Optimization of culture conditions for tissue culture production of young plantlets of carrageenophyte <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kappaphycus</Emphasis>

To improve the production of Kappaphycus plantlets in tissue culture, optimum media concentrations of an Ascophyllum nodosum extract (Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder, AMPEP), plant growth regulators (PGR), pH–temperature combinations, and explant density were determined. Kappaphycus alvarezii var. tambalang purple (PUR), kapilaran brown (KAP), vanguard brown (VAN), adik-adik (AA), tungawan green (TGR), and K. striatum var. sacol green (GS) were used as explants. Based on the shortest period for shoot emergence and the economical use of AMPEP, the optimum enriched media was 3.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP and 0.1 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR 1 mg L⁻¹ each phenylacetic acid (PAA) and zeatin for PUR, 1.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR for KAP and GS, 0.1 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR for VAN, and 3.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP and 0.001 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR for AA and TGR. Results showed that the addition of PGR to low concentrations of AMPEP hastened shoot formation. pH–temperature combinations for the most rapid shoot formation were determined for the brown (KAP) and purple (PUR) color morphotypes of K. alvarezii var. tambalang and the green morphotype of K. striatum var. sacol (GS) cultured in 1.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR. The brown morphotype produced the most number of shoots at pH 7.7 at 20°C after as little as 20 days. Purple K. alvarezii showed an increased shoot formation at pH 6.7 at 25°C and the green K. striatum morphotype at pH 8.7 at 25°C. The optimum number of explants added to the culture media was also determined for tungawan green (TGR), brown (KAP), and tambalang purple (PUR) varieties of K. alvarezii in 1.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR. The number of explants and the volume of the culture media combination were also tested. The highest average number of shoots formed occurred in two explants:1 mL culture media (2:1) for KAP and PUR (35.00% and 16.67%, respectively) and 1 explant: 2 mL culture media for the TGR (100.00%) with a range of 0.5–3.0 mm shoot length after 40 days in culture. The earliest shoot formation was observed after 21 days for the brown and 9 days for both the green and purple color morphotypes of Kappaphycus, in all densities investigated. This indicated that within the range tested, the density of explants did not have a significant effect on the rate of shoot formation but did influence the average number generated from the culture. The rate of production of new and improved Kappaphycus explants for a commercial nursery stock was improved through the use of AMPEP with optimized culture media pH, temperature, and density conditions.     

Direct formation of axes in new plantlets of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kappaphycus alvarezii</Emphasis> (Doty) Doty,as influenced by the use of AMPEP K<Superscript>+</Superscript>, spindle inhibitors,and plant growth hormones

In order to induce the direct formation of erect dark brown vegetative shoots of Kappahycus alvarezii, under micro-propagation conditions, the agricultural bio-stimulant “Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder” (or AMPEP) K⁺ (a Canadian commercial extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum with enhanced levels of potassium) was used singly or in combination with colchicine or oryzalin at different concentrations plus (synthetic) plant growth regulators (i.e., PGR, IAA, and kinetin) over 45 days of incubation. Amongst the treatments tested, 5 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ with PGR produced the longest direct axis shoots (9.6 ± 0.33 mm), followed by 0.1 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ + 1.0 mg L^?1 oryzalin with PGR (8.7 ± 0.00 mm), 10 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ + 0.5 mg L^?1 colchicine with PGR (8.6 ± 1.20 mm), and 0.5 mg AMPEP K⁺ only (5.3 ± 1.8 mm). The shortest, direct axis shoots measured were the following: 8.3 ± 0.33 mm with 0.1, 1 and 10 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ with PGR, 6.0 ± 0.58 mm with 0.5 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ + 0.1 mg L^?1 oryzalin with PGR, 5.3 ± 0.89 mm with 0.5 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ + 0.1 mg L^?1 colchicine with PGR, and finally, 2.7 ± 0.33 mm with 0.1 mg L^?1 AMPEP K⁺ only. The percentage of direct shoots formed ranged from 93 to 100 % and 87 to 100 % in AMPEP K⁺ with PGR and AMPEP K⁺ only, respectively, while 62–100 % and 87–100 % were observed in AMPEP K⁺ + colchicine with PGR and AMPEP K⁺ + oryzalin with PGR, respectively. The use of AMPEP K⁺ with the PGR resulted in the longest and highest percentage formation of direct axis shoots. These observations, taken together, suggested the efficacy of AMPEP K⁺ used as a protocol to induce direct, erect shoots for the micro-propagation of K. alvarezii plantlets under laboratory conditions.     

Temperature and salinity responses of drifting specimens of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Gigartinales,Rhodophyta) farmed on the Brazilian tropical coast

Bioinvasion events causing serious environmental damage have been a concern with the mariculture of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva, suggesting the importance of studying the biological aspects of drifting specimens of K. alvarezii for monitoring programs. The present study aims to evaluate the tolerance and growth of drifting color variants of K. alvarezii under different temperatures and salinities to determine their physiological capacity for growing outside cultivation rafts. Drifting color variants were collected in Paraíba State, Brazil, in November 2011(dry month) and August 2012 (rainy month), and cultivated in the laboratory under different temperatures (20, 24, 28, and 32 °C) and salinities (15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 psu). Growth rates as well as pigment and protein contents were determined. Results showed that drifting specimens collected in the dry month showed higher tolerance to variation in temperature (20 to 28 °C) and salinity (25 to 35 psu) than drifting specimens collected in the rainy month. Higher growth rates occurred in samples cultured at 20 and 24 °C (2.8–3 % day^?1) and 25 to 35 psu (3.4–3.5 % day^?1), suggesting temperature and salinity optima. Higher phycobiliprotein levels were observed in the red and brown variants under hypersaline conditions (45 and 55 psu). Higher chlorophyll a contents were associated with samples cultivated at 20–24 °C and 24–35 psu. Based on the results of the present study, drifting specimens collected in dry month are more tolerant to temperature and salinity variations, suggesting that the drifting K. alvarezii should be monitored especially during this period to prevent its establishment outside the cultivation rafts and dispersion along the northeastern coast of Brazil.     

Cage culture ofKappaphycus alvarezii var.tambalang (Gigartinales,Rhodophyceae)

Kappaphycus alvarezii var.tambalang was cultured in a 3 × 3 m bamboo raft installed inside a 4 × 4 m floating net cage ofLates calcarifer (sea bass) broodstock at SEAFDEC Sub-station Igang, Guimaras, Philippines, from December 1989 to May 1990. Growth and production ofK. alvarezii var.tambalang was influenced by the culture months. The highest growth rate and production were recorded in January and May, respectively, while the lowest growth rate and production were observed in March. Average growth rate (wet weight) ranged from 3.72 to 7.17% day^-1, while production ranged from 575.5 to 2377 g m^-1 line^-1. A total production of approximately 123 t (fresh) or 37 t (dried) ha^-1 in the 5-month harvest season was produced from this culture system. Cultivation ofK. alvarezii var.tambalang in cages is possible, which indicates that seaweeds can be grown with carnivorous finfish, a practice which is still untapped.     

Optimization of culture conditions for the direct regeneration of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta,Solieriaceae)

Cultivation of seaweeds on a commercial scale requires a large number of propagules with desirable phenotypic traits which include high growth rates and resistance to diseases. Seaweed micropropagation can be considered as one of the best methods to provide a large amount of seedlings for commercial cultivation. This study was carried out to optimize the parameters known to affect the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii in vitro and subsequently improve the production of seedlings through micropropagation. Suitability of media, concentration of phytoregulators, types and concentration of fertilizers, culture density, light intensity, interval of aeration activity, salinity, and pH were found to be critical factors for the growth of K. alvarezii. The optimum condition for direct regeneration of K. alvarezii in a culture vessel was found to be cultivation of explants in Provasoli's enriched seawater (PES) media supplemented with 2.5 mg L^?1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg L^?1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and 3.0 mg L^?1 natural seaweed extract (NSE) with culture density of 0.4 %?w/v, under light intensity of 75 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1, continuous aeration of 30.0 L h^?1, salinity of 30.0 ppt, and pH 7.5. An airlift photobioreactor was constructed for the mass propagation of K. alvarezii explants with optimum culture conditions obtained from the study. The optimum growth rates of the K. alvarezii explants in culture vessels (5.5 % day^?1) and photobioreactor (6.5 % day^?1) were found to be higher than the growth rate observed in field trials in the open sea (3.5 % day^?1). The information compiled during the course of this study will be of utility to commercial seaweed cultivators.     

Use of Acadian marine plant extract powder from Ascophyllum nodosum in tissue culture of Kappaphycus varieties

Three varieties of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Kapilaran, KAP), Tambalang purple (PUR), Adik-adik (AA), and one variety of Kappaphycus striatum var. sacol (green sacol (GS) were used to determine the efficiency of Acadian marine plant extract powder (AMPEP) as a culture medium at different concentrations, for the regeneration of young plants of Kappaphycus varieties, using tissue culture techniques for the production of seed stock for nursery and outplanting purposes for the commercial cultivation of carrageenophytes. A shorter duration for shoot formation was observed when the explant was treated with AMPEP + Plant Growth Regulator (PGR = PAA + zeatin at 1 mg L⁻¹) compared to AMPEP when used singly. However, four explants responded differently to the number of days required for shoot formation. The KAP variety took 46 days to form shoots at 3–4 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR; while PUR required 21 days at 3–5 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP and 3–4 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR. AA required 17 days at 3–5 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP and AMPEP + PGR; and GS 25 days at 1 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR. It was observed that among the four explants used, PUR and AA initiated shoot formation with the use of AMPEP only at higher concentrations (3–5 mg L⁻¹) after a shorter period. Only PUR responded positively to ESS/2 for shoot initiation. The use of AMPEP alone and/or in combination with PGR as a culture medium in the propagation of microplantlets using tissue culture technique is highly encouraging.     

Effect of the commercial extract of the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum Mont. on Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva in situ submitted to lethal temperatures

Kappaphycus alvarezii is being introduced in several countries and in some of them there is a need to adapt this cultivation to periods with lethal temperatures, such as the 16–18 °C that occurs in the winter in southern Brazil. Moreover, there is the need to maintain the seedlings during this lethal temperature period. Considering the promising results obtained with the commercial powder extract of Ascophyllum nodosum (Acadian marine plant extract powder—AMPEP) treatment in the cultivation of K. alvarezii in vitro and in the sea allowing more resistance to epiphytes and increasing the growth rate and carrageenan yield, it was hypothesized that seedlings previously subjected to an AMPEP treatment could be more resilient to lethal temperatures. The daily growth rate and carrageenan yield and gel quality (gel strength and gel viscosity) of K. alvarezii in vitro previously treated with AMPEP were analyzed under temperature stress. The daily growth rates and the gel strengths of the AMPEP-treated samples were increased. In spite of the lower carrageenan yield and lower gel viscosity, the values were within the ones accepted by the carrageenan industry. Thus, the treatment of the seedlings of the K. alvarezii with AMPEP solution can be used as an alternative to lower temperature effects on crops as a preventive action for the cultivation of the seedlings in tanks and in the sea in periods of low temperatures at sea.     

Growth rate of the carrageenophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) in vitro

Unialgal cultures were established trom a 2.5 g branch ot a brown variant ot Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P. Silva, with the main objective to produce branches for monthly outplanting in the sea. Ditterent conditions were tested to optimize production ot branches in the laboratory. The best growth was obtained under culture conditions of 25 ± 2°C, 170–210 μmol photons m² s^?1, 14:10 LD photoperiod and salinity 32–35‰. Three culture media (Provasoli,‘F/2’and von Stosch) were tested. Deleterious ettects were observed in branches incubated continuously in full‐ or halt‐strength Provasoli's enriched seawater medium (PES). Exponential growth rates ot about 3% day^?1 were obtained using PES, pulse‐fed 24 h per week, or other diluted media used continuously (one‐quarter strength ‘F/2’and half‐strength von Stosch). Laboratory‐grown branches with mean weights from 2.97 to 4.25 g were successfully introduced into the sea at Ubatuba, SP, Brazil (23°26.9′S, 45°0.3′W) an area with mean monthly seawater temperature from 20.3 to 28.5°C (extremes: 17.0–31.0°C). Transplantation of branches produced in unialgal culture, as done in the present study, avoids the risk of introduction of unwanted species into new areas.     

The farmedEuchema species in Danajon Reef,Philippines: vegetative and reproductive structures

As part of the information needed for applied research on hybridization of these economically important species, the vegetative and reproductive structures ofEucheuma denticulatum (Burman) Collins and Hervey, andEucheuma alvarezii Doty being farmed in Danajon Reef, were studied. All cultured ‘strains’ suspected to have developed from original stocks apparently introduced into the area about twelve years ago were sampled monthly from February 1987 to November 1988. Analyses of fresh free-hand and plastic embedded sections revealed the sexual (male, female) and asexual (tetrasporic) structures inE. alvarezii var.tambalang Doty and the absence of the female inE. denticulatum, indicating the suitability of the former species for future manipulative experiments.     

Introduction of non-native species of Kappaphycus (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) in subtropical waters: Comparative analysis of growth rates of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum in vitro and in the sea in south-eastern Brazil

We compared the growth rates of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P. Silva and Kappaphycus striatum (Schmitz) Doty, both, in vitro under different conditions of light and temperature, and in the sea. Temperature was the most important factor controlling the growth of both species, in vitro and in the field. In the sea there was a clear seasonal pattern in growth rate, attributed to temperature and salinity variation. The lower growth rates were registered in winter and spring, and the highest in summer and autumn months for both species. Based on growth rate in the field, and the production of viable tetraspores during the summer in Kappaphycus striatum, we conclude that is more profitable, and ecologically safer, to only continue with the introduction program of Kappaphycus alvarezii.     

Enhancing ethanol production from cellulosic sugars using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis</Emphasis>

Studies were performed on the effect of CaCO₃ and CaCl₂ supplementation to fermentation medium for ethanol production from xylose, glucose, or their mixtures using Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis. Both of these chemicals were found to improve maximum ethanol concentration and ethanol productivity. Use of xylose alone resulted in the production of 20.68 ± 0.44 g L^?1 ethanol with a productivity of 0.17 ± 0.00 g L^?1 h^?1, while xylose plus 3 g L^?1 CaCO₃ resulted in the production of 24.68 ± 0.75 g L^?1 ethanol with a productivity of 0.21 ± 0.01 g L^?1 h^?1. Use of xylose plus glucose in combination with 3 g L^?1 CaCO₃ resulted in the production of 47.37 ± 0.55 g L^?1 ethanol (aerobic culture), thus resulting in an ethanol productivity of 0.39 ± 0.00 g L^?1 h^?1. These values are 229 % of that achieved in xylose medium. Supplementation of xylose and glucose medium with 0.40 g L^?1 CaCl₂ resulted in the production of 44.84 ± 0.28 g L^?1 ethanol with a productivity of 0.37 ± 0.02 g L^?1 h^?1. Use of glucose plus 3 g L^?1 CaCO₃ resulted in the production of 57.39 ± 1.41 g L^?1 ethanol under micro-aerophilic conditions. These results indicate that supplementation of cellulosic sugars in the fermentation medium with CaCO₃ and CaCl₂ would improve economics of ethanol production from agricultural residues.     

Kinetics of growth and ethanol formation from a mix of glucose/xylose substrate by Kluyveromyces marxianus UFV-3

The fermentation of both glucose and xylose is important to maximize ethanol yield from renewable biomass feedstocks. In this article, we analyze growth, sugar consumption, and ethanol formation by the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus UFV-3 using various glucose and xylose concentrations and also under conditions of reduced respiratory activity. In almost all the conditions analyzed, glucose repressed xylose assimilation and xylose consumption began after glucose had been exhausted. A remarkable difference was observed when mixtures of 5 g L^?1 glucose/20 g L^?1 xylose and 20 g L^?1 glucose/20 g L^?1 xylose were used. In the former, the xylose consumption began immediately after the glucose depletion. Indeed, there was no striking diauxic phase, as observed in the latter condition, in which there was an interval of 30 h between glucose depletion and the beginning of xylose consumption. Ethanol production was always higher in a mixture of glucose and xylose than in glucose alone. The highest ethanol concentration (8.65 g L^?1) and cell mass concentration (4.42 g L^?1) were achieved after 8 and 74 h, respectively, in a mixture of 20 g L^?1 glucose/20 g L^?1 xylose. When inhibitors of respiration were added to the medium, glucose repression of xylose consumption was alleviated completely and K. marxianus was able to consume xylose and glucose simultaneously.     

Impact of AMPEP on the growth and occurrence of epiphytic Neosiphonia infestation on two varieties of commercially cultivated Kappaphycus alvarezii grown at different depths in the Philippines

Two varieties of the carrageenophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii (Tungawan, TUNG; and Giant tambalang, GTAM) from Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines were used to test the efficacy of Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder (AMPEP) as source of nutrients for growth, and to determine if applications had any effect on the percent occurrence of an epiphytic infestation of the red alga Neosiphonia sp. at four different depths in the sea. Results showed that the use of AMPEP significantly (P < 0.05) increased the growth rate of both Kappaphycus varieties tested but decreased the percent occurrence of Neosiphonia sp. The percent occurrence of Neosiphonia sp. infection (6–50% at all depths) of both Kappaphycus varieties with AMPEP treatment was significantly lower than the controls (i.e., 10–75% at all depths). Both the growth rate of the cultivated seaweed and the percent occurrence of the epiphytes decreased as the cultivation depth increased. Plants dipped in AMPEP and suspended at the surface had the highest growth rates (i.e., 4.1%, TUNG; 3.1%, GTAM) after 45 days; those without AMPEP dipping had the highest percent occurrence of Neosiphonia infection (viz. 70–75%). The occurrence of Neosiphonia infestation was found to be correlated with changes in irradiance and salinity at the depths observed. The results suggested that both varieties of K. alvarezii used in this study have the fastest growth rate when grown immediately at the water surface. However, in order to minimize damage caused by the occurrence of epiphytic Neosiphonia, K. alvarezii should be grown within a depth range of 50–100 cm. These observations are important for the improved management of Kappaphycus for commercial farming. Furthermore, the use of AMPEP treatments for enhancement of growth and reduction deleterious Neosiphonia sp. infections is encouraging.     

Extract powder from the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis (AMPEP): a “vaccine-like” effect on Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva

The benefits of using Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder (AMPEP), obtained from the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum, for improving growth of the red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii has been demonstrated by authors in the Philippines and Brazil, particularly for increasing daily growth rate and mitigation of epiphytes. However, the processes which occur have not been discussed. This study examined in vitro the relationship between those red algal defense mechanisms and K. alvarezii responses using AMPEP treatments. The administration of the extract reduced the effects of the oxidative burst (production of hydrogen peroxide) which may be extremely aggressive for an individual and its epiphyte. The bleaching of the non-corticated portions of Polysiphonia subtilissima thalli that were cultivated as simulated epiphytes with AMPEP samples confirmed that the reaction was evident in which AMPEP protected K. alvarezii from the hydrogen peroxide effects. It is proposed that the use of the brown seaweed powder AMPEP acts as a potential vaccine, eliciting activation of the red seaweed K. alvarezii natural defenses against pathogens and ameliorating the negative effects of long-term exposure to oxidative bursts.     

Clonal production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kappaphycus alvarezii</Emphasis> (Doty) Doty in vitro

Micropropagation has proven to be a reliable method to mass produce certain crops. This method also has been applied in macroalgae to produce clones for seaweed farming. Protocols for callus production and shoot regeneration from protoplasts have been established for some seaweed species like Kappaphycus alvarezii. Cells and larger tissues, whether in solid or suspension medium, have been used to propagate clones which were later tested for suitability for farming. Although clonal production was successful, the long duration of culture in vitro limits the production process making the growing of Kappaphycus in vitro an expensive technique to produce clones. In this study, K. alvarezii was grown in vitro to develop a more efficient protocol for the production of clones. Small sections of Kappaphycus were grown in suspension for 1 month under the same temperature, light, and salinity. The type of media, source of explants, length of explants, and stocking density that resulted in the highest growth rate and survival rate were determined. Growth rate of K. alvarezii is significantly higher in media with inorganic nitrogen added than in Grund medium or Ascophyllum nodosum medium only. The appearance of shoot primordia as early as 5 days was observed in media with higher nitrogen concentration. Growth rates of explants approximately 3 and 5 mm are significantly higher than 10 mm sections. Shoots develop significantly faster in explants from tips than sections from older branches. Growth rate of K. alvarezii grown at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 s 10 mL^?1 of medium is not significantly different. This protocol could significantly reduce the (1) time of culture and (2) cost of plantlets production by not using plant growth regulators and formulated media in vitro. Nursery reared plantlets/propagules for farming would be affordable to the stakeholders for sustainability of seaweed production.     

The ameliorating effect of Acadian marine plant extract against ionic liquids-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in marine macroalga Ulva lactuca

Ionic liquids (ILs) are generally considered as the green replacement for conventional volatile organic solvents. Nonetheless, their high solubility in water with proven toxic effects on aquatic biota has questioned their green credentials. In the present study, the detoxification potential of Acadian marine plant extract powder (AMPEP) prepared from the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum was investigated against the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [C₁₂mim]Br ionic liquid-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in marine macroalga Ulva lactuca. The IL ([C₁₂mim]Br) at LC₅₀ (70 μM) exposure triggered the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as O ₂ ^·? , H₂O₂ and OH· causing membrane and DNA damage together with inhibition of antioxidant systems in the alga. The supplementation of AMPEP (150 μg mL^?1) to the culture medium significantly reduced the accumulation of ROS and lipid peroxidation together with the inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity specially LOX-2 and LOX-3 isoforms. This is for the first time wherein comet assay was performed to ascertain the protective role of AMPEP against DNA damage in algal tissue grown in medium supplemented with IL and AMPEP. The AMPEP showed protective role against DNA damage (5–45 % tail DNA) when compared to those of grown in IL alone (45–70 % tail DNA). Further, specific isomorphs of different antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD-1, ~150 kDa), ascorbate peroxidase (APX-4, ~55 kDa), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px-2, ~55 kDa) and glutathione reductase (GR-1, ~180 kDa) responded specifically to AMPEP supplementation. It is evident from these findings that AMPEP could possibly be used for circumventing the negative effects arising from ILs-induced toxicity in marine ecosystem.     

The citric acid production from raw glycerol by Yarrowia lipolytica yeast and its regulation

The optimal cultivation conditions ensuring the maximal rate of citric acid (CA) biosynthesis by glycerol-grown mutant Yarrowia lipolytica NG40/UV7 were found to be as follows: growth limitation by inorganic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, or sulfur), 28 °C, pH 5.0, dissolved oxygen concentration (pO₂) of 50 % (of air saturation), and pulsed addition of glycerol from 20 to 80 g L^?1 depending on the rate of medium titration. Under optimal conditions of fed-batch cultivation, in the medium with pure glycerol, strain Y. lipolytica NG40/UV7 produced 115 g L^?1 of CA with the mass yield coefficient of 0.64 g g^?1 and isocitric acid (ICA) amounted to 4.6 g L^?1; in the medium with raw glycerol, CA production was 112 g L^?1 with the mass yield coefficient of 0.90 g g^?1 and ICA amounted to 5.3 g L^?1. Based on the activities of enzymes involved in the initial stages of raw glycerol assimilation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the glyoxylate cycle, the mechanism of increased CA yield from glycerol-containing substrates in Y. lipolytica yeast was explained.     

Social upliftment of coastal fisher women through seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty) farming in Tamil Nadu,India

A growth study of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed cultivation was conducted using the raft method and by implementing best practices in three coastal districts: Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, India. From the growth data, economics and self-help group (SHG) per individual income were also calculated. Cultivation was conducted by brown monotype using raft method. The study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2010. The maximum average freshweed per raft yield was 260.98?±?3.45 kg (in 2010) in Ramanathapuram and the lowest was 172.89?±?2.77 kg (in 2009) in Pudukkottai after 45 days. The maximum average daily growth rate (ADGR) was 3.27 ± 0.41 % (in 2010) in Ramanathapuram and 2.35 ± 0.18 % (in 2009) in Pudukkottai after 45 days. One SHG of five members requires a working capital and total investment of Rs 225,000 (US$4,091). Best practices to get good income were implemented in 2010 in all three districts, and their average approximate income Increased from Rs 35,000 (US$636) to more than 50,000 (US$909) SHG^-1 month^?1. The farming of K. alvarezii by using best practices has brought tremendous social impact to coastal fisher women.     

A Review of: “North-Holland Publishing Company,Amsterdam, New York,Oxford, 1976; Softbound, 290 pages, $ 19.25.”

Several factors affecting erythritol production from glycerol by Yarrowia lipolytica Wratislavia K1 strain were examined in batch fermentations. Ammonium sulfate, monopotassium phosphate, and sodium chloride were identified as critical medium components that determine the ratio of polyols produced. The central composite rotatable experimental design was used to optimize medium composition for erythritol production. The concentrations of ammonium sulfate, monopotassium phosphate, and sodium chloride in the optimized medium were 2.25, 0.22, and 26.4 g L^?1, respectively. The C:N ratio was found as 81:1. In the optimized medium with 100 g L^?1 of glycerol the Wratislavia K1 strain produced 46.9 g L^?1 of erythritol, which corresponded to a 0.47 g g^?1 yield and a productivity of 0.85 g L^?1 hr^?1. In the fed-batch mode and medium with the total concentration of glycerol at 300 g L^?1 and C:N ratio at 81:1, 132 g L^?1 of erythritol was produced with 0.44 g g^?1 yield and a productivity of 1.01 g L^?1 hr^?1.     

Biomass,Lipid and Fatty Acid Production in Large-Scale Cultures of the Marine Macroalga Derbesia tenuissima (Chlorophyta)

Biomass productivity was quantified for the marine macroalga Derbesia tenuissima cultivated outdoors at seven stocking densities from 0.25 to 8 g L^?1 for 5 weeks. Total lipids and fatty acid quantity and quality was measured from samples that were freeze-dried, dried by oven (75 °C), food dehydrator (60 °C), or outdoor in the sun (40 °C) or shade (38 °C). Stocking densities of 0.25 to 2 g L^?1 yielded the highest biomass productivities (>20 g dry weight m^?2 day^?1) with no effect on total lipid quantity (11 %), or fatty acid quantity (5.3 %) or quality at any density tested. However, there was an interactive effect of stocking density and drying technique, with a decrease of up to 40 % in polyunsaturated fatty acids in sun-dried compared to freeze-dried biomass. Notably, while fatty acid and biomass productivity may be inseparable in macroalgae, cultivation conditions have a significant carryover effect in the post-harvest delivery of high-quality bio-oils.