Alga Spirulina Research Articles

Dyeing Non-Recyclable Polyethylene Plastic with Photoacid Phycocyanobilin from Spirulina Algae: Ultrafast Photoluminescence Studies.

Despite the enormous environmental damage caused by plastic waste, it makes up over one-third of globally produced plastics. Polyethylene (PE) wastes have low recycling but high production rates. Towards the construction of ionic solar cells from PE, the present work describes the loading of a bioactive photoacid phycocyanobilin (PCB) dye from the pigment of Spirulina blue-green algae (as a natural resource) on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic film. Dyeing was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Upon excitation of the Soret-band (400 nm), the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of PCB in neat solvents revealed two prominent emission peaks at 450-550 and 600-700 nm. The first band assigned to bilirubin-like (PCBBR) species predominated the spectral profile in the highly rigid solvent glycerol and upon loading 0.45 % (w/w) of the dye on plastic. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of PCB for the second region (Q-band) at 672 nm in the same solvents confirmed the ground state heterogenicity previously associated with the presence of PCBA (neutral), PCBB (cationic), and PCBC (anionic) conformers. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements induced via excitation of all PCB species at 510 nm in methanol revealed three-lifetime components with τ1 = ~0.1 ns and τ2 = ~2 ns associated with PCBBR species and τ3 = ~5 ns pertinent to the long-living photoproduct X*. Decay-associated spectra (DAS) analysis of the photoluminescence transient spectra of the final dyed films in the solid-state confirmed the improved generation of the long-living photoproduct as manifested in a significant increase in the PL intensity (~100-fold) and lifetime value (~90 ns) in the Q-region upon loading 6.92 % (w/w) of the dye on plastic. The photoproduct species were presumably assigned to the deprotonated PCB species, suggesting improved ionic mobility. The potential implementation of the PCB-sensitized PE solid wastes for the fabrication of ionic solar cells is discussed.

Chronic intake of an enriched diet with spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) alleviates the embryotoxic effects produced by realistic concentrations of tetracycline in Danio rerio

Tetracycline (TC) is one of the most consumed antibiotics worldwide. Due to its high consumption, recent studies have reported its presence in aquatic environments and have assessed its effects on fish, algae, and daphniids. However, in most of those works, authors have tested TC toxicity at concentrations higher than the ones reported in the water matrix. Herein, we aimed to assess the likely embryotoxic and oxidative damage induced by environmentally relevant concentrations of TC in embryos of Danio rerio. Moreover, we seek to determine whether or not an enriched diet with spirulina can alleviate the embryotoxic damage produced by TC. Our findings indicated that TC at concentrations of 50 to 500 ng/L induced pericardial edema, tail deformities, and absence of head and fin in embryos after 96 h of exposure. Moreover, this antibiotic prompted the death of embryos in a concentration-dependent manner. According to our integrated biomarker response index, TC induced oxidative damage on Danio rerio embryos, as star plots showed a tendency to lipoperoxidation, hydroperoxides, and protein carbonyl content. Spirulina reduced the toxicity of TC by diminishing the levels of oxidative damage biomarkers, which resulted in a decrease in the rate of death and malformed embryos. Overall, TC at concentrations of ng/L prompted oxidative stress and embryotoxicity in the early life stages of Danio rerio; nonetheless, the algae spirulina was able to reduce the severity of those effects.

Effect of using spirulina algae methyl ester on the performance of a diesel engine with changing compression ratio: an experimental investigation

Diesel engine characteristics were investigated experimentally while adding different concentrations of third generation biodiesel spirulina algae methyl ester (SAME). Three volumetric blends of SAME are added to standard Iraqi diesel, namely 10% SAME, 20% SAME, and 30% SAME. The properties of the fuels were found according to the American Society for Testing and Materials standards (ASTM). Experimental work was conducted on a single-cylinder diesel engine under variable load and compression ratio. Three compression ratios are used, starting from 14.5, 15.5, and 16.5. Based on the results obtained, the presence of SAME along with diesel caused an increase in Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) while decreasing both brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT). Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions decreased by 7.14%, 8.57%, and 10.71%, for 10% SAME, 20% SAME, and 30% SAME, respectively, compared to the original neat diesel fuel. The dramatic carbon monoxide (CO) emission reduction was at full load point. The addition of SAME from (10 to 30)% reported a decrease in CO by (6.67–20)%. NOx, as well as CO2 emission, are increased as a result of SAME addition. The compression ratio change from (14.5/1 to 16.5/1) led to increased BTE, NOx, and decreased BSFC and all carbon emissions. The experimental results are validated with other studies' findings, and minor divergence is reported.

Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Production in Hellisheidi Geothermal Park Iceland: Life Cycle Assessment

Spirulina algae (Spirulina platensis) cultivated in geothermally powered photobioreactors is here proposed as a potentially resource efficient, zero-carbon, and nutritious alternative to conventional beef meat. Employing a standard life cycle assessment, environmental impacts of large-scale Spirulina production in this facility are calculated. The production facility is sited in Orka náttúrunnar (ON Power) Geothermal Park, Iceland, and benefits from resource streams accessible through Hellisheiði (Hellisheidi) power station, including renewable electricity for illumination and power usage, hot and cold water streams for thermal management, freshwater for cultivation, and CO2 for biofixation. During cultivation, GHG-intensive ammonia-based fertilizers are replaced with macronutrients sourced from natural open mines. LCA results show that production of 1 kg of wet edible biomass in this facility requires 0.0378 m2 non-arable land, 8.36 m3 fresh water and is carbon neutral with − 0.008 CO2-eq GHG emissions (net zero). Compared with conventionally produced meat from beef cattle, Spirulina algae cultured in the ON Power Geothermal Park, referred to in this study as GeoSpirulina, requires less than 1% land and water and emits less than 1% GHGs. Considering food and nutritional security concerns, cultivation in a controlled environment agriculture system assures consistent nutritional profile year-round. Moreover, GeoSpirulina biomass assessed in this study contains all essential amino acids as well as essential vitamins and minerals. While keeping a balanced nutrition, for every kg beef meat replaced with one kg GeoSpirulina, the average consumer can save ~ 100 kg CO2-eq GHGs. It is concluded that environmental impacts of GeoSpirulina production in the Hellisheidi facility are considerably lower than those of conventionally produced ruminants.Graphical abstract

Problem of interdependence of algae Spirulina platensis and pH

Problem of interdependence of algae Spirulina platensis and pH. / N. Kuchava. / Nano Studies. – 2020. – # 20. – pp. 119-124. – geo. An attempt is made to determine the interdependence of cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis and pH. For this purpose, there are considered some cases, when during the first days of experiment the following chemical elements: Cu, Zn, Ni, Hg, Cd, and Ag are separately introduced into nutrient medium Zarrouk of the mentioned algae in different amounts and at different times. The results are obtained by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry and tabulated. Tab. 6, Ref. 8.

Business Roundup

BUSINESS Business Roundup ShareShare onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail C&EN, 2022, 100 (26), p 21July 25, 2022Cite this:C&EN 100, 26, 21AbstractChemDirect has raised an undisclosed amount of series A funding to expand its online marketplace for specialty chemicals shipped directly from suppliers. The funding was led by Schneider National, a trucking and logistics firm. Solvay has developed stabilizers that help protect polyolefins from the ravages of ultraviolet C light—200–280 nm light used to disinfect surfaces exposed to pathogens such as the virus that causes COVID-19. The radiation can lead to discoloration and cracking. Solvay is investing in Longwater Advanced Materials II, a venture capital fund focused on start-ups developing advanced materials in China. Solvay is already an investor in Longwater’s first such fund, introduced in 2019. Back of the Yards algae sciences , a Chicago-based developer of extracts and alternative proteins, has secured investment from Japan’s DIC, which makes the algae spirulina. DIC will share expertise on algae culturing. BigHat Biosciences has garnered $75 million in series B funding fromView: PDF | Full Text HTML

The physicochemical properties of the spirulina-wheat germ-enriched high-protein functional beverage based on pear-cantaloupe juice.

The formulation of a novel functional juice, enriched with wheat germ powder and spirulina algae and based on cantaloupe and pear juice, was optimized by D-optimal combined design. Firstly, sensory evaluation was performed by hedonic test to evaluate the organoleptic properties, and organoleptically desirable samples were screened for further experiments. Various chemical experiments including PH, acidity, formalin index, total phenol, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, mineral contents (Fe, Zn, Ca, P, K, Mg, and Cu), and fatty acids profile were evaluated. The steady shear flow rheological test also was performed on the screened samples. The results of sensory evaluation showed that the samples containing 1% spirulina and wheat germ had the highest organoleptic score. The results of physicochemical tests on the selected samples showed that the addition of spirulina and wheat germ powder had little effect on pH, acidity, and formalin index but they affected brix, dry matter, and protein content. Also, the addition of spirulina and wheat germ powder, changed the amounts of antioxidant capacity (from 90 to 98%), total phenol (from 4 to 22 mg GAE/g), and flavonoid content (from 5 to 15 mg/L) in the functional beverages. Furthermore, the results of rheological tests showed that the addition of wheat germ powder in the functional fruit juices increased apparent viscosity however; spirulina did not affect important change in rheological properties. The GC-Mass analysis presented fatty acid profiles of the functional beverages and confirmed the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (for example decanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid) in the samples.

An Applied Research of the Recycled Economic Model for Spirulina Algae’s Cultivation from Ion-Life Alkaline Water and 〖CO〗_2 Gas’s Boiler

This paper presents an investigation of Spirulina algae (S. platensis) cultivation from the research and application of the circular economy model for green production by combining Ion-Life alkaline water and the gas emitted from the combustion of rice husk. This circular economy model for green production is applied in using the optimal pH values and the in which S. platensis is much easier for using. The cost of prepared medium for S. platensis cultivation from the Ion-Life alkaline water is minimized thanks to the simplex algorithm. From this algorithm, the cost prepared medium for S. platensis cultivation from the Ion-Life alkaline water can be reduced approximately 71.86 VND/liter when comparing to the Zarrouk medium (nearly equal to 3.71 % of the cost for cultivation from the Zarrouk medium). Comparing the improved medium from Ion-Life alkaline water with the Zarrouk medium for cultivating S.platensis alge are at the same conditions as the temperature from 26 ¸ 40oC and pH value from 8.6 ¸ 10.6. During the first eight days of cultivation in improved medium from Ion-Life alkaline water, the concentration of biomass increases from 0.044 to 0.93 g/L. During the next eight days, the pH values are controlled to be from 8.5 to 9.5, which is suitable for Spirulina algae since feeding the gas from the combustion of rice husk with amount of 7.6 % with the 30 minutes a day. Finding a technology that blows from smoke of boiler to make the effect of stirring the environment for achieving objectives. First, it helps to add carbon-nutrient source in the form of . Second, it helps to maintain the pH of environment in the optimal range of 8.5-9.7. As a result, the biomass concentration increases to 1.4 g/L, while this value is 1.23 g/L in the case non-using from smoke of boiler. On the basis of the obtained results, it is basic to calculate equipment and to build a technology process for the green production of cultivation of Spirulina algae from by using the molecules emitted from the combustion of biomass combining alkaline water ion-life can be applied practically.

Monitoring effect of nickel, copper, and zinc on growth and photosynthetic pigments of Spirulina platensis with suitability investigation in Idku Lake

Owing to the increase of pollutant sources in oceans, seas, and lakes, there is an expected effect on growth and metabolism of planktonic algae which are considered primary producers in the ecosystem. Therefore, it becomes urgent to carry out laboratory studies to test to what extent these pollutants can affect the growth of algae which is necessary as a food for marine fishes. Spirulina is considered the most important algal species due to its high nutritional value for humans and animals. Therefore, this work investigated the effect of different concentrations of Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ metal ion pollutants on growth of the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. EC50 was identified to be around 2 mg/l for the three heavy metals. The suitability of Idku Lake for Spirulina platensis growth was investigated using multi-criteria spatial modeling integrated with remotely sensed data processing. Spatial distribution maps of turbidity, water nutrients, and phytoplankton were the input criteria used to assess Idku Lake’s suitability. The results obtained proved that low concentrations of the tested heavy metals stimulated growth and pigment fractions (chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and total phycobilins content) but to different degrees. The inhibitory effect was more prominent in the case of copper ions than zinc and nickel ions with all concentrations used. The overall suitability map of Spirulina platensis in Idku Lake showed that the whole lake is suitable for growth and proliferation except for the northwestern corner due to the high salinity levels. The present paper helps to understand the behavior of algae responding to environmental pollution, which supports environmental planners with the necessary baseline for investigating the fate of pollutants and the potential risk.

The Biochemical Effects of Silver Nanoparticles and Spirulina Extract on Experimentally Induced Prostatic Cancer in Rats

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed cancer in 112 countries and the second leading cause of death in men in 48 countries. We studied the outstanding agents silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Spirulina algae (Sp) for the management of PCa once as monotherapy or last as a combination. PCa in rats was induced using bicalutamide (Casodex®) and testosterone, followed by (7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene). Then, testosterone was injected s.c. for 3 months. Rats were divided into six groups, with 12 rats in each group. Group I was assigned as the control (co), group II as the PCa model, group III treated with AgNPs, group IV treated with Spirulina extract, group V treated with a combination of AgNPs plus Spirulina, and group VI treated with bicalutamide. The results show that AgNPs could normalize IL-6 levels and could overcome the hormonal disturbance induced in PCa rats along the hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis. Spirulina revealed a significant reduction in the level of total and free prostatic specific antigen (PSA) to the same level as bicalutamide treatment, which was the same as the control group. Histopathological study revealed regression (75%) of the histological pattern of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) for Spirulina alone, and (50%) for bicalutamide. The best effect on IL-6 decline was reached with the AgNPs/Spirulina combination as well as bicalutamide treatment compared with the PCa group. Bicalutamide treatment significantly decreased the PSA concentration relative to the PCa group and reached the normal level. Adding Spirulina to AgNPs as a combination enhanced its effect on all mentioned drawbacks associated with PCa except hormonal imbalance that needs more adjustments.

Effect of microalgae biodiesel blending on diesel engine characteristics

AbstractThe current numerical work investigates the effect of using algae methyl ester (AME) blends with diesel fuel on diesel engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. Five volumetric blends of biodiesel drived from spirulina algae (20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% AME) have been examined numerically with help of Diesel‐RK and compared with diesel fuel. As a result of investigations, the addition of AME blends reduces the cylinder pressure and shifts it closer to Top Dead Center. The heat release rate reduced as the percentage of AME increased, whereas 30% AME reduces the heat release by 9.96%. All blends of AME to diesel decrease brake thermal efficiency (BTE) slightly and increase brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC), whereas using 30% AME reduces BTE 1.09% and increases BSFC 5.89% compared with diesel. The shorter delay time is observed by using the proposed AME blends recording reduction in the delay period starting from 18.23% up to 65.77%. Bosch smoke number decreases as a result of AME addition recording a 17.19% reduction in case of 30% AME while it increased after 70% AME. Promising reduction in SO2 emissions compared with diesel observed by an average of 14.08%, 21.78%, 38.41%, 56.28%, and 84.07% when using 20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% AME, respectively. Slight increase in CO2 emissions within the range of 1.17%–6.22% when using AME blends between 20% and 100%. On the basis of the main findings, the 30% AME biodiesel was noticed as the most excellent mixing proportion. The main contribution focuses on “How spirulina microalgae biodiesel can enhance the characteristics of a diesel engine.” The obtained results are compared with the findings of other studies.

Optimization of the extraction conditions for Chlorophyll a from fresh Spirulina

Spirulina is a spiral cyanobacteria with simple cell structure, making it easier to extract chlorophyll than other materials. Investigation the ultrasound assisted extraction of chlorophyll a was conducted on the following factors: type of solvent, concentration of solvent, ratio of solvent: material, time and temperature. Optimization by Design Expert the extraction of chlorophyll a from spirulina algae indicates the condition to obtain the highest amount of chlorophyll a of 15.07 mg/g was as followings: solvent ethanol concentration 99.7%, ratio solvent / material: 16/1, time 2.5 hours, temperature 52°C, ultrasonic frequency 40kHz.

Evaluation of common wastewaters on the growth of alga Spirulina

Statistical optimization of culture conditions for enhanced mycelial biomass production using Ganoderma lucidumPooja Shah, Hasmukh Modi

Single-exposure 3D label-free microscopy based on color-multiplexed intensity diffraction tomography.

We present a 3D label-free refractive index (RI) imaging technique based on single-exposure intensity diffraction tomography (sIDT) using a color-multiplexed illumination scheme. In our method, the chromatic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding R/G/B channels in an annular programmable ring provide oblique illumination geometry that precisely matches the objective's numerical aperture. A color intensity image encoding the scattering field of the specimen from different directions is captured, and monochromatic intensity images concerning three color channels are separated and then used to recover the 3D RI distribution of the object following the process of IDT. In addition, the axial chromatic dispersion of focal lengths at different wavelengths introduced by the chromatic aberration of the objective lens and the spatial position misalignment of the ring LED source in the imaging system's transfer functions modeling are both corrected to significantly reduce the artifacts in the slice-based deconvolution procedure for the reconstruction of 3D RI distribution. Experimental results on MCF-7, Spirulina algae, and living Caenorhabditis elegans samples demonstrate the reliable performance of the sIDT method in label-free, high-throughput, and real-time (∼24 fps) 3D volumetric biological imaging applications.

The Effect of C-Phycocyanin on Microglia Activation Is Mediated by Toll-like Receptor 4.

The blue-green alga Spirulina platensis is rich in phycocyanins, that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological actions. C-phycocyanin (C-PC), in particular, possesses hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Furthermore, several studies have reported both anti- and proinflammatory properties of this pigment. However, the precise mechanism(s) of action of C-PC in these processes remain largely unknown. Therefore, here we explored the C-PC effect in in vitro microglia activation. The effect of C-PC on the expression and release of IL-1β and TNF-α and the activation of NF-κB was examined in primary microglia by real-time PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Treatment with C-PC up-regulated the expression and release of IL-1β and TNF-α. C-PC also promoted the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor. Then, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for the immunoregulatory function of C-PC, we focused on investigating the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Accordingly, several TLR4 inhibitors have been used. Curcumin, ciprofloxacin, L48H37, and CLI-095 that suppresses specifically TLR4 signaling, blocked IL-1β and TNF-α. Overall, these results indicate the immunomodulatory effect of C-PC in microglia cultures and show for the first time that the molecular mechanism implicated in this effect may involve TLR4 activation.

High-intensity interval training along with spirulina algae consumption and caloric restriction ameliorated the Nrf1/Tfam/Mgmt and ATP5A1 pathway in the heart tissue of obese rats.

Nrf1/Tfam/MGMT and ATP5A1 might be a pivotal network in cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity. Therefore, we evaluated eight weeks of exercise, caloric restriction, and spirulina algae consumption on the heart in obese rats. In this study, obese rats were compared with a healthy group. First, we induced obese rats with a 60%-high-fat diet. Then, after eight weeks, obese rats were randomly divided into eight groups: obese rats without treatment (HFD), obese rats treated with spirulina algae (HFD-SA), obese rats conducted exercise (HFD-EX), obese rats treated with spirulina algae and exercise (HFD-SA+EX), obese rats treated with caloric restriction (HFD-CR), obese rats treated with caloric restriction and exercise (HFD-CR+EX), obese rats treated with spirulina algae and caloric restriction (HFD-SA+CR), and obese rats treated with SA+CR+EX (HFD-SA+CR+EX). Also, the exercise protocol was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week at an intensity of 80%-110% of maximum running speed. The spirulina algae were consumed by gavage (100mg/kg/day), and caloric restriction used 60% of the food consumed. We found that SA+CR+EX significantly modified the Nrf1/Tfam/MGMT and ATP5A1 network in cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity rats (p<.01). Moreover, we predicted SA could be bound to Tfam and MGMT protein targets. Hence, exercise, caloric restriction, and spirulina algae had a synergistic effect on mitochondrial biogenesis in the heart tissue of obese rats (p<.01). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to artificial intelligence and medical biology servers, we discovered that mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress are dominant phenomena in the cardiovascular system. Nrf1/Tfam/MGMT and ATP5A1, as pivotal regulators of oxidative stress, could play an utmost important role in the cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity molecular pathway. Furthermore, several studies have indicated that environmental factors such as the western diet and physical inactivity disrupted the mitochondrial dynamic, which led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). We predicted the binding power of the Spirulina's small molecules on Tfam and Mgmt proteins based on drug-discovery technology and pharmacokinetic parameters. Considering oxidative stress and mitochondrial machinery related to the action of some molecular pathways, mitochondria-related nuclear-encoded proteins, and ROS, this study evaluated the high-intensity interval training, caloric restriction, and spirulina consumption on heart mitochondrial biogenesis in obese rats. Our data might provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity.

УЛУЧШЕНИЕ МЕТАБОЛИЧЕСКОГО СТАТУСА И ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ СВИНЕЙ НА ОТКОРМЕ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ В РАЦИОНЕ ПРИРОДНЫХ КОРМОВЫХ ДОБАВОК

The objects of research are the antioxidant dihydroquercetin and the blue-green algae Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), which are used in feeding pigs during fattening and before slaughter. The experiment was carried out in OOO "Myasoagroprom" on a crossbred livestock of pigs obtained by crossing a large white breed (broodstock) with Landrace and Duroc breeds (boars). Were formed, according to the principle of analogues, two groups of pigs for fattening, control and experimental. Pigs in the control group received standard complete feed. The pigs of the experimental group received 3 mg of powder of blue-green alga Spirulina and the antioxidant dihydroquercetin to the general diet – 1.5 mg per 1 kg of live weight per day. The use of dihydroquercetin, blue-green alga Spirulina in feeding pigs contributed to an increase in the adaptive capacity of the organism, pathogenetic resistance and correction of metabolic processes, which ensured a higher realization of the genetic potential of pigs. In these studies, giving feed additives prevented hyperbilirubinmia. As a result, the concentration of total bilirubin in the blood serum of the pigs in the experimental group was 17.4% lower than in the control group. The introduction of feed additives into the diet had a positive effect on the functional state of the liver. This is evidenced by a 17.6% lower content in the blood serum of ASAT activity in the experimental group compared to that in pigs in the control group. The blood cholesterol content of pigs in the control group exceeded the level of physiological norms and amounted to 3.1±0.12 mM/L, while in the experimental group 2.6±0.07 mM/L, which indicates a positive effect of the introduced feed additives in the diet Pigs. At the end of the experiment, the live weight of the pigs in the experimental group in comparison with the analogs from the control was 2.3 kg more. The safety of pigs in the control group was 93%, in the experimental group – 100%.

Polydopamine-coated magnetic Spirulina nanocomposite for efficient magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction of aflatoxins in pistachio

An efficient adsorbent was synthesized and used in magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction (MDSPE) of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 at trace levels in pistachio prior to analysis by HPLC equipped with a fluorescence detector. Spirulina (Sp) algae was first magnetized, followed by surface modification with dopamine (Dp). The adsorbent was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, VSM, and BET analyses. The effects of different analytical parameters on the extraction performance were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, good limits of detection (LODs) and quantifications (LOQs) were achieved in the ranges of 0.02–0.07 and 0.06–0.21 ng g−1, respectively. The RSDs were 5.9, 6.3, 5.6, and 7.3% for AFB1, G1, B2, and G2, respectively. The proposed method was successfully used to determine AFs in pistachio samples and acceptable recoveries in the range of 72–95% were obtained.

Research technology of cultivation of spirulina algae with the use of CO2 hidden from the smoke of rice husk boiler

This paper presents an investigation of Spirulina algae cultivation by the CO2 gas emitted from the combustion of rice husk. The gas emitted from the rice husk combustion containing CO2 but no toxic gas of SOx. The CO2 molecules are absorbed into the micro-algae cultivation medium and then converted into the HCO3 by the assimilation of Spirulina. At the same time, the pH values are controlled to be from 8.5 to 9.5, which is suitable for Spirulina algae. At the first seven days of cultivation in Zarrouk medium the values of Spirulina algae biomass and pH increase from 0.05 g/l and 8.5 to 1.0 g/l and 10.2, respectively. On the 8th day, when the amount of 7,6 % CO2 v/v under 35–40 ºC and 1 atm is introduced into the above medium, the decrease of pH from 10.2 to 8.6 is observed. This pH value, which is maintained over the following days, is optimal for the growth yield of the Spirulina. As a result, the biomass concentration increases from 1.0 to 1.4 g/l. The obtained results are compared with those of the control sample from Zarrouk medium without gas introduction. For the latter case, the biomass reaches the maximum and then decreases. On the basis of the obtained results, the cultivation of Spirulina algae by using the CO2 molecules emitted from the combustion of rice husk can be applied practically.

Laser Environmental Enrichment and Spirulina Algae Improve Broiler Growth Performance and Alter Myogenic Gene Expression and pectoralis major Dimensions

Sustainability in poultry production is evident in efforts to reduce inputs and a focus on bird welfare and livability. Dietary protein alternatives to traditional sources such as soybean meal aim to meet or exceed efficiency benchmarks and be cost-effective. Environmental enrichment encouraging activity may reduce the occurrence of the predominant breast muscle myopathy, woody breast (WB); interventions to minimize muscle damage and economic loss have yet to be established. The study objectives were to maintain or improve broiler performance and breast quality through environmental enrichment and partially replacing dietary soybean meal with Spirulina. Twelve hundred Ross 708 broilers were randomly assigned to enrichment (LASER; laser enrichment, or CON; no laser enrichment) and diet (algae; 2.5% Spirulina algae, or control) in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 49 days. The same 70 randomly selected birds were examined for contact dermatitis wk 1–6. Breast width was measured weekly on 200 growing broilers beginning on d22. On d42 and 49 slaughter, WB score was assigned using a tactile 0–3 scale and the right breast filet was weighed (n = 200). RNA isolated from 30 breast muscle samples each at d42 and 49 was analyzed using real-time qPCR. Laser enrichment increased body weight at all timepoints (d49: 0.148 kg, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Feed conversion ratio was improved in LASER-enriched birds by 3 points in the starter period (P = 0.003). Breast width was increased at all timepoints in LASER-enriched birds compared to CON (d49: 0.47 cm, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Algae inclusion increased body weight at d28 (0.059 kg, P = 0.005). At d42, 12% more LASER-enriched WB scores were 0 (normal) compared to CON, and at d49, 15% more enriched scores were 0. At d42, 5% more algae-fed broiler scores were 0 compared to control. LASER-enriched broiler breast tissue showed upregulated expression of myogenin, muscle regulatory factor 4, insulin-like growth factor 1, and myostatin compared to CON (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Both laser enrichment and algae inclusion improved broiler performance without negatively impacting environmental or physiological outcomes. LASER enrichment decreased severity of WB score and positively shifted myogenic gene expression in the breast muscle at slaughter.