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Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition
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Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 4889

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Graciliana Lopes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Interests: antioxidants; free radicals; inflammation; iNOS; LOX; phlorotannins; carotenoids; phenols; seaweeds; HPLC
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Leonel Pereira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Marine Resources, Conservation and Technology, Marine Algae Laboratory, Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: marine biotechnology; phycology; biodiversity; nutraceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The planet’s resources are being depleted at increasing rates every year: climate change, the loss of biodiversity, the loss of ecosystem services, land degradation, and air and water pollution have become  part of both our present and our near future.

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae play a crucial role in the Earth’s ecosystems, not only because they are the energy base of the food web for all aquatic organisms, but also due to their ability to capture CO2 and produce oxygen. As autotrophic organisms, algae convert water, carbon dioxide, and some nitrogen and phosphorus sources into biomass that can be used as a source of high-value compounds, food/feed, and energy. Moreover, their rapid growth and the fact that no arable land or potable water are needed for their cultivation, makes these organisms an exceptional and sustainable source of eco-friendly products.

We welcome, therefore, the submission of high-quality research articles, reviews, and short communications that provide fresh insights into several aspects of how algae (seaweeds, microalgae, and cyanobacteria) can positively contribute to or play a role in a more sustainable use of resources. We encourage submissions related to algal biotechnology; algal processes or processes that include algae; screenings for the exploitation of new species or new applications for known species; the optimization of cultivation/production/extraction of algal biomass and their products; algal eco-services; algal products obtained under biorefinery strategies; and the role of algae in the promotion of a circular economy, as contained within the topics:

  • Health: bioactive compounds from algae as sources of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics;
  • Food/Feed: ingredients for feed/food formulations, food/feed preservatives, nutraceuticals, algae as a source of food/feed, integrated multithrophic aquaculture (IMTA);
  • Environment: water treatment/polishing, biofuel production, ecosystem restoration, CO2 sequestration/capture, life cycle assessment of algal processes or processes involving algae, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and the green extraction of algal compounds.

Dr. Graciliana Lopes
Dr. Leonel Pereira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • macroalgae
  • microalgae
  • cyanobacteria
  • bioactive compounds
  • biomass production
  • pharmaceuticals
  • nutraceuticals
  • cosmetics
  • food/feed
  • CO2 sequestrations
  • water treatment
  • IMTA
  • ecosystem services
  • biofuels
  • biopesticides
  • green extraction methods

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2805 KiB  
Article
Dairy Wastewaters to Promote Mixotrophic Metabolism in Limnospira (Spirulina) platensis: Effect on Biomass Composition, Phycocyanin Content, and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Profile
by Luca Baraldi, Luca Usai, Serenella Torre, Giacomo Fais, Mattia Casula, Debora Dessi, Paola Nieri, Alessandro Concas and Giovanni Antonio Lutzu
Life 2025, 15(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020184 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 972
Abstract
This study explores the mixotrophic cultivation of Limnospira platensis using dairy byproducts, specifically scotta whey (SW), buttermilk wastewater (BMW), and dairy wastewater (DWW), to promote biomass production and enhance the composition of bioactive compounds. By assessing various concentrations (1%, 2%, and 4% v [...] Read more.
This study explores the mixotrophic cultivation of Limnospira platensis using dairy byproducts, specifically scotta whey (SW), buttermilk wastewater (BMW), and dairy wastewater (DWW), to promote biomass production and enhance the composition of bioactive compounds. By assessing various concentrations (1%, 2%, and 4% v v−1) of these byproducts in a modified growth medium, this study aims to evaluate their effect on L. platensis growth, phycocyanin (C-PC) content, and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles. The results show that the optimal biomass production was achieved with 2% scotta and dairy wastewater, reaching maximum concentrations of 3.30 g L−1 and 3.19 g L−1, respectively. Mixotrophic cultivation led to increased C-PC yields, especially in buttermilk and dairy wastewater treatments, highlighting the potential for producing valuable pigments. Additionally, the FAME profiles indicated minimal changes compared to the control, with oleic and γ-linolenic acids being dominant in mixotrophic conditions. These findings support the viability of utilizing dairy byproducts for sustainable L. platensis cultivation, contributing to a circular bioeconomy while producing bioactive compounds of nutritional and commercial interest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Divergent Patterns of Metabolite Expression in Red Seaweeds (Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis) Following Nitrate and Ammonium Supplementation
by Schery Umanzor, Jae Woo Jung, Muriel Dittrich, Jang K. Kim, Patrick Tomco, Zachary C. Redman and Monica Brandhuber
Life 2025, 15(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020143 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 695
Abstract
This study explores species-specific metabolic responses to different nitrogen-rich formulations in Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis, highlighting distinct adaptive strategies. We evaluated the effects of Von Stosch Enrichment (VSE, nitrate-only), F/2 (nitrate-only), and Jack’s Special (JS, nitrate and ammonium) on metabolic profiles. [...] Read more.
This study explores species-specific metabolic responses to different nitrogen-rich formulations in Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis, highlighting distinct adaptive strategies. We evaluated the effects of Von Stosch Enrichment (VSE, nitrate-only), F/2 (nitrate-only), and Jack’s Special (JS, nitrate and ammonium) on metabolic profiles. D. mollis exhibited elevated energy storage and growth-related metabolites, with JS enhancing creatine production for energy storage and regeneration, alongside increased DNA/RNA synthesis and cell division activity. This suggests D. mollis prioritizes rapid growth and energy demands, supporting broader ecological adaptability. Conversely, P. hecatensis showed higher expression of metabolites linked to amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis, indicating a focus on efficient nitrogen use for protein production, likely advantageous in low-light, high-turbidity conditions. Nitrogen sources significantly influence amino acid metabolism, with JS promoting broader amino acid production and VSE and F/2 stimulating specific metabolites. These species-specific metabolic patterns underscore the flexibility of D. mollis in energy use versus adaptations of P. hecatensis to protein synthesis pathways. These findings highlight species-specific nutrient formulations as essential for optimizing seaweed growth and metabolic traits in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 2916 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Carotenoid Extraction from Macroalgae: Optimizing Microwave-Assisted Extraction Using Response Surface Methodology
by Andreia Lopes, Luísa Correia-Sá, Mónica Vieira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Cristina Soares and Clara Grosso
Life 2024, 14(12), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121573 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 694
Abstract
This study aimed at optimizing carotenoid extraction using the macroalga Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray as a model. Firstly, traditional extraction procedures were employed, using various solvents and temperatures to enhance the extraction conditions. Once the most effective extraction conditions were identified, the study [...] Read more.
This study aimed at optimizing carotenoid extraction using the macroalga Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray as a model. Firstly, traditional extraction procedures were employed, using various solvents and temperatures to enhance the extraction conditions. Once the most effective extraction conditions were identified, the study transitioned to a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). By applying a three-parameter (solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, and time) Box–Behnken design, the optimal extraction conditions were found to be a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1/13.6 g/mL at 60 °C for 15 min. Under these conditions, the predicted and experimental carotenoid contents were 2.94 and 2.12 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, an HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for the characterization of carotenoids. β-Carotene was the predominant carotenoid in H. elongata, alongside fucoxanthin. The optimized MAE method was applied to other seaweeds, including Fucus vesiculosus L., Codium tomentosum Stackhouse, Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) Steentoft, L.M.Irvine & Farnham, and Eiseinia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell. Among all, F. vesiculosus exhibited the highest carotenoid content compared to the others. This study concludes that MAE under optimized conditions is an effective and sustainable approach for carotenoid extraction, providing significant yields of bioactive compounds such as β-carotene and fucoxanthin, which have promising applications in enhancing human health and nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2530 KiB  
Article
Toxicity of Macroalgae Extracts to Larvae of the Northern House Mosquito
by Ahmed A. Rashed, Yasmin M. Heikal, Robert D. Finn, Mohamed H. Bayoumy, Amged El-Harairy and Dina A. Refaay
Life 2024, 14(12), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121527 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 979
Abstract
The continuous use of synthetic insecticides to suppress mosquito larvae has detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. Finding novel and target-specific bio-insecticides has become crucial. Here, the larvicidal and genotoxic activities of different extracts from Ulva lactuca and Turbinaria ornata toward [...] Read more.
The continuous use of synthetic insecticides to suppress mosquito larvae has detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. Finding novel and target-specific bio-insecticides has become crucial. Here, the larvicidal and genotoxic activities of different extracts from Ulva lactuca and Turbinaria ornata toward Culex pipiens larvae were investigated. The macroalgae thalli were subjected to various solvent extractions followed by phytochemical quantification, larvicidal testing on C. pipiens larvae, genotoxic evaluation through comet assays, and compound characterization by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The methylene chloride extract from U. lactuca displayed the highest toxicity with LC50 = 30.99 ppm, followed by the acetone extract from T. ornata, with LC50 = 52.09 ppm after 72 h. U. lactuca exhibited the maximum contents of total alkaloids, total flavonoids, total terpenoids, total phenols, and total tannins with the methanol extract, while the acetone extract from T. ornata exhibited the maximum contents of total alkaloids, total flavonoids, total terpenoids, and total phenols. The methylene chloride extract of U. lactuca and the acetone extract of T. ornata caused significant DNA damage in larva body cells. Thus, the methylene chloride extract from U. lactuca and the acetone extract from T. ornata showed promising potential as environmentally friendly larvicides against C. pipiens larvae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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17 pages, 3460 KiB  
Review
Bio-Food Quality, Environmental Pollution, and the Role of Algae in Promoting Human Health and Sustainability
by Lavinia-Lorena Pruteanu, Roxana Mare, Beatrice Mihalescu and Lorentz Jäntschi
Life 2024, 14(11), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111513 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1080
Abstract
Healthcare resources have changed fundamentally compared to decades ago. Modern bio-food products and sustainable solutions for their production have increased the attention of researchers, taking into account the current level of pollution of the earth and atmosphere along with modern technologies applied to [...] Read more.
Healthcare resources have changed fundamentally compared to decades ago. Modern bio-food products and sustainable solutions for their production have increased the attention of researchers, taking into account the current level of pollution of the earth and atmosphere along with modern technologies applied to processed foods. Therefore, this review aims to highlight: (1) the impact and relationship between the physiological parameters of the atmosphere, solar radiation and soil, (in terms of their composition and stages of formation and organization) along with the evolution to modern life; (2) the environmental impacts on algae, living organisms, food, and human health and sustainability. In addition, we address the significant impact of algae as a sustainable resource in reducing environmental pollution contributing to a healthier life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources: 2nd Edition)
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