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Algae from Extremophilic Conditions and Their Potential Applications
Published in Shashi Kant Bhatia, Sanjeet Mehariya, Obulisamy Parthiba Karthikeyan, Algal Biorefineries and the Circular Bioeconomy, 2022
Ashiwin Vadiveloo, Tasneema Ishika, David Chuka-Ogwude, Mohammadjavad Raeisossadati, Ângelo P. Matos
Several cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae can synthesize mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) which absorb 310–365 nm wavelength ultraviolet radiation. Halophilic microalgae Microchloropsis gaditana synthesizes carbohydrates that have potential in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry (Malavasi et al., 2020). Halophilic cyanobacteria and microalgae Dunaliella salina are able to synthesize extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) that are heterogeneous matrix of polymers consisting of proteins, polysaccharides, phospholipids, and nucleic acids (McSwain et al., 2005). EPS stabilizes the cell membrane structure and thus provides protection to the cells against unfavourable environmental conditions. These substances can also act as a carbon and energy reserve during cellular starvation. Microbial exopolymers are currently in use within food industries as thickeners and gelling agents to enhance the quality and texture of food products, as hydrophilic matrix within the pharmaceutical industry to regulate drug release as well as to enhance nonspecific immunity and to develop vaccines (Barzegari et al., 2010). EPSs can also be used as biosurfactants and/or bioemulsifiers. Dunaliella sp. also synthesizes glycerol as a major photosynthetic secondary metabolite which is an important commercial organic product. High salinity accelerates glycerol production. Dunaliella sp. is able to produce > 50% glycerol of its dry weight based on the salinity of the cultivation media to maintain high concentration gradients inside the cell (Wegmann, 1971).
Review of the immobilized microbial cell systems for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons polluted environments
Published in Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 2018
Cell–cell interaction and cell attachment to various biotic and abiotic surfaces can also be facilitated by production of microbial exopolymers. Obuekwe and Al-Muttawa (2001) found that production of high amounts of exopolysaccharides in a low nutrient medium by two hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial isolates would assist a stable and efficient biofilm.