In vitro culture and conservation of microalgae: Applications for aquaculture, biotechnology and environmental research |
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Authors: | John G Day Erica E Benson Roland A Fleck |
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Institution: | (1) Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, NERC Institute of Freshwater Ecology, Windermere Laboratory, Far Sawrey, LA22 OLP Ambleside, Cumbria, UK;(2) Plant Conservation Biotechnology Group, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, School of Science and Engineering, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, DD1 1HG Dundee, Scotland, UK;(3) Present address: Department of Soil, Crop and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, 14853 Ithaca, New York |
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Abstract: | Summary Microalgae are a highly diverse group of unicellular organisms comprising the eukaryotic protists and the prokaryotic cyanobacteria
or blue-green algae. The microalgae have a unique environmental status; being virtually ubiquitous in euphotic aquatic niches,
they can occupy extreme habitats ranging from tropical coral reefs to the polar regions, and they contribute to half of the
globe’s photosynthetic activity. Furthermore, they form the basis of the food chain for more than 70% of the world’s biomass.
Microalgae are a valuable environmental and biotechnological resource, and the aim of this review is to explore the use of
in vitro technologies in the conservation and sustainable exploitation of this remarkable group of organisms. The first part
of the review evaluates the importance of in vitro methods in the maintenance and conservation of microalgae and describes
the central role of culture collections in applied algal research. The second part explores the application of microalgal
in vitro technologies, particularly in the context of the aquaculture and biotechnology industries. Emphasis is placed upon
the exploitation of economically important algal products including aquaculture feed, biomass production for the health care
sector, green fertilizers, pigments, vitamins, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. The contribution that microalgae can
make to environmental research is also appraised; for example, they have an important role as indicator organisms in environmental
impact assessments. Similarly, designated culture collection strains of microalgae are used for ecotoxicity testing. Throughout
the review, emphasis is placed on the application of in vitro techniques for the continued advancement of microalgal research.
The paper concludes by assessing future perspectives for the novel application of microalgae and their products. |
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Keywords: | algae microalgae aquaculture culture collections environment cryopreservation |
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