Content uploaded by Mariavincent Michael Babu
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Mariavincent Michael Babu on Jul 08, 2019
Content may be subject to copyright.
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALGOIL FROM SELECTED MARINE
MICROALGE AND THE ROLE OF ASSOCIATED BACTERIA ON FATTY ACID PROFILE
MICHAEL BABU M, CITARASU T, SELVARAJ T, PUNITHA S. M. J, PRABA & ALBIN DHAS S
Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmanium Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
This work was conducted to study the role of selected associated bacteria on the physic-chemical nature of algal
oil and PUFA. The two associated bacteria based on the performance in encouraging the growth of microalgae were
selected and allowed to co-exist with the culture of micro algae such as Skeletonema costatum and Isochrysis galbana. The
cells were harvested by flocculation and the oil was extracted. The effect of different phases of growth on oil yield,
physical and chemical characters of extracted oil, total oil yield and the type of PUFA with and without associated bacteria
were studied. Among the six species of bacteria isolated from the log phase culture, Pseudomonas sp. and Micrococcus sp.
encouraged the growth of micro algae. The total oil yield and total carotenoid production were found to be increased by the
co-culture of associated bacteria. The associated bacteria increased the quantity of vitamin –A and -E and there was no
effect observed in the mineral content of micro algal oil with the co-growth of selected bacteria; but proved its positive role
in PUFA increment of micro algae studied than the control without co-existence of selected bacteria. From this study, the
positive role of associated bacteria on growth of algae, total oil yield and PUFA increment have been documented and it
has opened a new avenue of research in changing the PUFA profile by manipulating the associated bacteria.
KEYWORDS: Algoil, Associated Bacteria, Isochrysis Galbana, Microalgae, PUFA, Skletonema Costatum
INTRODUCTION
Microalgae are the efficient biological factories capable of taking carbon from waste and converting it into a high
density liquid form of oil (natural oil). Microalgae contain significant qualitative form of lipids (fats and oil) with
compositions similar to those of vegetable oils (Casimir C.Akoh and David B, 2002).
The lipids of algal species are also rich in fatty acids, such as C16 and C17 and C18 derivatives. While it is common
to find levels of 20 - 50% lipids on a dry basis, on occasion the quantities of lipids found in microalgae can be extra
ordinarily high (Sheehan,J et.al.1998). Concentration of hydrocarbons in the dry matter may exceed 50% under certain
conditions, mean while, the levels of 15 - 35% lipids on a dry basis were found in vegetable oils (Metting, F.B,1996 and
Spolare, P et al.,2006).
Microalgae are a promising source of PUFA due to its superior lipid stability and naturally rich in antioxidants,
carotenoids and vitamins. The high nutritional value and its ability to synthesize and accumulate PUFA only proves that
microalgae play an important role in aquaculture (Patil et al., 2006 and Gouveia et al., 2008)
The competition between microbes for resources to be converted in to energy and cellular components essential
for bacterial growth is a crucial factor limiting and affecting the composition of algal associated bacterial communities
(Zaady,et al.,2000). Moreover, the structure of such communities may change successfully as a function of substrate
utilization, which depends on the physiological status of the micro algae (Levich A.P.,1996).Additionally, those
physiological features may directly influence upon the quality and quantity of micro plant exudates that can be utilized by
International Journal of Applied
and Natural Sciences (IJANS)
ISSN 2319-4014
Vol. 2, Issue 4, Sep 2013, 31-42
© IASET
32 Michael Babu M, Citarasu T, Selvaraj T, Punitha S. M. J, Praba & Albin Dhas S
the bacteria. There by some changes in the fatty acid profiles can be observed directly resulting from shifts in the microbial
community structure (Levich A.P., 1996).
Bell et al., (1974) demonstrated that Pseudomonad grows well to a high steady state with co-culture of
Skeletonema costatum both in batch and continuous culture. While in the absence of alga viable bacterial count was
significantly lower. Thus, suggest that Pseudomonad growth is most like supported by the extracellular organic compound
and dead algal cell. It has been stated that the role of extracellular organic compound (EOC) secreted by algae sustained the
creation and maintenance of a phycosphere effect, showing that microbial utilization of these compound can result in
stimulation of physiologically specific bacterial types, likewise bacterial mineralization developed phytoplankton
population (Bell et al. 1974).
Interactions between algae and their associated bacteria, either in the plankton or in biofilms, may alter algal
sensitivity to contaminants. The associated bacteria of microalgae reduces the copper toxicity in the copper contaminated
water and help the algae to get tolerance for copper contamination However, the presence of bacteria had either no
pronounced effect on or led to a reduction of the specific death rates of D. brightwellu. Rematerialized ammonium was
probably partly utilized by N-starved cells of D. bnghtwellii, leading to reduced death rates of the algal cells. Bacteria thus
indirectly prolonged survival of D. bnghtwellii population under N starvation. This study shows that bacteria can affect
phytoplankton survival, nutritional composition and reserved oil which in turn may influence algal species succession
(Levy JL et al.2009 and Corina P. D. et al .1998)
Algae acquire Vitamin B12 through symbiotic bacteria and these bacteria can change the chemical constitution of
the micro algae even the lipid composition of its cell (Croft, M., T. et al.2005 and.Robert,Z. 2002) also found the changes
in fatty acid profiling of micro algae based on microbial association.
There is increasing evidence that there are specific bacterial taxa associated with phytoplankton (Green, D.H.,L.E.
Liewellyn,2004 and Jasti.S.M,E.Sieracki 2005) suggesting the presence of specific selective mechanism and implying that
the bacteria have some function to the benefit of the algae. The heterotrophic bacteria can offer CO2 which micro algae
require for photosynthesis and at the same time, they can obtain organic materials and O2 produced by micro algae
(Zhou.w, et al.,2009).
Bacteria living on the surfaces of marine micro-algae or “phycosphere” produced secondary metabolites, which
can inhibit the growth of other competitive bacteria. In this case, highly competitive environment where space and
availability of nutrients are limited might be a selective force, which may lead to the evolution of a variety of effective
adaptation in several algal-associated bacteria (Boydet al., 1999).
Additionally, many researchers have suggested that positive effects of bacteria on culture microalgae have been
documented (Munro et al., 1995; RicoMora and Voltolina,1998; Hirayama,1996).
Unique symbioses that develop from the combination of a specific micro-algae and bacteria have been
documented. Nevertheless, successful establishment of symbiotic bacteria remains enigmatic. To date, little is known about
the factors controlling algae and bacteria interactions in aquatic ecosystem.
Recently, it has been reported that association of bacteria and algae might be due to spatial, temporal (Grossart et
al., 2006) and organic matter produced by different types of algae, which cause shifts in bacterial species composition.
The main purpose of this study was to understand the role of associated bacteria on improving PUFA and to know
the effect of these bacteria on physico chemical nature of the algal oil.
Extraction and Characterization of Algoil from Selected Marine 33
Microalge and the Role of Associated Bacteria on Fatty Acid Profile
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Collection of Marine Microalgae
Two marine microalgae such as Skletonema costatum (Cleve) and Isochrysis galbana (Parke) were purchased
from Central Marine Research Institute (CMFRI), Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India. The collected algal samples were then
brought to the laboratory for stock culture and mass culture studies.
Stock Culture Maintenance of Microalgae
The collected algal cells were multiplied in 5 ml test tube and then transferred to the test tubes and conical flasks.
The culture media used in the stock culture was Walne’s medium (Walne. P.R, 1970). The stock culture was provided with
2000 lux fluorescent light and no aeration.
Culture Media
The enriched media used in the present study was Walne’s Medium
Tank Preparation for Mass Culture of Marine Microalgae
The FRP tanks of two hundred and fifty liters capacity were used for mass culturing of algae. The tanks were
rinsed with soap water and washed thoroughly with the tap water.
The sea water enriched with Walne’s medium was filled in the tank. Then, 10-20% of the inoculum of growing
phase was added in to the respective mass culture tanks. Finally the culture tanks were placed at the direct sunlight with
continuous aeration. The growth rates of the algae were measured in every 6 hour interval by taking sample from the mass
culture tank and counted the cells by using improved Neubauer chamber (haemocytometer).
Isolation and Screening of Associated Bacteria
The bacteria growing in the algal culture were isolated from the fast growing microalgae of mid log phase by
serial dilution and plated on bacterial culture medias such as Zobal Marine Agar, Tri Citrate Bile Salt Agar (TCBS) and
Pseudomonas Agar (Himedia, India). The isolated bacteria were allowed to coexist during the growth of the algae. The
bacteria that offered the maximum growth for algae during the co-existence were selected to study the role of these bacteria
on HUFA yield and other physic chemical characters of oil
Identification and Selection of Bacteria
The isolated bacteria were identified by standard biochemical test as well as with the aid of Bergey’s Manual of
systematic bacteriology (Robert et al., 1957)
In order to study the role of algal associated bacteria for the yield of PUFA and other fatty acids, the
Pseudomonas sp. and Micrococcus sp. were selected because they encouraged the growth of the algae in the mid log phase.
The concentration of cells was made as 1 lakh cells/mL in the sterilized seawater by dilution method and hence the desire
concentration of bacterial cell suspension was prepared.
From the cell suspension, 1 mL of bacterial inoculum was pipetted out and inoculated in to the micro algal culture
of lag phase. The algal culture was maintained at 30 ppt salinity, 30 ± 2oC temperature and 2000 lux light intensity. The
nutrient supplied was Conway medium. In the same manner, another batch of algae grown without any bacteria by UV
irradiation continuously for 15 minutes before the experiment was also studied as control. The algal cells from both the
bacteria inoculated and UV irradiated were harvested at late log phase and subjected for further studies.
34 Michael Babu M, Citarasu T, Selvaraj T, Punitha S. M. J, Praba & Albin Dhas S
Preparation of Axenic Algal Culture
The axenic algal culture was prepared by UV irradiating the algal culture taken in conical flask and exposed to
UV light for 5, 10,15,20,25 minutes. The culture after the respective exposure was allowed for bacterial viable count by
sub culture. Among the different time of UV exposures, one did not show any bacterial colony on sub culture and not
affected the growth of algal cells was selected as the suitable UV exposure time needed for making axenic algal culture
Harvest of Algal Biomass
Determination of Aluminium Sulphate Concentration Required to Flocculate the Algal Cells
In order to calculate the quantity of aluminium sulphate needed to flocculate the algal culture, 1 litre culture at late
log phase were taken in 10 beakers of 2 litres capacity. Various concentrations of powdered Aluminium sulphate
(0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 g.L-1 was added into the aliquots of 10 beakers. The culture taken in the beakers were
thoroughly stirred to get through mixing of Aluminium sulphate. All the beakers were kept undisturbed for 10 minutes. In a
particular concentration of alum treatment where >90% of the cells settled was considered as the optimum concentration
for aluminium treatment. In this way, the quantity of Aluminium sulphate required to flocculate the entire volume of the
algal culture was determined. As the pH change is the main mechanism for flocculation, the pH of the medium was
measured before and after the application of alum.
Application of Alum
Based on the volume of culture in a particular tank, the quantity of alum requirement was determined. The
required quantity was taken and dissolved in water. This solution was sprayed on the outdoor algal culture tank during
heavy aeration. The heavy aeration was performed continuously for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the aeration was cut off
and left the culture undisturbed for another 1 h. After the flocculation was observed, the water layered above the
flocculated mass was siphoned out. The harvested cells were repeatedly washed with fresh water to remove the Aluminum
sulphate. The pH was measured to ensure that there is no alum residue in the algal powder. The algal mass after complete
removal of alum were collected individually and spread in white metal trays and allowed for drying in a oven at 45oC.
After complete drying, the algal biomass was scraped out and taken for further experiments.
Extraction of Algal Oil from Microalgae
The algal oil (lipids) were extracted by a modified method of Folch et al,described by Bligh and Dyer. The
extraction solvents contain 0.1% (w/v) of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) in order to avoid oxidation. Hundred grams of
algal powder was taken in a 2 litre beaker. To this 100 mL of distilled water was added and mixed. Two hundred mL of
chloroform and four hundred mL of methanol (1:2) was added and the mixture was homogenized for 2 min while being
cooled in ice. Then 200 mL of chloroform was added again and homogenized for one minute, followed by the addition of
200 ml of distilled water, and finally homogenized for 30 seconds. The mixture was centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 20 min.
The aqueous layer was removed by suction. The chloroform fraction was evaporated using rotary evaporator to remove the
chloroform completely. The Aluminium sulphate residues present in the oil was removed by repeated mixing with hot
water and centrifugation. Oil obtained in this process was kept in screw capped clean sterile glass bottles.
Solidification Point (Immanuel.G, et al, 2002)
A test tube containing ten grams of solid algoil was kept in a water bath for complete melting. Then the test tubes
with oil were again cooled down for further solidification and at the point of solidification, the temperature was noted
using thermometer.
Extraction and Characterization of Algoil from Selected Marine 35
Microalge and the Role of Associated Bacteria on Fatty Acid Profile
Specific Gravity of Algoi (Immanuel.G, et al, 2002)
The specific gravity was measured using the method described by Immanuel et al., 2002.
Determination of Acid Value and Free Fatty Acid
The acid value was determined by titrating directly the oil in alcoholic medium against standard potassium
hydroxide / sodium hydroxide solution Immanuel.G et al.,(2002)
Analysis of Carotenoid (Carreto,J.I, J. A. Catoggio (1977)
The extracted algoils were taken for the analysis of carotenoids. The algoil samples were dissolved in known
volume of hexane. These samples were scanned under the visible range of UV-visible spectrophotometers (Techcomp
8500, Taiwan). From this, total carotenoid content as well as -carotene were estimated using the following formula.
Total carotenoid =
weightsample259.2 456Absorbance Maximum
volume of sample 100
-carotene (%) =
weightsample961456Absorbance
volume of sample 1.25 100 0.84
Analysis of Vitamins (Katharine H et al.1935)
The fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, K in the extracted algoil samples were determined by standard
procedure described by Katharine H et al.1935.
Mineral Content (R.P. King, 1979)
The minerals such as copper, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc contents of the extracted
algoil samples were determined by standard procedure described by R.P. King (1979).
Heavy Metals (A.-H. Buo-Olayan, M. N. V. Subrahmanyam, 1996)
The heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium contents in the extracted algoil samples were
determined using standard procedure described by A.-H. Buo-Olayan, M. N. V. Subrahmanyam (1996).
Analysis of Fatty Acid
Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Horman.. H,I. Traitler in 1989) was used for the fatty acid
quantification. The GC-MS used is the Namag R 10-10C combined gas chromatograph controlled by a digital PDP11-23
plus system (Delsi-Nermag, Argenteuil, France). Two different ionization methods were employed. EI and PCI were using
NH3 (John B. Westmore et al.in 1986) (Air liquid, Le Plessis Robinson, France), as a reagent gas at a pressure of 0.1 Torr
in the ion source. Operating conditions were as follows: filament current 200 mH, ionization energy 90 eV, ion source
temperature 120ºC.
Quantification of Different Fatty Acids at Different Growth Phase of Algae
This work was done to know the percentage of different fatty acid during different phases of algal growth. The
two algal species Isochrysis and Skletonema inoculated with Psedomonas were cultured and harvested at 12, 72 and 108 h
after the inoculation of algae. During this period, the bacterial count was also recorded in both the microalgal species. The
cells were dried and extracted the oil and analyzed the oil for percentage of PUFA. The algae developed without bacterial
inoculation was treated as control and that was also harvested at three phases of growth and extracted the oil.
36 Michael Babu M, Citarasu T, Selvaraj T, Punitha S. M. J, Praba & Albin Dhas S
Five replicates were provided for the above all experiments. The experiments were also repeated three times for
all the parameters to get consistent data. The outdoor control was made axenic by sending the algal culture through
bactericidal UV system with the retention time of 5lit/min. and the tanks were covered with transparent polyethylene cover
to prevent further contamination with bacteria. The total bacterial count was made every day morning and evening to know
any contamination after UV treatment.
Statistical Analysis
The data obtained in the present study were expressed as mean ISD and were analyzed using one way anova
(ANOVA) at the 5% significant level. Further a multiple compensation test (Student-Newman-Keuls, SNK test) was
conducted to compare the significant differences among the treatment using computer software Statistica 6.0 (statsoft;
http://www.statsoft.com).
RESULTS
Associated Bacteria on Algal Growth
The five associated bacteria such as Halomaonas sp.,Pseudomonas sp.,Vibrio sp.,Pseudoalteromonas sp., and
Micrococcus sp. were inoculated in to the UV treated Skeletonema and Isochrysis., and allowed to grow. When the culture
reached the mid log phase the cell count were taken.Among the five bacteria tested, the Pseudomonas sp. helped for the
maximum growth of Skeletonema and Isochrysis. (Table -1)
Table 1: Influence of Different Algal Associated Bacteria on the Growth of Microalgae at Mid Log Phase
Sl.
No.
Name of Associated
Bacteria Inoculated
Cell Count at Mid Log Phase Cells-ml
Dicrateria sp. (X105)
Tetraselmis sp. (X105)
1
Control (UV treated)
1.93 ± 0.42a
1.96 ± 0.39a
2
Halomonas sp.
1.68 ± 0.30 a
1.68 ± 0.30 a
3
Pseudomonas sp.
3.62 ± 0.31c
3.73 ± 0.58c
4
Vibrio sp.
2.89 ± 0.72d
2.27 ± 0.45d
5
Pseudoalternomonas sp.
3.32 ± 0.27e
2.49 ± 0.50e
6
Micrococcus sp.
3.12 ± 0.39f
3.38 ± 0.72f
Each value is the mean ± SD of three replicates within each column means with different superscript letters in
both group are statistically significant (t–test<0.05 and subsequent posthoc multiple comparison with SNK test)
The statistical analysis shows that the influence of bacterial inoculation except Holomonas sp. significantly
(P<0.05) increased the growth of two microalgae when compared with the control
Physico-Chemical Characters
In order to study the role of associated bacteria on physiological characters of algal oil such as solidification point,
melting point, specific gravity, moisture content, acid value and fatty acid value were studied. In solidification point, there
was no difference found between the Pseudomonas sp. introduced micro algal culture and the control (without bacteria).
But, it varied based on the species. Melting point also had no variation with the introduction of associated bacteria and
without bacteria and it varied based on the species of algae from which the oil was taken. Likewise, the specific gravity,
moisture content, acid value and fatty acid value possessed a little influence due to the introduction of associated bacteria.
But, the total carotenoid and β-carotene level showed a positive influence due to the introduction of associated
bacteria isolated from the micro algae. The Skeletonema when grow with Pseudomonas sp. yielded a carotenoid percentage
of 3.35 and in the control only 2.40% was recorded. In Isochrysis also the variation was noticed between the experimental
(3.05%) and control (1.97%).
Extraction and Characterization of Algoil from Selected Marine 37
Microalge and the Role of Associated Bacteria on Fatty Acid Profile
The percentage of β-carototene due to associated bacterial inoculation increased (1.43%) than the control (1.04%)
in Skeletonema sp. and the same trend was also observed in Isochrysis sp. The associated bacteria also proved its positive
role in the quantity of oil yield. The Skeletonema algae grown with Pseudomonas sp. yielded more oil (20.62 ml/100g)
than the control (17.64 ml/100g). In Isochrysis sp. also the same effect due to the associated bacteria was observed
(Table -2).
Table 2: Physico-Chemical Characters of Extracted Algoil with and without Associated Bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.)
Characters
Skeletonema sp.
Control
Isochrysis sp.
Control
Yield of Oil (ml -100g)
20.62 ± 3.22 a
17.64 ± 1.72 b
25.42 ± 2.64 a
18.32 ± 2.47 b
Solidification Point (oC)
18.049 ± 0.35 a
18.52 ± 0.46 a
16.43 ± 0.40 a
16.40 ± 0.38 a
Melting Point (oC)
28.30 ± 0.40 a
28.43 ± 0.37 a
27.33 ± 0.12 a
27.33 ± 0.15 a
Specific Gravity (g)
0.913 ± 0.012 a
0.913 ± 0.03 a
0.896 ± 0.006 a
0.896 ± 0.008 a
Moisture Content (%)
10.62 ± 0.06 a
10.72 ± 0.07 a
07.63 ± 0.02 a
07.40 ± 0.03 a
Acid value (%)
2.83 ± 0.16 a
2.84 ± 0.64 a
7.34 ± 0.24 a
7.41 ± 0.25 a
Fatty Acid Value (%)
1.40 ± 0.016 a
1.45 ± 0.017 a
0.902 ± 0.0016 a
0.93 ± 0.004 a
Carotene (%)
1.43 ± 0.02 a
1.04 ± 0.03 b
1.72 ± 0.01 a
1.32 ± 0.05 b
Total Carotenoid (%)
3.35 ± 0.02 a
2.40 ± 0.053 b
3.05 ± 0.132 a
1.97 ± 0.45 b
Each value is the mean ± SD of three replicates within each column means with different superscript letters in
both group are statistically significant (t–test<0.05 and subsequent posthoc multiple comparison with SNK test)
The t test conducted between the experimental and control showed that the oil yield, total carotenoid and
carotene were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the associated bacteria in both the microalgae studied.
Associated Bacteria and Algal Vitamin Content
In order to study the influence of associated bacteria on level of fat soluble vitamins in the algal cells, the
Psedomonas was inoculated in to Skeletonema and Isochrysis culture. The inoculated bacteria increased the vitamin A and
E in Skeletonema and Isochrysis sp., but no effect was found in vitamin D content in both the species. Vitamin K was
absent in both these micro algae (Table-3).
Table 3: Vitamin Content of Algoil from Microalgae Associated with Pseudomonas Bacterium
Vitamins
Skeletonema sp.
(IU/100 g)
Control
(IU/100 g)
Isochrysis sp.
(IU/100 g)
Control
(IU/100 g)
Vitamin A
35.55 ± 3.90 a
30.43 ± 3.75 b
25.42 ± 2.40 a
19.52 ± 1.62 b
Vitamin D
25.63 ± 2.53 a
25.40 ± 1.73 a
16.85 ± 1.30 a
15.91 ± 2.17 a
Vitamin E
18.67 ± 1.63 a
14.43 ± 1.55 b
10.65 ± 1.30 a
8.21 ± 1.05 b
Vitamin K
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Each value is the mean ± SD of three replicates within each column means with different superscript letters in
both group are statistically significant (t–test<0.05 and subsequent posthoc multiple comparison with SNK test)
The t test conducted between the experimental and control showed that the associated bacteria significantly
increased (P<0.05) the production of Vitamin A and E except vitamin D.
Associated Bacteria and Algal Mineral Content
Effect of bacterial association on mineral content of algal was studied. The presence of minerals like calcium,
sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sulphur and phosphate in the algal oil did not have any change due to the
inoculation of Pseudomonas sp. And, the level of such minerals in the oil also had no variation due to bacterial inoculation
Cobalt was absent in both Skeletonema and Isochrysis sp (Table 4).
38 Michael Babu M, Citarasu T, Selvaraj T, Punitha S. M. J, Praba & Albin Dhas S
Table 4: Mineral Content of Algoil Obtained from Microalgae Grown with Symbiotic Bacterium Pseudomonas sp.
Mineral
Skeletonema sp.
(mg-100g)
Control
(mg-100g)
Isochrysis sp.
(mg-100g)
Control
(mg-100g)
Calcium
132.67 ± 15.21 a
130.62 ± 16.42 a
127.5 ± 11.60 a
126.62 ± 13.67 a
Sodium
234.78 ± 12.30 a
236.73 ± 14.23 a
136.85 ± 15.13 a
134.41 ± 16.35 a
Potassium
67.64 ± 3.76 a
66.28 ± 4.72 a
68.52 ± 5.70 a
69.05 ± 7.53 a
Cobalt
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Iron
0.60 ± 0.162 a
0.67 ± 0.14 b
0.60 ± 0.13 a
0.63 ± 0.12 a
Magnesium
0.56 ± 0.094 a
0.65 ± 0.073 a
Nil
Nil
Zinc
6.44 ± 1.20 a
6.20 ± 1.04 a
Nil
Nil
Sulphur
3.45 ± 0.76 a
3.33 ± 0.50 a
3.19 ± 0.072 a
3.97 ± 0.06 a
Phosphorus
0.96 ± 0.12 a
0.89 ± 0.16 a
0.26 ± 0.58 a
Nil
Each value is the mean ± SD of three replicates within each column means with different superscript letters in
both group are statistically significant (t–test<0.05 and subsequent posthoc multiple comparison with SNK test)
The experimental value obtained due to the associated bacteria are non significant (P>0.05) in both the species of
micro algae when compared with its control
Associated Bacteria on PUFA Yield in Phase of Growth
The role of associated bacteria on changing the PUFA production was studied by harvesting the algae grown with
Pseudomonas sp. during its different growth phases like lag phase, late lag phase, log phase, late log phase, stationary
phase and late stationary phase. There was an increase in the PUFA level observed in Skeletonema co-cultured with
Pseudomonas than the control (without bacteria). In Skeletonema, the maximum PUFA was noticed in late log phase
(3.12 g/100g dry weight) and only 1.83 g/100g was found in the control during the late lag phase.
The minimum PUFA levels in experimental and control was 1.72 and 1.07 g /100g respectively, which were
found in the lag phase. The Isochrysis sp. also had the maximum PUFA in late log phase (1.62 g/100g) where as the
control (without Pseudomonas co-culture) had 0.96 g/100g and from this experiment it was evident that the associated
bacteria positively played a role in the PUFA content in the cells of micro algae. (Table -5)
Table 5: Total PUFA Content of Two Species of Microalgae during Different Phases of Growth when Inoculated
with Pseudomonas sp.
Phases of Growth
Skeletonema sp.
Control
Isochrysis sp.
Control
Quantiity of PUFA*
Quantiity of PUFA*
Quantity of PUFA*
Quantiity of PUFA*
Lag phase
1.72 ± 0.11a
1.07 ± 0.16 b
0.57 ± 0.03a
0.18 ± 0.03 b
Late lag phase
2.12 ± 0.18 a
1.23 ± 0.13b
0.94 ± 0.07 a
0.22 ± 0.05b
Log phase
2.78 ± 0.19 a
1.47 ± 0.15c
1.03 ± 0.08 a
0.74 ± 0.06c
Late log phase
3.12 ± 0.25 a
1.83 ± 0.14d
1.62 ± 0.12 a
0.96 ± 0.05d
Stationary phase
3.08 ± 0.23 a
1.68 ± 0.12e
1.60 ± 0.11 a
0.82 ± 0.02e
Late stationary phase
2.17 ± 0.15 a
1.50 ± 0.13c
1.27 ± 0.09 a
1.84 ± 0.07f
*% of dry weight [Total of four PUFA – C16:3; C18:4; C20:5; C22:6)]
Each value is the mean ±SD of three replicates. Within each column means with the different superscript letters in
all groups are statistically significant (t-test P<0.05 and subsequent posthoc multiple comparison with the SNK test
The statistical analysis shows that the influence of Psedomonas sp. inoculation in both the microalgae
significantly (P<0.05) increased the PUFA level in microalgae harvested in all the phases when compare with the control
Associated Bacteria and Total PUFA
In this experiment, percentage of individual fatty acid and total PUFA of Skeletonema and Isochrysis were studied
to understand the role of associated bacteria on PUFA content in the algal cells. Four poly unsaturated fatty acids like C16:
3, C18:4, C20:5 and C22:6 were quantified individually from both the micro algae. Among the four fatty acids quantified
Extraction and Characterization of Algoil from Selected Marine 39
Microalge and the Role of Associated Bacteria on Fatty Acid Profile
in Skeletonema C20:5 was the major fatty acid (1.109/100g) inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. and in control also the same
PUFA was found in maximum quantity (0.89 g/100g) but less than the experimental algae.
When the total PUFA from both experimental and control were quantified, the experimental algae had
3.06 g/100g and in control it was 2.41 g/100g which showed the effect of associated bacteria in increasing the PUFA level
in micro algae. Even though the PUFA level normally varied with species of algae, the increase of PUFA due to the action
of associated bacteria was evidenced in all the two experimental algae than the control. (Table -6)
Table 6: A Comparison Study of Percentage of Individual Fatty Acid Dry Weight and Total PUFA of Associated
Bacteria Inoculated and Non-Inoculated Skeletonema sp. and Isochrysis sp.
PUFA
Skeletonema sp.
Isochrysis sp.
Pseudomonas
Inoculated
Control
Pseudomonas
Inoculated
Control
C16 : 3
C18 : 4
C20 : 5
C22 : 6
0.48 ± 0.03 a
0.62 ± 0.05 a
1.10 ± 0.09 a
0.86 ± 0.08 a
0.37 ± 0.02 b
0.48 ± 0.04 b
0.89 ± 0.08 b
0.67 ± 0.06 b
0.32 ± 0.03 a
0.50 ± 0.04 a
0.62 ± 0.06 a
0.58 ± 0.05 a
0.24 ± 0.02 b
0.39 ± 0.03 b
0.47 ± 0.05 b
0.35 ± 0.03 b
Total
3.06
2.41
2.02
1.45
Percentage of dry weight [PUFA is the add up total of four fatty acids] C16:3 – hexadecatrieonic acid methyl
ester; C18:4- Octadecatetraenoic acid methyl ester; C20:5 – Eicosapentaenoic acid methyl ester; C22:6 – Docosa
hexaenoic acid methyl ester
Each value is the mean ± SD of three replicates within each column means with different superscript letters in
both group are statistically significant (t–test<0.05 and subsequent posthoc multiple comparison with SNK test)
The statistical analysis shows that the influence of Psedomonas inoculation in both the microalgae significantly
(P<0.05) increased the total PUFA on weight basis when compared with the control
DISCUSSIONS
This study was undertaken to know the role of associated bacteria in influencing the physico-chemical nature of
the algal oil. This study was conducted because the physico-chemical nature of algal oil varied even provided all physical,
chemical and nutritional conditions constant during our study. This simple clue made us to search another biological factor
co-existed with the micro algae. To find out the exact bacterial species which encourage the growth of micro algae, the
bacterial species co-existed (associated) with the algal culture were isolated and reintroduced into the freshly prepared
algal culture devoid of bacteria. The associated bacteria that encouraged the growth of the culture have already been
documented by different workers. The bacteria present in microalgae induced the growth of some species of microalgae
(Martin.et al., 2005) [21].
Martin et al., 2005[21] also studied the relationship between microalgae and associated bacteria. This study stated
that as most of the microalgae are the Cobalamin auxotrophs. This Cobalamin is needed to the algae for metabolism and
involves in the growth of algae. The source of Cobalamin is only from the associated bacteria and moreover the associated
bacteria compete with microalgae for available nutrients such as N and P and at the same time produce vitamin B12 for the
algae that are not able to synthesis themselves (Croft, M.,T. et al.,2005). The physico-chemical characters of the algal oil
such as solidification point, melting point, specific gravity, moisture content, acid value, ß caroteine and total carotenoids
were studied to know the influence of bacteria associated with them. Among several physicochemical characters studied,
the associated bacteria influencing only on total oil yield and carotenoid production. The other factor varied based on the
species of micro algae; two micro algae studied here showed variation in all the studied parameters. Work conducted by
40 Michael Babu M, Citarasu T, Selvaraj T, Punitha S. M. J, Praba & Albin Dhas S
(Croft et al., 2005) also confirmed the same finding. In their study, it has been stated that some of the chemical constituent
in the algal cell are based on the type of associated bacteria co-existed in the culture and also the association ship varies
based on the extracellular compound secreted by the algae.
The role of associated bacteria on the level of fat soluble vitamin has also been studied and found that the
associated bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.) enhanced the level of Vitamin A and E and no changes was occurred in Vitamin D.
The associated bacteria which enhanced the production of β-carotein in the algal cells have also been documented in this
study. As the β- carotein is the precursor of Vitamin A, it is possible for the increase of Vitamin A.
In order to know the influence of associated bacteria on accumulation of minerals like calcium, sodium,
potassium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, zinc, sulphur and phosphorus in the oil, the crude oil obtained from the experimental
and control algae were tested for the above said minerals and the results proved that there was no influence found in the
mineral content of algal oil based on associated bacteria. The quantity of PUFA obtained from the micro algae not only
related with the phases of growth of algal culture at which the cells were harvested and species of algae but also the
associated bacteria co-existed with the culture place a role on PUFA level in the algal oil. In this experiment, algal oil
obtained from the algal cells which was harvested at late log phase possessed the maximum PUFA than the algae harvested
at other phases of growth and at the same time, the associated bacteria inoculated algae yielded maximum oil in the algal
cells harvested in all the phases of growth when compared with the control.
Among the PUFA quantified in this study, C20:5 (Ecosapentaenoic acid methyl ester) was found to be maximum
and followed by C22:6, 48:4, C16:3. All the four quantified fatty acids were found high in experimental algal oil extracted
from the algae that was grown co-existed with associated bacteria than the control. This showed the positive role of
associated bacteria on the PUFA production in microalgae. The quality of fatty acid in the tested oil content increased due
to the presence of selected bacteria; the reason may be the easy availability of some of the chemicals. According to (Croft
et al.,2005) the variation in the fatty acid composition is mainly due to the availability of some of the trace elements in the
external medium more bio-available for algae. Keshtacher-Liebson et al.,in 1995 also stated that the bacteria present in the
algal culture make some of the nutrients and trace elements bio-available so that the elements can be diffused in to the algal
cells and act as a part of enzyme required for the biosynthesis of fatty acids.
CONCLUSIONS
From this study, it has been concluded that some of the particular bacteria living along with microalgae not only
increases the growth of algae but also increased thePUFA in the total fatty acid content. Presence of more PUFA in the
microalgae makes it more suitable to use as an obligatory live feed in larviculture of fin and shell fishes. The PUFA rich
algae not only increases the larval survival but also help to produce healthy larvae which give best performance in grow
out system and hence this study opens a new avenue in the larviculture system where this bacteria will definitely play an
important role in the production of PUFA rich microalgae.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
One of the authors Dr. M. Michael Babu, greatly acknowledges UGC, India for its research fund to carry out this
research through the fund sanction No F.2-3/2009
REFERENCES
1. AOCS,Official methods and recommended practices of the American Oil Chemist’s Society.Fifth ed., AOCS,
Champaign, IL, USA.
Extraction and Characterization of Algoil from Selected Marine 41
Microalge and the Role of Associated Bacteria on Fatty Acid Profile
2. Bell, Wayne H., Jeanne M. Lang, and Ralph Mitchell. 1974. “Selective Stimulation of Marine Bacteria by Algal
Extracellular Products. Limnology and Oceanography, 19 (5): 833-839.
3. Bligh. E.G. and Dyer (1959). A rapid method of total lipid extraction and purification. Can J Biochem Physiol,
379.911-917.
4. Boyd, Kenneth G., David R. Adams, and J Grant Burgess (1999). Antibacterial and repellent activities of marine
bacteria associated with algal Biofouling. The Journal of Bio adhesion and Biofilm Research, 14 (3): 227
5. Buo-Olayan. A.H, M. N. V. Subrahmanyam (1996).Heavy Metals in Marine Algae of the Kuwait Coast. Bulletin
of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.57, pp 816-823
6. Carreto, J.I, J. A. Catoggio (1977). An indirect method for the rapid estimation of carotenoid contents
in Phaeodactylum tricornutum: Possible application to other marine algae. Marine Biology. 40, 2, PP 109-116
7. Casimir C.Akoh and David B. (2002). Min.Food lipids-Chemistry. Nutrition and Biotechnology (Second edition).
Marcel Dekker,Inc, NewYork
8. Christi, Y. (2008), Biodiesel from microalgae beats bioethanol.Trends in Biotechnology 26, PP 126–13
9. Corina P. D. Brussaard, Roe1 Riegman (1998). Influence of bacteria on phytoplankton cell mortality with
phosphorus or nitrogen as the Algal-growth-limiting nutrient.Aquatic Microbial Ecology. 4: 271-280.
10. Croft, M.,T. Lawrence , A.D.Raux-Deery , M.J.Warren ,A.G. Smith (2005). Algae acquire vitamin B12 through a
symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Nature, 438 (3) 90-93.
11. Folch.J, M. Lees, and G.H.S.Stanley (1957), A simple method for the isolation and purification of total lipids
from animal tissue. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 226: 497-509.
12. Gouveia L., Sousa, Isabel, Ana Paula Batista, Anabela Raymundo, and N. M Bandarra (2004).Microalgae in
novel food products. BookPart. http://www.repository.utl.pt/handle /10400.5/2434.000000000000000
13. Green, D.H., L.E. Liewellyn (2004), Phylogenitic and functional diversity of the cultivable bacterial community
associated with the paralytic shell fish poisoning dinoflagelate, Gymnodium Catenatum, FEMS. Microbial Ecol
.47(3) 3456-357.
14. Grossart, Hans-Peter, Gertje Czub, and Meinhard Simon. (2006). Algae-bacteria interactions and their effects on
aggregation and organic matter flux in the sea.” Environmental Microbiology 8 (6) (June): 1074-1084.
15. Hirayama, K. 1996. “Effects of bacterial coexistence on the growth of a marine diatom Chaetoceros gracilis.”
Fisheries Science 62: 40-43.10.
16. Horman.. H,I. Traitler (1989). Biomed, Environ. Mass Spectrom.18, 1016.
17. Immanuel.G V. Menenthiran ,A. Palavesam,M.Petermarian (2002). Physico chemical properties and fatty acid
profile of Odonus niger liver oil. India. J Fish, 49(2), 147-153.
18. Jasti.S.M,E.Sieracki (2005).Phylogenitic diversity and specificity of bacteria closely associated with Alexandrium
spp and other phytoplankton. Appl Environ Microbiol 71(7) 3483-3494.
19. John B. Westmore, Mian M. Alauddin (1986) Ammonia chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Mass spectrum
Rev.5, 381-465.
42 Michael Babu M, Citarasu T, Selvaraj T, Punitha S. M. J, Praba & Albin Dhas S
20. Katharine H. Coward and Barbara G. E. Morgan (1935).Quantitative Estimation of Vitanins A and D in various
food substances cooked and Fresh. British Medical Journal. 30, 2(3908): PP1041–1044.
21. Keshtacher-Liebson.E, Y. Hadar, Y. Chen, (1995) Oligotrophic bacteria enhance algal growth under iron-deficient
conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 61, 2439–2441.
22. King .R.P. (1979). A model for the quantitative estimation of mineral liberation by grinding. International
Journal of Mineral Processing. 6, PP 207–220
23. Levich A.P. (1996). The role of nitrogen and phosphate ratio in selecting for dominance of phytoplankton by
cyanobacteria or green algae and its application to reservoir management. J Aqua Ecosys Health 556-56.
24. Levy JL, Stauber JL, Wakelin SA, Jolley DF(2009). The effect of bacteria on the sensitivity of microalgae to
copper in laboratory bioassays. Chemosphere. 74(9):1266-74.
25. Martin. T., Croft , D.Andrew , Lawrence , Evelyne Raux-Deery , Martin J. Warren & Alison G. Smith,(2005).
Algae acquire vitamin B12 through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Nature .438 ,90-93.
26. Metting. F.B, (1996) Biodiversity and applications of microalge. J Ind. Microbiology and Biotechnology.
17 ,477 489.
27. Munro, P. D., A. Barbour, and T. H. Birkbeck. 1995. “Comparison of the Growth and Survival of Larval Turbot
in the Absence of Culturable Bacteria with Those in the Presence of Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio alginolyticus, or a
Marine Aeromonas sp.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology.61 (12): 4425-4428.
28. Patil, Vishwanath, Torsten Källqvist, Elisabeth Olsen, Gjermund Vogt, and Hans Gislerød. 2007. “Fatty acid
composition of 12 microalgae for possible use in aquaculture feed.” Aquaculture International,15 (1) (February
1): 1-9-9.
29. Robert Breed,E.G.D Murray ,Nathan R.Smith (1957) Bergey’s Manual of systematic bacteriology. Mt.
Royal and Guilford Aves,Baltimore 2, Md.,U. S. A.
30. Robert, Z. (2002), Fatty acid profilling:Its usefulness in the evaluation of microbial association with the green
micro algae. Cellular and Molecular biology letters. 7, 61-67.
31. Sheehan, J, Dunahay T, Benemann J, (1998). A look back at the U.S Department of Energy’s aquatic species
Program: bio diesel from algae. Close – out report. NREC/ TP- 580, 24-190.
32. Spolare,P,Joannis-Cassan C, Duran E (2006) Commercial application of microalgae. J Bioengineer. 101, 87-96.
33. Walne. P.R (1970).Studies on the food value of nineteen genera of algae to juvenile bivalves of the genera
Ostrea,Crassostrea and Mytilis.Fishery Invest.26,162
34. Zaady, E., Kuhn V,Wilske B, Sandowal – Soto and Kesselmeier (2000). Patterns of CO2 exchange in biological
soil crusts of successional age. Soil Biol.Biochem, 32,959-966.
35. Zhou.W, X.Tang , H.Xiao , Y.Wang ,R.Wang (2009). Response of Marine Microalgae heterotrophic bacteria and
their relationship to enhance UV-B radiation. J Ocean Univ China, 8(1) 35-38.
