Variety Of Algal Species Research Articles

Advanced Strategies for 3D Bioprinting of Tissue and Organ Analogs Using Alginate Hydrogel Bioinks.

Alginate is a natural polysaccharide that typically originates from various species of algae. Due to its low cost, good biocompatibility, and rapid ionic gelation, the alginate hydrogel has become a good option of bioink source for 3D bioprinting. However, the lack of cell adhesive moieties, erratic biodegradability, and poor printability are the critical limitations of alginate hydrogel bioink. This review discusses the pivotal properties of alginate hydrogel as a bioink for 3D bioprinting technologies. Afterward, a variety of advanced material formulations and biofabrication strategies that have recently been developed to overcome the drawbacks of alginate hydrogel bioink will be focused on. In addition, the applications of these advanced solutions for 3D bioprinting of tissue/organ mimicries such as regenerative implants and in vitro tissue models using alginate-based bioink will be systematically summarized.

Applications of Chitin in Medical, Environmental, and Agricultural Industries

Chitin is a universal biopolymer that is found in microbes, plants, fungi, the exoskeleton of insects, various species of algae, and bottom-feeding crustaceans. This (1–4)-linked N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosamine polysaccharide can be readily processed with simple chemical procedures without putting a species at risk. Chitin has garnered interest as an alternative substance that can be used in the medical, environmental, and agricultural sectors. Indeed, chitin’s unique nature of biocompatibility, being environmentally safe, and having innate water-solubility allows the polymer to be used in a wide range of applications. In this review, we discuss the possible applications of chitin in the medical, environmental, and agricultural sectors through an extensive search of the latest literature. Moreover, the following review summarizes and explores the new and current studies surrounding the practical uses of chitin to solve issues that are commonly induced by various chemicals which are invasive to the surrounding environment and species co-existing in that area.

Extraction of polysaccharides from brown algae: rheological studies

Various species of polysaccharides were extracted from algae collected from the west coast of Morocco. This area is known for its abundance of various species of algae. The polysaccharides of three species, Sargassum muticum, Cystoseira myriophylloides and Cystoseira baccata were selected and their rheological properties were evaluated at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9% by w/v) and in the temperature range from 10 to 60 °C. FTIR analysis of these polysaccharides was also carried out to identify the functional groups and its analysis revealed the presence of uronic acid groups. These polysaccharides showed non-Newtonian behavior. The evolution of the apparent viscosity as a function of shear rate was described by the power-law model. The values of the flow behavior index were less than unity at high concentration. The consistency coefficient greatly increased. The non-linearity was increased with concentration and it was characterized by a power law, basically for Cystoseira myriophylloides and Cystoseira baccata. Besides, the flow behavior temperature dependence was characterized by the Arrhenius model to extract the activation energy. The values of the activation energy were found between 11.28–13.76 kJ/mol, 15.29–17.67 kJ/mol, and16.83–17.98 kJ/mol for Sargassum muticum, Cystoseira baccata and Cystoseira myriophylloides, respectively.

Effect of different algal powder on growth and productivity of Moongbean (Phaseolus radiata)

Various species of algae grow luxuriantly in Ujani reservoir. Those species found in large amount are used for experimental purpose. The effect of selected five algal species (Synechococcus aeruginosus, Spirulina plantensis, Cladophora crispata, Spirogyra jugalis and Chara fragilis) was evaluated as biofertilizer on growth and productivity of Moongbean. From the study it was observed that application of algae on Moongbean gives higher yield compared to control. Statistical analysis showed that there are significant differences in plant height,number of leaves and yield as compared to control.

Effects of ocean acidification on algae growth and feeding rates of juvenile sea urchins

The recent decrease in seawater pH has stimulated a great deal of research on the effects of ocean acidification on various organisms. Most of these studies have mainly focused on the direct effects of acidification on organisms. However, the effects on ecological interactions have been poorly studied. In this paper we have focused on determining the effects of acidification on feeding rates of two species of sea urchins, Paracentrotus lividus and Diadema africanum through laboratory experiments. Nine algae species were reared under two pH treatmens (ph = 8.1 vs. pH = 7.6) for 10 days. We evaluated possible changes in calcification rates, growth and internal structure. Then these algae were offered to juvenile sea urchins for 7 days, evaluating the consumption rates of juvenile sea urchins under these different pH conditions. The algae reared in the control treatment showed higher growth rates and concentration of calcium carbonate, however no internal structural changes were observed in any algae. Juvenile Paracentrotus lividus showed higher consumption rates on algae previously subjected to pH 7.6 than on algae reared under control conditions and between algae species in low pH.The algae most consumed were C. liebetruthii, C. abies-marina and C. elongata by P. lividus juveniles from low pH treatment. However in D. africanum the feeding rates were similar between treatments. This study demonstrated the negative effects of low pH on various species of algae in growth, and indirectly the increase in herbivory rates of juvenile sea urchins on algae reared under low pH.

Biological and therapeutic properties of the seaweed polysaccharides

Seaweed polysaccharides isolated from the cell walls of various species of algae, possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antithrombotic, anticoagulant and antioxidant bioactivities. Within the group of polysaccharides extracted from algae there are the phycocolloids. Colloids are extracted compounds that form colloidal solutions, an intermediate state between a solution and a suspension; they can be used commercially as thickeners, gelling agents and stabilizers for suspensions and emulsions. Hydrocolloids are carbohydrates that when dissolved in water form viscous solutions. Sulfated galactans (e.g. agars, carrageenans, porphyrans) can be obtained from red algae, (e.g. ulvans) from green algae, alginates and other sulfated polysaccharides (e.g. ascophyllan, laminaran and fucoidan) are obtained from selected brown algae. The historic origin of the main phycocolloids and other seaweed polysaccharides (e.g. agar, carrageenan, alginic acid - alginates), their chemistry, uses and bioactivities are described in this review.

Characteristics of algal succession following rock scraping at Imwon area in the east coast of Korea

This study was conducted to clarify the characteristics of algal succession following rock scraping using hoe or high-pressure water sprayer in the period from June 2010 to April 2011. We divided the research area off the eastern coast of Korean near Imwon into 3 categories depending upon the severity of the barren ground, i.e., the urchin barren-affected, urchin barren-ongoing and urchin barren-free areas. In April 2011, in the urchin barren-affected area with 25 seaweed species, the cover percentage and importance value (IV) of crustose coralline algae were higher than those of other species. In the urchin barren-ongoing area with 33 seaweed species, crustose coralline algae (mean IV = 62%) as well as Sargassum sp. (mean IV = 28%), and Gelidium amansii (mean IV = 19%) were observed following rock scraping. In the urchin barren-free area where seaweed communities were relatively abundant with 42 species, a variety of algal species including G. amansii (mean IV = 32%) underwent algal succession. Overall, it was observed that, as an aspect of algal succession, the weaker the barren ground severity was, the more frequent and diverse the seaweeds were, and the more complex the succession pattern was in the study. As an aspect of recovering algal community, rock scraping using hoe was shown to be superior to the method using high-pressure water spraying. Therefore, we conclude that rock scraping using hoe is a very effective strategy for recovering the algal community in urchin barren-ongoing area.

Development of Biopolymer Nanocomposites Based on Polysaccharides Obtained from Red Algae Chondracanthus chamissoi Reinforced with Chitin Whiskers and Montmorillonite

ABSTRACTPolysaccharides from various species of algae have many applications in the food and biomedical industry. The aim of this study was to characterize nanocomposites developed from carrageenan extracted from the red algae Chondracanthus chamissoi and reinforced with montmorillonite and chitin nanowhiskers. The nanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties compared to the biopolymeric matrix. Montmorillonite-reinforced nanocomposites displayed the most favorable properties at 5% of clay concentration; meanwhile, the chitin-nanocomposites showed an improvement in the mechanical properties correlating to the increase in chitin concentration. These results will aid in the development of more environmentally friendly materials.

Analysis on the Performance, Combustion and Emission Characteristicsof a CI Engine Fuelled with Algae Biodiesel

Bio diesel from various species of Algae has been in the discussion for a long time, this work is on collecting a macro algae and extracting the oil from it. Converting the oil in to bio Diesel is done by Transesterification method and the testing was made on a Diesel Engine. The Performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of Esters of Gracilaria verrucossa algal are mentioned here. Using Methanol as alcohol and NaOH as catalyst the transesterification process was done.Engine test was conducted at injection timings 20° BTDC, 23° BTDC and 26° BTDC with blends B10 and B20.The result shows there is increase in Brake thermal efficiency, Peak pressure and NOx.The carbon emissions were less when compared with those of the Conventional Diesel.

Marine Toxins: Chemistry, Toxicity, Occurrence and Detection, with Special Reference to the Dutch Situation

Various species of algae can produce marine toxins under certain circumstances. These toxins can then accumulate in shellfish such as mussels, oysters and scallops. When these contaminated shellfish species are consumed severe intoxication can occur. The different types of syndromes that can occur after consumption of contaminated shellfish, the corresponding toxins and relevant legislation are discussed in this review. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) and Azaspiracid Shellfish Poisoning (AZP) occur worldwide, Neurologic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) is mainly limited to the USA and New Zealand while the toxins causing DSP and AZP occur most frequently in Europe. The latter two toxin groups are fat-soluble and can therefore also be classified as lipophilic marine toxins. A detailed overview of the official analytical methods used in the EU (mouse or rat bioassay) and the recently developed alternative methods for the lipophilic marine toxins is given. These alternative methods are based on functional assays, biochemical assays and chemical methods. From the literature it is clear that chemical methods offer the best potential to replace the animal tests that are still legislated worldwide. Finally, an overview is given of the situation of marine toxins in The Netherlands. The rat bioassay has been used for monitoring DSP and AZP toxins in The Netherlands since the 1970s. Nowadays, a combination of a chemical method and the rat bioassay is often used. In The Netherlands toxic events are mainly caused by DSP toxins, which have been found in Dutch shellfish for the first time in 1961, and have reoccurred at irregular intervals and in varying concentrations. From this review it is clear that considerable effort is being undertaken by various research groups to phase out the animal tests that are still used for the official routine monitoring programs.

Slugs’ last meals: molecular identification of sequestered chloroplasts from different algal origins in Sacoglossa (Opisthobranchia, Gastropoda)

Some sacoglossan sea slugs have become famous for their unique capability to extract and incorporate functional chloroplasts from algal food organisms (mainly Ulvophyceae) into their gut cells. The functional incorporation of the so-called kleptoplasts allows the slugs to rely on photosynthetic products for weeks to months, enabling them to survive long periods of food shortage over most of their life-span. The algal food spectrum providing kleptoplasts as temporary, non-inherited endosymbionts appears to vary among sacoglossan slugs, but detailed knowledge is sketchy or unavailable. Accurate identification of algal donor species, which provide the chloroplasts for long-term retention is of primary importance to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms allowing long-term functionality of the captured chloroplast in the foreign animal cell environment. Whereas some sacoglossans forage on a variety of algal species, (e.g. Elysia crispata and E.viridis) others are more selective. Hence, characterizing the range of functional sacoglossan-chloroplast associations in nature is a prerequisite to understand the basis of this enigmatic endosymbiosis. Here, we present a suitable chloroplast gene (tufA) as a marker, which allows identification of the respective algal kleptoplast donor taxa by analysing DNA from whole animals. This novel approach allows identification of donor algae on genus or even species level, thus providing evidence for the taxonomic range of food organisms. We report molecular evidence that chloroplasts from different algal sources are simultaneously incorporated in some species of Elysia. NeigborNet analyses for species assignments are preferred over tree reconstruction methods because the former allow more reliable statements on species identification via barcoding, or rather visualize alternative allocations not to be seen in the latter.

Phytoplankton of the York River

Abstract The York River possesses a diverse phytoplankton community represented by a variety of algal species that includes both freshwater and estuarine flora. The mean annual monthly range of abundance is ca. 5–20 X 106 cells L−1 with an extended bi-modal pattern that begins with an early spring diatom peak (March) that declines into early summer. The development of a more diverse representation of taxa in the summer results in a secondary late summer-early fall peak. Diatoms are the dominant phytoplankton component throughout the entire estuary including a variety of pennate and centric species such as Asterionella formosa and Aulacoseira granulata. Dinoflagellates are more common and abundant in the lower segments of the York River where they have been associated with re-occurring and extensive “red tide” blooms. These include Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Heterocapsa triquetra, Heterocapsa rotundata, Scrippsiella trochoidea, and Prorocentrum minimum. Cynobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green alg...

Differential responses of eight cyanobacterial and green algal species, to carbamate insecticides

In this study, five carbamate insecticides were subjected to 96 h acute toxicity tests to examine their effects on three cyanobacteria, Anabaena flos-aquae, Microcystis flos-aquae, and Mirocystis aeruginosa, and five green algae, Selenastrum capricornutun, Scenedesmus quadricauda, Scenedesmus obliquus, Chlorella vulgaris, and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The average acute toxicity of the carbamate insecticides to the cyanobacteria and the green algae was in descending order carbaryl>carbofuran, propoxur, metolcarb>carbosulfan. Wide variations in response to the tested carbamate insecticides occurred among the eight individual species of cyanobacteria and green algae. The sensitivity of various species of algae exposed to carbofuran, propoxur, metolcarb, and carbaryl varied over one order of magnitude, and that of algae exposed to carbosulfan varied over two orders of magnitude. With regard to the diffrential sensitivity of cyanobacteria and green algae, the cyanobacteria were less sensitive than green algae to carbosulfan and propoxur. The pollutants may initiate a shift of algal group structure; especially, a shift from dominance by green algae to dominance by cyanobacteria, and may sustain cyanobacterial blooms at particular times. Therefore, the descending order of the ecosystem risk was carbosulfan>propoxur>carbofuran>carbaryl, metolcarb. There was a strong variance between toxicity and ecosystem risk; i.e., “low toxicity” does not imply “low ecosystem risk.”

Differential sensitivity of three cyanobacterial and five green algal species to organotins and pyrethroids pesticides

In this work, five organotins and pyrethroids pesticides were tested to examine their effects on the three cyanobacteria Anabaena flos-aquae, Microcystis flos-aquae, Mirocystis aeruginosa and on the five green algae Selenastrum capricornutun, Scenedesmus quadricauda, Scenedesmus obliqnus, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa through 96 h acute toxicity tests. The results indicated that: (1) the decreasing order of the average acute toxicity to cyanobacteria and green algae of five dissimilar organotins and pyrethroids pesticides was: fentin hydroxide>cyhexatin>azocyclotin>fenbutatin oxide>beta-cyfluthrin. (2) Wide variations occurred in response to the tested pesticides among the eight individual species of cyanobacteria and green algae. The sensitivity of various species of algae exposed to fenbutatin-oxide varied over one order of magnitude, exposed to cyhexatin/fentin-hydroxide/beta-cyfluthrin varied over two orders of magnitude and exposed to azocyclotin varied three orders of magnitude. (3) In contrast with the sensitivity of cyanobacteria and green algae, cyanobacteria were much less sensitive to beta-cyfluthrin than green algae. The pollutants may result in a shift of green algal and cyanobacterial group structure, especially in a shift from dominance by green algae to dominance by cyanobacteria, and may sustain cyanobcterial blooms during the special period. Thus, the decreasing order of the aquatic ecological risk was: beta-cyfluthrin>fentin hydroxide>cyhexatin>azocyclotin>fenbutatin oxide. There was a strong variance between toxicity and ecological risk, i.e. “low toxicity” does not automatically imply “low ecological risk”. The toxicity of pyrethroids pesticides was lower than that of organotins pesticides, whereas the aquatic ecological risk of pyrethroids pesticides was higher than that of organotins pesticides.

Differential Sensitivity of Two Green Algae, Scenedesmus obliqnus and Chlorella pyrenoidosa, to 12 Pesticides

Growth-inhibiting tests were carried out for 12 pesticides (including 11 fungicides: fosetyl-aluminum, benomyl, metalaxyl, iprodione, dimetachlone, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, bismerthiazol, procymidone, zineb, chlorothalonil, and the acaricide abamectin) in the green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus obliqnus and the differential sensitivities of the two green algae to those pesticides were compared. The results indicate that the acute toxicity of benomyl to C. pyrenoidosa and S. obliqnus is the highest among all of the pesticides tested and is close to that of the photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides atrazine, simazine, and chlorotoluron. Meanwhile, algal species vary widely in their response to the pesticides. The results demonstrated that there was a differential response to various pesticides by the two species of algae and that the sensitivity of various species of algae exposed to chlorothalonil varied by nearly two orders of magnitude; sensitivity to thiophanate-methyl varied by more than one order. Investigations using different algal species as test organisms have demonstrated that algae vary greatly in their response to chemicals. Differential sensitivity of green species to the compounds could induce species shifts within communities.

Off-Flavors in Pond-Cultured Channel Catfish

A serious problem in pond culture of fish is the absorption of compounds from the aquatic environment which impart disagreeable flavor in the fish. “Musty” or “muddy” off-flavor is caused by geosmin (trans, 1, 10,-dimethyl-trans-9- decalol) and 2-methylisoborneol. These compounds can be produced by various species of algae and actinomycetes. Aquarium studies with mono-species cultures of geosmin-producing algae indicate that channel catfish can absorb off-flavor compounds exclusive of the digestive tract. Geosmin was absorbed at sensorily detectable levels within 24 hours. Off-flavor can be purged from catfish relatively quickly by holding in clean water for 4-10 days. Temperature influences rate of flavor removal and also rate of weight loss by the fish. Although the “musty-muddy” flavor has been regarded as the predominant pond-related off-flavor in fish, a recent study in which catfish from 220 commercial ponds was sensorily evaluated showed that it accounted for only 17% of the off-flavor. “Sewage” was the dominant flavor in 25% of the off-flavor samples. “Stale”, “rancid”, “metallic”, “moldy”, “petroleum”, and “weedy” were other off-flavors described. Geosmin was chemically identified in the fish with the “musty-muddy” flavor; the other compounds have not been identified.

Widespread occurrence of norspermidine and norspermine in eukaryotic algae.

Seven phyla of eukaryotic algae were analyzed to determine their contents of diamines and polyamines. The algae examined included Rhodophyta, Pyrrophyta, Chrysophyta, Phaeophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorophyta, and Charophyta. Both putrescine and spermidine were detected in all the algae studied, while appreciable amounts of spermine were detected only in a few species of algae. 1,3-Diaminopropane, norspermidine, and norspermine, which are chemical analogs of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, respectively, were widely distributed in various species of algae. There was no parallelism between the distribution patterns of putrescine derivatives and those of 1,3-diaminopropane derivatives. Cadaverine and agmatine were detected in multicellular marine algae. Homospermidine was detected sporadically in some algae. The biological and phylogenetical significance of polyamines in these lower eukaryotes is discussed.

The Cultivation of Calanojdes Carinatus Krøyer (Copepoda: Calanoida) under Different Temperature and Food Conditions-with a Description of Eggs and Nauplii

According to its mouthparts Calanoides carinatus is a herbivorous filter-feeder (Mensah, 1974a; Schnack, 1978) that is often associated with phytoplankton blooms. The species has been reported from the three oceans and the Mediterranean (Vervoort, 1946). Interest in this copepod is increasing due to its apparent importance as a dominant link between phytoplankton and fish in upwelling areas. Its presence in surface waters is regarded as an indication for upwelled water (Bainbridge, 1972; Binet, 1973). Population dynamics and life-cycle have been studied best on the West African shelf (Mensah, 1974b; Binet & Suisse St Claire, 1975; Petit & Courties, 1976; Binet, 1977). Courties (1978) has recently given a comprehensive review of the literature on C. carinatus. In the above-mentioned studies, generation time usually is estimated by measuring successive peaks of larval stages and adults as well as using sex ratio and length distribution. In spite of its importance, C. carinatus has not yet been successfully reared in the labora-tory. Tomasini & Petit (1977) determined experimentally the developmental time of eggs and some copepodite stages, but could not obtain all stages. Schnack (1978) studied the feeding behaviour in feeding and assimilation experiments using various species of algae on board ship.

Correlation between free and conjugated amino acids in some marine algae during their vegetative growth and reproductive stages

Although descriptive studies have elucidated details of the life cycles of a great 9 variety of algal species, the physiology of most of the functional stages involved remains completely obscure (ERBEN, 1962). At present no generalization on the basic factors controlling the phenomena of sporulation can be more than speculative. KLEBS (1928) and NEEB (1952) have concluded that sporulation in a given species of algae is induced by one specific system within the cell which controls spore formation. As stated by MOHSEN et al. (1974) the majority of investigations on the proteins, peptides and free amino acid contents of marine algae have been based on the analysis of species collected at any stage of their growth. However, periodic analysis of the proteins and amino acid contents of some algae have been made (HASS, HILL and KARSTENS, 1935; COULSON, 1953; OGINO, 1955; PILLAI, 1957; FOWDEN, 1962; NASR and BEKHEET, 1967). The aim of this work is to study any differences which might exist between the concentration of free and conjugated amino acids during vegetative and reproductive stages of the life histories of some algae. The algae chosen for this study were Laurencia papillosa (Rhodophyceae),Cystoseira barbata (Phaeophyceae) and Enteromorpha intestinalis (Chlorophyceae). These algae differ from one another by the nature of their reproductive stages and type of the life cycle. Consequently, the growth and reproduction in these algae may be sensitive to environmental factors.

Biological interactions between microorganisms in the sea

Biological interactions between microorganisms in the sea