Pilot scale production of Crocosphaera chwakensis CCY0110 and evaluation of its biomass nutritional potential

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Matinha-Cardoso, J (Author) Other; Santos, T (Author) Other; Pereira, H (Author) Other; Varela, J (Author) Other; Paula Tamagnini (Author) FCUP; Mota, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Algal Research

Vol. 69

ISSN: 2211-9264

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-N5S

DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102939

Abstract (EN): In recent years, the large-scale cultivation and commercialization of microalgae/cyanobacteria biomasses have become a worldwide trend, mainly directed to the animal and human nutrition markets due to their outstanding nutritional value. However, only a very limited number are currently classified as food ingredients by Food Safety regulators worldwide. Crocosphaera chwakensis CCY0110 is a marine unicellular cyanobacterium that produces a promising and versatile extracellular carbohydrate polymer (Cyanoflan). Therefore, envisaging a biorefinery approach with a multi-product stream (zero-waste), C. chwakensis biomass was for the first time cultivated at pilot-scale in a 120 L flat panel photobioreactor and its nutritional composition was evaluated. The results obtained revealed high protein and fat-soluble vitamins content (similar to 54 g of protein, 6 mg vitamin A and 25 mg vitamin E per 100 g biomass dry weight), coupled with a balanced amount of essential amino acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (36 % of total fatty acids). Moreover, C. chwakensis biomass can also be considered as a great source of important minerals, such as potassium (3 g per 100 g DW), magnesium (0.5 g per 100 g DW) and iron (95 mg per 100 g DW), as well as phycocyanin, a high-value blue pigment with a wide array of applications. Overall, C. chwakensis biomass displays a nutritional composition that outdo traditional feedstocks and competes with already established and commercially available cyanobacteria and microalgae. This work highlights the potential of C. chwakensis as a multi-product cyanobacterium for blue bioeconomy, combining the production of a promising biopolymer with biomass valorization.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8