorefining

The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis synthesizes high quantities of the antioxidant astaxanthin under adverse growth conditions. In addition to astaxanthin, the species accumulates other metabolites with commercial value including lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. These compounds can be utilized to produce biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, biofertilizer and animal feed among others. Despite the high biotechnological potential of H. pluvialis, the high costs associated with the production process make the commercial realization of microalgae-based bioproducts challenging. As a solution, biorefining of H. pluvialis can be carried out through the integration of diverse production processes within a single production facility, aiming to produce numerous compounds from the same feedstock which in turn reduces the consumption of raw materials, energy, and freshwater. In addition, biorefining allows the maximum utilization of the feedstock, minimizing waste generation and improving the sustainability of the process while promoting the concept of a circular bioeconomy. Thus, the present review aims to discuss the biorefining potential of H. pluvialis in view of implementing more sustainable and cleaner production technologies. In contrast to existing reviews, the present review analyzes the potential of utilizing the particular microalgae species to generate multiple products without being constricted to astaxanthin. Moreover, the current status of related research, potential challenges, and solutions are provided along with future perspectives in the research domain.

Carotenogenesis in <i>Haematococcus pluvialis</i> cells under the combined action of excess of NaCl in the culture medium and high light intensity

The parameters of growth and development of the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, as well as the process of carotenogenesis, including the pigment composition and expression of the key genes of astaxanthin biosynthesis, were studied in algal cells under the combined action of excess of NaCl in the culture medium and high light intensity. It was found that the combination of excess of NaCl in the culture medium for Haematococcus pluvialis, initiated at the resting stage of the microalga, and high light intensity is not an effective method for induction of the accumulation of astaxanthin in the cells of Haematococcus pluvialis. A decrease in the level of expression of one of the key genes of carotenogenesis - phytoene synthase gene, was revealed under such conditions. At the same time, it was found that the combined action of high light intensity and excess of NaCl led to an increase in the ratio of astaxanthin cis-isomers, which are more biotechnologically valuable, in the total pigment pool.

Multispectral Imaging Flow Cytometry with Spatially and Spectrally Resolving Snapshot-Mosaic Cameras for the Characterization and Classification of Bioparticles.

In the development and optimization of biotechnological cultivation processes the continuous monitoring through the acquisition and interpretation of spectral and morphological properties of bioparticles are challenging. There is therefore a need for the parallel acquisition and interpretation of spatially and spectrally resolved measurements with which particles can be characterized and classified in-flow with high throughput. Therefore, in this paper we investigated the scientific and technological connectivity of standard imaging flow cytometry (IFC) with filter-on-chip based spatially and spectrally resolving snapshot-mosaic cameras for photonic sensing and control in a smart and innovative microfluidic device. For the investigations presented here we used the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (HP). These microalgae are used commercially to produce the antioxidant keto-carotenoid astaxanthin. Therefore, HP is relevant to practically demonstrate the usability of the developed system for Multispectral Imaging Flow Cytometry (MIFC) platform. The extension of standard IFC with snapshot-mosaic cameras and multivariate data processing is an innovative approach for the in-flow characterization and derived classification of bioparticles. Finally, the multispectral data acquisition and the therefore developed methodology is generalizable and enables further applications far beyond the here characterized population of HP cells.