RRC ID 21569
Author Fujii K, Nakashima H, Hashidzume Y.
Title Isolation of folate-producing microalgae, from oligotrophic ponds in Yamaguchi, Japan.
Journal J Appl Microbiol
Abstract AIMS:Folate (FA) is a B-vitamin that plays an important role in the prevention of several disorders. Although synthetic FA currently dominates the market, consumers tend to demand natural FA. Because microalgae can produce organic compounds photoautotrophically, we isolated and characterized FA-producing microalgal strains.
METHODS AND RESULTS:To isolate microalgae that produce vitamins de novo, fresh water samples were cultivated in a mineral salts medium without any vitamins. After repeated subculture, 11 isolates were obtained. A biological assay revealed that four isolates accumulated FA at significantly higher levels (15-36 mg kg(-1) in dry biomass) than any known commercial microalgae. Thiamine content of the isolates was also remarkably high (71-90 mg kg(-1) in dry biomass). Phylogenetic studies based on SSU-rDNA suggested that one isolate was Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, while others were likely novel species of Chlorococcum.
CONCLUSION:There are no reports of toxicity associated with Chlamydomonas and Chlorococcum; therefore, the isolates are expected to be safe and useful not only as a promising alternative source of FA and thiamine but also as nutraceuticals for humans and animals.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:The present results advance our understanding of FA-producing microalgae in aquatic environments and suggest their potentials for application to biotechnological vitamin production.
Volume 108(4)
Pages 1421-9
Published 2010-4-1
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04542.x
PII JAM4542
PMID 19796121
MeSH Biotechnology / methods Folic Acid / metabolism* Japan Microalgae / growth & development Microalgae / isolation & purification* Microalgae / metabolism*
IF 3.066
Times Cited 3
WOS Category BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY
Resource
Algae NIES-2848 NIES-2849 NIES-2850 NIES-2851 NIES-2235 NIES-2172