Diversity of the fatty acids of the Nostoc species and their statistical analysis

The potential of microalgal sources as coating materials: A case study for the development of biocompatible surgical sutures

Sutures are considered as surgical materials that form excellent surfaces to integrate the postoperative parts of the body. These materials present suitable platforms for potential bacterial penetrations. Therefore, coating these biomedical materials with biocompatible compounds is seen as a potential approach to improve their properties while avoiding adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate Arthrospira platensis, Haematacoccus pluvialis, Chlorella minutissima, Botyrococcus braunii, and Nostoc muscorum as potential surgical suture coating materials. Their crude extracts were absorbed into two different sutures as poly glycolic (90%)-co-lactic acid (10%) (PGLA) and poly dioxanone (PDO); then, their cytotoxic effects and antibacterial activities were examined. Both N. muscorum-coated sutures (PGLA and PDO) and A. platensis-coated (PGLA and PDO) sutures did not induce any toxic effect on L929 mouse fibroblast cells (>70% cell viability). The highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was achieved with N. muscorum-coated PGLA and A. platensis-coated PGLA at 11.18 ± 0.54 mm and 9.52 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. These sutures were examined by mechanical analysis, and found suitable according to ISO 10993-5. In comparison with the commercial antibacterial agent (chlorohexidine), the results proved that N. muscorum extract can be considered as the most promising suture coating material for the human applications.

Potential Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Secondary Metabolites of Nostoc linckia Cultivated under Zn and Cu Stress Conditions

The objective of the present study is to determine the antioxidant and anticancer activities of Nostoc linckia extracts cultivated under heavy metal stress conditions (0.44, 0.88, and 1.76 mg/L for zinc and 0.158, 0.316, 0.632 mg/L for copper). Phycobiliprotein, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins were measured. Active ingredients of extracts were evaluated by GC-mass spectroscopy. The obtained results revealed that higher zinc and copper concentrations showed growth inhibition while 0.22 mg/L (Zn) and 0.079 mg/L (Cu) enhanced growth, reaching its maximum on the 25th day. Increases in catalase, lipids peroxidation, and antioxidants, as well as tannins and flavonoids, have been induced by integration of 0.88 mg/L (Zn) and 0.316 mg/L (Cu). Elevation of Zn concentration induced augmentation of antioxidant activity of crude extract (DPPH or ABTS), with superior activity at 0.44 mg/L zinc concentration (81.22%). The anticancer activity of Nostoc linckia extract (0.44 mg/L Zn) tested against four cancer cell lines: A549, Hela, HCT 116, and MCF-7. The extract at 500 µg/mL appeared the lowest cell viability of tested cell lines. The promising extract (0.44 mg/L Zn) recorded the lowest cell viability of 25.57% in cervical cell line, 29.74% in breast cell line, 33.10% in lung cell line and 34.53% in the colon cell line. The antioxidant active extract showed significant stability against pH with attributed increase in antioxidant activity in the range between 8–12. The extract can be used effectively as a natural antioxidant and anticancer after progressive testing.

Nordic cyanobacterial and algal lipids: Triacylglycerol accumulation, chemotaxonomy and bioindustrial potential

The ability to capture and convert sunlight, water and nutrients into useful compounds make photosynthetic microbes ideal candidates for the bio-industrial factories of the future. However, the suitability of isolates from temperate regions to grow under Nordic conditions is questionable. In this work, we explore the chemotaxonomy of Nordic strains of cyanobacteria and one green alga and evaluate their potential as raw materials for the production of lipid-based bio-industrial compounds. Thin-layer chromatography was used to identify the presence of triacylglycerol, which were detected in the majority of strains. Fatty acid methyl ester profiles were analysed to determine the suitability of strains for the production of biodiesel or the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the nutraceutical industry. The Nordic Synechococcus strains were unique in demonstrating fatty acid profiles comprised mostly C14:0, C16:0 and C16:1 and lacking polyunsaturated fatty acids. These properties translated to superior predicted biodiesel qualities, including cetane number, cold filter plugging point and oxidative stability compared to the other evaluated strains. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were detected at high levels (38-53%), with Calothrix sp. 336/3 being abundant in two essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid (21 and 17%, respectively). Gamma-linoleic acid was the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid for the remaining strains (13-21%). In addition to assessing the potential of Nordic strains for bio-industrial production, this work also discusses issues such as taxonomy and predictive modelling, which can affect the identification of prospective high-performing strains.

Potential of cyanobacteria in the conversion of wastewater to biofuels

Environmental and energy security has now become a serious global problem, requiring a lot of research to find and implement its cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. The development and use of renewable energy sources is necessary and important in order to avoid the emergence of a global economic crisis. One of the solution to prevent a future crisis caused by energy shortages is to introduce biofuels into the fuel market. Despite the fact that various forms of renewable energy are currently used, the prospects for the production of biofuels from cyanobacteria are quite high due to their unique properties, such as a high lipid content and a suitable fatty acid (FA) composition for the production of biofuels, their suitability for growing open water and the ability to grow on wastewater. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential of cyanobacteria in the conversion of wastewater into biofuels. The article covers comparative data on the accumulation of lipids and the content of fatty acids in various representatives of cyanobacteria and their possibilities in the remediation of wastewater. Various approaches to the extraction of lipids from phototrophic microorganisms that are currently available, their advantages and disadvantages, and the results of the monitoring of the main key points of the development of the technology for converting cyanobacterial biomass into biofuels, with an emphasis on the existing barriers, effects and solutions, are also considered. Further research in this field is required for the successful implementation of this technology on an industrial scale.

The genome of Geosiphon pyriformis reveals ancestral traits linked to the emergence of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (subphylum Glomeromycotina)¹ are among the most prominent symbionts and form the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS) with over 70% of known land plants.^2,3 AMS allows plants to efficiently acquire poorly soluble soil nutrients⁴ and AMF to receive photosynthetically fixed carbohydrates. This plant-fungus symbiosis dates back more than 400 million years⁵ and is thought to be one of the key innovations that allowed the colonization of lands by plants.⁶ Genomic and genetic analyses of diverse plant species started to reveal the molecular mechanisms that allowed the evolution of this symbiosis on the host side, but how and when AMS abilities emerged in AMF remain elusive. Comparative phylogenomics could be used to understand the evolution of AMS.^7,8 However, the availability of genome data covering basal AMF phylogenetic nodes (Archaeosporales, Paraglomerales) is presently based on fragmentary protein coding datasets.⁹Geosiphon pyriformis (Archaeosporales) is the only fungus known to produce endosymbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Nostoc punctiforme) presumably representing the ancestral AMF state.^10-12 Unlike other AMF, it forms long fungal cells ("bladders") that enclose cyanobacteria. Once in the bladder, the cyanobacteria are photosynthetically active and fix nitrogen, receiving inorganic nutrients and water from the fungus. Arguably, G. pyriformis represents an ideal candidate to investigate the origin of AMS and the emergence of a unique endosymbiosis. Here, we aimed to advance knowledge in these questions by sequencing the genome of G. pyriformis, using a re-discovered isolate.

Ecophysiological and ultrastructural characterisation of the circumpolar orange snow alga Sanguina aurantia compared to the cosmopolitan red snow alga Sanguina nivaloides (Chlorophyta)

Red snow caused by spherical cysts can be found worldwide, while an orange snow phenomenon caused by spherical cells is restricted to (Sub-)Arctic climates. Both bloom types, occurring in the same localities at Svalbard, were compared ecophysiologically. Using a combination of molecular markers and light- and transmission electron microscopy, cells were identified as Sanguina nivaloides and Sanguina aurantia (Chlorophyceae). In search for reasons for a cosmopolitan vs. a more restricted distribution of these microbes, significant differences in fatty acid and pigment profiles of field samples were found. S. aurantia accumulated much lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (21% vs. 48% of total fatty acids) and exhibited lower astaxanthin-to-chlorophyll-a ratio (2-8 vs. 12-18). These compounds play an important role in adaptation to extreme conditions at the snow surface and within snow drifts. Accordingly, the performance of photosystem II showed that one third to nearly half of the photosynthetic active irradiation was sufficient in S. aurantia, compared to S. nivaloides, to become light saturated. Furthermore, formation of plastoglobules observed in S. nivaloides but missing in S. aurantia may contribute to photoprotection. The rapid light curves of the two species show to a certain extent the shade-adapted photosynthesis under the light conditions at Svalbard (high α-value 0.16 vs. 0.11, low saturation point I k 59 vs. 86). These results indicate significant physiological and ultrastructural differences of the two genetically closely related cryoflora species, but the reasons why S. aurantia has not been found at conditions outside (Sub-)Arctic climate types remain unknown.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00300-020-02778-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.

Separation and identification of diacylglycerols containing branched chain fatty acids by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A combination of two chromatographic and two enzymatic methods was used for the analysis of molecular species of lipids from Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Kocuria. Gram-positive bacteria contain a majority of branched fatty acids (FAs), especially iso- and/or anteiso-FAs. Two strains K. rhizophila were cultivated at three different temperatures (20, 28, and 37°C) and the majority phospholipid, i.e., the mixture of molecular species of phosphatidylglycerols (PGs) was separated by means of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). After enzymatic hydrolysis of PGs by phospholipase C and derivatization of the free OH group, the sn-1,2-diacyl-3-acetyl triacylglycerols (AcTAGs) were separated by reversed phase HPLC. Molecular species such as i-15:0/i-15:0/2:0, ai-15:0/ai-15:0/2:0, and 15:0/15:0/2:0 (straight chains) were identified by liquid chromatography-positive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The tandem mass spectra of both standards and natural compounds containing iso, anteiso and straight chain FAs with the same carbons were identical. Therefore, for identification of the ratio of two regioisomers, i.e. i-15:0/ai-15:0/2:0 vs. ai-15:0/i-15:0/2:0, they were cleavage by pancreatic lipase. The mixture of free fatty acids (FFAs) and 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MAGs) was obtained. After their separation by TLC and esterification and/or transesterification, the fatty acid methyl esters were quantified by GC-MS and thus the ratio of regioisomers was determined. It has been shown that the ratio of PG (containing as majority i-15: 0 / i-15: 0, i-15: 0 / ai-15: 0 and / or ai-15: 0 / i-15: 0 and ai-15: 0 / ai-15: 0 molecular species) significantly affected the membrane flow of bacterial cells cultured at different temperatures.

Chemotaxonomic Profiling Through NMR1

A metabolite screening of cyanobacteria was performed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of the soluble material obtained through sequential extraction of the biomass with three different extractive ability solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). Twenty-five strains from the Coimbra Collection of Algae (ACOI) belonging to different orders in the botanical code that represent three subsections of the Stainer-Rippka classification were used. The ¹ H NMR spectra of hexane extracts showed that only two strains of Nostoc genus accumulated triacylglycerols. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols and digalactosyldiacylglycerols were the major components of the ethyl acetate extracts in a mono- to digalactosyldiacylglycerols ratio of 4.5 estimated by integration of the signals at δ 3.99 and 3.94 ppm (sn3 glycerol methylene). Oligosaccharides of sucrose and mycosporine-like amino acids, among other polar metabolites, were detected in the methanolic extracts. Strains of Nostocales order contained heterocyst glycolipids, whereas sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerols were absent in one of the studied strains (Microchaete tenera ACOI 1451). Phosphathidylglycerol was identified as the major phospholipid in the methanolic extracts together with minor amounts of phosphatidylcholine based on ¹ H, ³¹ P 2D correlation experiments. Chemotaxonomic information could be easily obtained through the analysis of the δ 3.0-0.5 ppm (fatty acid distribution) and δ 1.2-1.1 ppm (terminal methyl groups of the aglycons in heterocyst glycolipids) regions of the ¹ H NMR spectra of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, respectively.

The novel strain Desmonostoc salinum CCM-UFV059 shows higher salt and desiccation resistance compared to the model strain Nostoc sp. PCC7120

Desmonostoc salinum CCM-UFV059 (Desmonostoc) is a novel cyanobacterial strain of the order Nostocales isolated from a saline-alkaline lake. The acclimation towards salt and desiccation stress of Desmonostoc was compared to the related and well-characterized model strain Nostoc sp. PCC7120 (Nostoc). Salt-stressed cells of Desmonostoc maintained low cellular Na⁺ concentrations and accumulated high amounts of compatible solutes, mainly sucrose and to a lower extent trehalose. These features permitted Desmonostoc to grow and maintain photosynthesis at 2-fold higher salinities than Nostoc. Moreover, Desmonostoc also induced sucrose over-accumulation under desiccation, which allowed this strain to recover from this stress in contrast to Nostoc. Additional mechanisms such as the presence of highly unsaturated lipids in the membrane and an efficient ion transport system could also explain, at least partially, how Desmonostoc is able to acclimate to high salinities and to resist longer desiccation periods. Collectively, our results provide first insights into the physiological and metabolic adaptations explaining the remarkable high salt and desiccation tolerance, which qualify Desmonostoc as an attractive model for further analysis of stress acclimation among heterocystous N₂ -fixing cyanobacteria.

Fatty acids as chemotaxonomic and ecophysiological traits in green microalgae (desmids, Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta): A discriminant analysis approach

Desmids (Zygnematophyceae) are a group of poorly studied green microalgae. The aim of the present study was to identify fatty acids (FAs) that could be used as biomarkers in desmids in general, and to determine FAs as traits within different ecophysiological desmid groups. FA profiles of 29 desmid strains were determined and analysed with respect to their geographic origin, trophic preference and age of cultivation. It appeared that merely FAs present in relatively large proportions such as palmitic, linoleic, α-linolenic and hexadecatrienoic acids could be used as biomarkers for reliable categorization of this microalgal group. Linear discriminant analysis applied to three a priori defined groups of desmids, revealed clear strain-specific characteristics regarding FA distribution, influenced by climate and trophic conditions at the source sites as well as by the age of culture and growth phase. Accordingly, when considering FAs for the determination of lower taxonomic ranks we recommend using the term "trait" instead of "biomarker", as the latter designates unchangeable "fingerprint" of a specific taxon. Furthermore, despite that desmids were regarded as microalgae having stable genomes, long-term cultivation appeared to cause modifications in FA metabolic pathways, evident as a larger proportion of stearidonic acid in desmid strains cultivated over extensive time periods (>35 years).

Ten years of algal biofuel and bioproducts: gains and pains

It has been proposed that future efforts should focus on basic studies, biotechnology studies and synthetic biology studies related to algal biofuels and various high-value bioproducts for the economically viable production of algal biof uels. In recognition of diminishing fossil fuel reserves and the worsening environment, microalgal biofuel has been proposed as a renewable energy source with great potential. Algal biofuel thus became one of the hottest topics in renewable energy research in the new century, especially over the past decade. Between 2007 and 2017, research related to microalgal biofuels experienced a dramatic, three-stage development, rising, growing exponentially, and then declining rapidly due to overheating of the subject. However, biofuel-driven algal biotechnology and bioproducts research has been thriving since 2010. To clarify the gains (and pains) of the past decade and detail prospects for the future, this review summarizes the extensive scientific progress and substantial technical advances in algal biofuel over the past decade, covering basic biology, applied research, as well as the production of value-added natural products. Even after 10 years of hard work and billions of dollars in investments, its unacceptably high cost remains the ultimate bottleneck for the industrialization of algal biofuel. To maximize the total research benefits, both economically and socially, it has been proposed that future efforts should focus on basic studies to characterize oilgae, on biotechnology studies into various high-value bioproducts. Moreover, the development of synthetic biology provides new possibilities for the economically viable production of biofuels via the directional manufacture of microalgal bioproducts in algal cell factories.

Extending the ecological distribution of Desmonostoc genus: proposal of Desmonostoc salinum sp. nov., a novel Cyanobacteria from a saline-alkaline lake

Cyanobacteria is an ancient phylum of oxygenic photosynthetic microorganisms found in almost all environments of Earth. In recent years, the taxonomic placement of some cyanobacterial strains, including those belonging to the genus Nostocsensu lato, have been reevaluated by means of a polyphasic approach. Thus, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) secondary structures coupled with morphological, ecological and physiological data are considered powerful tools for a better taxonomic and systematics resolution, leading to the description of novel genera and species. Additionally, underexplored and harsh environments, such as saline-alkaline lakes, have received special attention given they can be a source of novel cyanobacterial taxa. Here, a filamentous heterocytous strain, Nostocaceae CCM-UFV059, isolated from Laguna Amarga, Chile, was characterized applying the polyphasic approach; its fatty acid profile and physiological responses to salt (NaCl) were also determined. Morphologically, this strain was related to morphotypes of the Nostocsensu lato group, being phylogenetically placed into the typical cluster of the genus Desmonostoc. CCM-UFV059 showed identity of the 16S rRNA gene as well as 16S-23S secondary structures that did not match those from known described species of the genus Desmonostoc, as well as distinct ecological and physiological traits. Taken together, these data allowed the description of the first strain of a member of the genus Desmonostoc from a saline-alkaline lake, named Desmonostoc salinum sp. nov., under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants. This finding extends the ecological coverage of the genus Desmonostoc, contributing to a better understanding of cyanobacterial diversity and systematics.

Healthy efficacy of Nostoc commune Vaucher

Nostoc commune Vaucher, a macroscopic cyanobacterium, has long been appreciated as a healthy food and traditional medicine worldwide. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that it possesses a wide range of remarkably protective physiological and pharmacological activities, largely based on animal and in vitro studies. In this review, we summarise and update evidence regarding the chemical composition and nutritional characteristics of Nostoc commune Vaucher, and comprehensively discuss the recent studies on the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and immune regulation properties of Nostoc commune Vaucher and Nostoc commune Vaucher-derived extracts. The available results demonstrate the potential of it to act as a functional food for the amelioration of human associated diseases. More details from human clinical trials should be a matter of further investigation.

Effect of DHA supplements during pregnancy on the concentration of PUFA in breast milk of Chinese lactating mothers

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is an effect of prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the breast milk of Chinese lactating women.

METHODS

A total of 409 participants were recruited at the postpartum care center during their 1-month postpartum care. They were assigned to the supplement group or the control group according to whether or not DHA supplements were taken during pregnancy. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Breast milk samples were collected on 1 day between the 22nd and 25th day postpartum and levels of eight kinds of fatty acids in the breast milk were measured by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

DHA intake was divided into three levels (<57 mg/day, 57-185 mg/day and >185 mg/day). The concentration of DHA postpartum in the breast milk of the group receiving a DHA supplement >185 mg/day was significantly higher (P=0.003) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

DHA intake >185 mg/day resulted in increased DHA concentrations in breast milk. This finding suggests that mothers with inadequate dietary intake of DHA should change their dietary habits to consume a diet rich in DHA or take sufficient DHA supplements to meet the average nutritional needs of infants.

Biologically Active Metabolites Synthesized by Microalgae

Microalgae are microorganisms that have different morphological, physiological, and genetic traits that confer the ability to produce different biologically active metabolites. Microalgal biotechnology has become a subject of study for various fields, due to the varied bioproducts that can be obtained from these microorganisms. When microalgal cultivation processes are better understood, microalgae can become an environmentally friendly and economically viable source of compounds of interest, because production can be optimized in a controlled culture. The bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, among others. Furthermore, these microorganisms have the ability to promote health and reduce the risk of the development of degenerative diseases. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss bioactive metabolites produced by microalgae for possible applications in the life sciences.

Lipidomic analysis can distinguish between two morphologically similar strains of Nannochloropsis oceanica

The two morphologically similar microalgae NMBluh014 and NMBluh-X belong to two different strains of Nannochloropsis oceanica. They possess obviously different feeding effects on bivalves, but are indistinguishable by 18S rRNA and morphological features. In this work, lipidomic analysis followed by principal component analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis provided a clear distinction between these strains. Metabolites that definitively contribute to the classification were selected as potential biomarkers. The most important difference in polar lipids were sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (containing 18:1/16:0 and 18:3/16:0) and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (containing 18:3/16:3 and 20:5/14:0), which were detected only in NMBluh-X. Additionally, an exhaustive qualitative and quantitative profiling of the neutral lipid triacylglycerol (TAG) in the two strains was carried out. The predominant species of TAG containing 16:1/16:1/16:1 acyl groups was detected only in NMBluh-X with a content of ~93.67 ± 11.85 nmol · mg(-1) dry algae at the onset of stationary phase. Meanwhile, TAG containing 16:0/16:0/16:0 was the main TAG in NMBluh014 with a content of 40.25 ± 3.92 nmol · mg(-1) . These results provided the most straightforward evidence for differentiating the two species. The metabolomic profiling indicated that NMBluh-X underwent significant chemical and physiological changes during the growth process, whereas NMBluh014 did not show such noticeable time-dependent metabolite change. This study is the first using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray ionization-Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for lipidomic profiling with multivariate statistical analysis to explore lipidomic differences of plesiomorphous microalgae. Our results demonstrate that lipidomic profiling is a valid chemotaxonomic tool in the study of microalgal systematics.

Modes of Fatty Acid desaturation in cyanobacteria: an update

Fatty acid composition of individual species of cyanobacteria is conserved and it may be used as a phylogenetic marker. The previously proposed classification system was based solely on biochemical data. Today, new genomic data are available, which support a need to update a previously postulated FA-based classification of cyanobacteria. These changes are necessary in order to adjust and synchronize biochemical, physiological and genomic data, which may help to establish an adequate comprehensive taxonomic system for cyanobacteria in the future. Here, we propose an update to the classification system of cyanobacteria based on their fatty acid composition.

Exploring microbial succession and diversity during solid-state fermentation of Tianjin duliu mature vinegar

Tianjin duliu mature vinegar was one of famous Chinese traditional vinegars. The unique flavor and taste of vinegar are mainly generated by the multitudinous microorganisms during fermentation. In this research, the composition and succession of microbial communities in the entire solid-state fermentation were investigated, including starter daqu and acetic acid fermentation (AAF). Molds and yeasts in daqu, including Aspergillus, Saccharomycopsis and Pichia, decreased in AAF. The bacterial compositions increased from four genera in daqu to more than 13 genera in AAF. Principal component analysis showed that Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter, Lactobacillus and Nostoc were dominant bacteria that were correlated well with AAF process. In the early fermentation period, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) decreased while acetic acid bacteria and Nostoc increased rapidly with the accumulation of total acids. Then, the abundance and diversity of LAB increased (more than 80%), indicating that LAB had important influences on the flavor and taste of vinegar.

Fatty acids as biomarkers of microalgae

Microalgae are primary producers of the food chain and hold prominence towards pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Fatty acids (FAs) are one of the primary metabolites of microalgae, which enrich their utility both in the form of food and fuels. Additionally, the vast structural diversity coupled with taxonomic specificity makes these FAs as potential biomarkers. The determination of lipid and fatty acid profiling of 12 different strains of microalgae has been accomplished in this study and further discussed in respect to their chemotaxonomic perspective in microalgae. Palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n9c) were found to be dominant among the members of Cyanophyceae whereas members of Chlorophyceae were rich in palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6). The application of principal component analysis (PCA) and algorithmic hierarchical clustering (AHC) resulted in the segregation of the studied microalgal strains into 8 different orders belonging to 2 distinct phyla according to their phylogenetic classification. Nutritionally important FAs like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) were detected only in Chlorella sp. belonging to Chlorophyceaen family. Differential segregation of microalgae with respect to their fatty acid profile indicated the potential utility of FAs as biomarkers.

Chemotaxonomy of heterocystous cyanobacteria using FAME profiling as species markers

The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis of the 12 heterocystous cyanobacterial strains showed different fatty acid profiling based on the presence/absence and the percentage of 13 different types of fatty acids. The major fatty acids viz. palmitic acid (16:0), hexadecadienoic acid (16:2), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), linoleic (18:2), and linolenic acid (18:3) were present among all the strains except Cylindrospermum musicola where oleic acid (18:1) was absent. All the strains showed high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs; 41-68.35%) followed by saturated fatty acid (SAFAs; 1.82-40.66%) and monounsaturated fatty acid (0.85-24.98%). Highest percentage of PUFAs and essential fatty acid (linolenic acid; 18:3) was reported in Scytonema bohnerii which can be used as fatty acid supplement in medical and biotechnological purpose. The cluster analysis based on FAME profiling suggests the presence of two distinct clusters with Euclidean distance ranging from 0 to 25. S. bohnerii of cluster I was distantly related to the other strains of cluster II. The genotypes of cluster II were further divided into two subclusters, i.e., IIa with C. musicola showing great divergence with the other genotypes of IIb which was further subdivided into two groups. Subsubcluster IIb(1) was represented by a genotype, Anabaena sp. whereas subsubcluster IIb(2) was distinguished by two groups, i.e., one group having significant similarity among their three genotypes showed distant relation with the other group having closely related six genotypes. To test the validity of the fatty acid profiles as a marker, cluster analysis has also been generated on the basis of morphological attributes. Our results suggest that FAME profiling might be used as species markers in the study of polyphasic approach based taxonomy and phylogenetic relationship.

POLYPHASIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DOLICHOSPERMUM SPP. AND SPHAEROSPERMOPSIS SPP. (NOSTOCALES, CYANOBACTERIA): MORPHOLOGY, 16S rRNA GENE SEQUENCES AND FATTY ACID AND SECONDARY METABOLITE PROFILES(1)

The genera Dolichospermum (Ralfs ex Bornet et Flahault) Wacklin, L. Hoffm. et Komárek and Sphaerospermopsis Zapomělová, Jezberová, Hrouzek, Hisem, K. Řeháková et Komárk.-Legn. represent a highly diversified group of planktonic cyanobacteria that have been recently separated from the traditional genus Anabaena Bory ex Bornet et Flahault. In this study, morphological diversity, phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene, production of fatty acids, and secondary metabolite profiles were evaluated in 33 strains of 14 morphospecies isolated from the Czech Republic. Clustering of the strains based on 16S rRNA gene sequences corresponded to wider groups of species in terms of morphology. The overall secondary metabolite and fatty acid profiles, however, were not correlated to each other and neither were they correlated to the 16S rRNA phylogeny nor the morphology of the strains. Nevertheless, a minor part of the detected secondary metabolites (19% of all compounds) was present only in close relatives and can be thus considered as autapomorphic features.

Fatty acid profiles and their distribution patterns in microalgae: a comprehensive analysis of more than 2000 strains from the SAG culture collection

BACKGROUND

Among the various biochemical markers, fatty acids or lipid profiles represent a chemically relatively inert class of compounds that is easy to isolate from biological material. Fatty acid (FA) profiles are considered as chemotaxonomic markers to define groups of various taxonomic ranks in flowering plants, trees and other embryophytes.

RESULTS

The fatty acid profiles of 2076 microalgal strains from the culture collection of algae of Göttingen University (SAG) were determined in the stationary phase. Overall 76 different fatty acids and 10 other lipophilic substances were identified and quantified. The obtained FA profiles were added into a database providing information about fatty acid composition. Using this database we tested whether FA profiles are suitable as chemotaxonomic markers. FA distribution patterns were found to reflect phylogenetic relationships at the level of phyla and classes. In contrast, at lower taxonomic levels, e.g. between closely related species and even among multiple isolates of the same species, FA contents may be rather variable.

CONCLUSION

FA distribution patterns are suitable chemotaxonomic markers to define taxa of higher rank in algae. However, due to their extensive variation at the species level it is difficult to make predictions about the FA profile in a novel isolate.

Chemical profile and biological potential of non-polar fractions from Centroceras clavulatum (C. Agardh) Montagne (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)

The present study reports the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) evaluation of the hexanes and dichloromethane fractions from extracts of the red alga Centroceras clavulatum (C. Agardh) Montagne. Twenty three compounds were identified, totaling ca. 42% of both fractions (0.18 g mass extract). The main constituents of the fractions were hexadecanoic acid (17.6%) and pentadecanoic acid (15.9%). Several secondary metabolites with interesting biological activity, such as (-)-loliolide, neophytadiene, phytol were identified. In addition, several classes of secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds (e.g., phenylacetic acid), terpene derivatives, fatty acids, halogenated compound (e.g., 2-chlorocyclohexenol), lignoids, steroids, esters, amides (e.g., hexadecanamide), ketones, carboxylic acids, aldehydes and alcohols were observed. The occurrence of several of these structural classes is described for the first time in this species. The same fractions analyzed by GC-MS, and a separate set of polar fractions, were evaluated against two life cycle stages (epimastigote and trypomastigote forms) of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and against phytopatogenic fungi Cladosporium cladosporiodes and C. sphaerospermum. The dichloromethane fraction was active against both T. cruzi forms (epimastigote IC(50) = 19.1 μg.mL-1 and trypomastigote IC(50) = 76.2 μg.mL-1). The hexanes and ethyl acetate fractions also displayed activity against both fungi species (200 μg) by TLC-bioautography.

Exposure of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum from Portuguese rice fields to Molinate (Ordram(®)): Effects on the antioxidant system and fatty acid profile

Herbicide contamination of aquatic ecosystems is a serious global environmental concern. Several herbicides enhance the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species, and can lead to the damage of macromolecules and to a decrease of oxidant defenses in a wide range of non-target microorganisms including cyanobacteria. The effects of molinate (a thiocarbamate herbicide used for controlling grassy weeds in rice fields) on the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase were evaluated in Nostoc muscorum, a freshwater cyanobacterium with a significant spread in Portuguese rice fields. These were determined in N. muscorum cultures acutely (72h) exposed to concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 2mM of molinate. This study also analyzed the effects of molinate on: (1) the nonenzymatic antioxidant contents (reduced and oxidized glutathione, carotenoids, and proline), (2) the oxidative cell damage measured in terms of lipid peroxidation (MDA level) and electrolyte leakage (intactness of plasma membrane), and (3) the total fatty acid profile. The results showed that the activities of all antioxidant enzymes decreased dramatically with the rising concentration of molinate after 72h. Time-dependent and concentration-dependent increase in MDA and enhanced cell membrane leakage were indicative of lipid peroxidation, formation of free radicals and oxidative damage. Compared to control, 72-h herbicide exposure increased lipid peroxidation by 5.4%, 19% and 28% with 0.75, 1.5 and 2mM of molinate, respectively. Similarly, herbicide stress induced an increase in electrolyte leakage (5.8%, 29.5% and 30.2% above control, with 0.75, 1.5 and 2mM of molinate, respectively). The increased production of proline at higher molinate concentrations (the values rose above control by 45%, 95% and 156% with 0.75, 1.5 and 2mM, respectively) indicated the involvement of this osmoprotectant in a free radical scavenging mechanism. Moreover, a radical decline in both glutathione pool, carotenoids and saturated fatty acids were also observed. The results of the present study lead us to conclude that: (1) both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative defense system of N. muscorum are dramatically affected by molinate, (2) the herbicide induces peroxidation, (3) it contributes to an increase of the unsaturation level of cell membrane fatty acids. These evidences should be taken in account when using N. muscorum as an environmental indicator species in studies of herbicide biotransformation and biomarker response as well as in environmental monitoring programmes.