Taxonomic, Physiological, and Biochemical Characterization of Asterarcys quadricellularis AQYS21 as a Promising Sustainable Feedstock for Biofuels and ω-3 Fatty Acids

• Published in: Plants (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 21; p. 3008
• Main Authors: Kang, Nam Seon, An, Sung Min, Jo, Chang Rak, Ki, Hyunji, Kim, Sun Young, Jeong, Hyeon Gyeong, Choi, Grace, Hong, Ji Won, Cho, Kichul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-11-2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Algae; Analysis; Aquatic microorganisms; Asterarcys quadricellularis; Bioactive compounds; Biochemical characteristics; Biochemistry; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Biomass energy; Chloroplasts; Diesel; Fatty acids; Flux density; Formulations; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Linolenic acid; Linolenic acids; Microalgae; Microscopy; molecular identification; morphological characterization; Morphology; Mucilage; Palmitic acid; Physical characteristics; Physiological aspects; Physiology; Proteins; Raw materials; Saturated fatty acids; Strain analysis; Taxonomy; South Korea; China; Egypt
• ISSN: 2223-7747; 2223-7747
• DOI: 10.3390/plants13213008

Asterarcys quadricellularis strain AQYS21, a green microalga isolated from the brackish waters near Manseong-ri Black Sand Beach in Korea, shows considerable potential as a source of bioactive compounds and biofuels. Therefore, this study analyzed the morphological, molecular, and biochemical characteristics of this strain; optimized its cultivation conditions; and evaluated its suitability for biodiesel production. Morphological analysis revealed characteristics typical of the Asterarcys genus: spherical to ellipsoidal cells with pyrenoid starch plates and mucilage-embedded coenobia. Additionally, features not previously reported in other A. quadricellularis strains were observed. These included young cells with meridional ribs and an asymmetric spindle-shaped form with one or two pointed ends. Molecular analysis using small-subunit rDNA and tufA sequences confirmed the identification of the strain AQYS21. This strain showed robust growth across a wide temperature range, with optimal conditions at 24 °C and 88 µmol m−2s−1 photon flux density. It was particularly rich in ω-3 α-linolenic acid and palmitic acid. Furthermore, its biodiesel properties indicated its suitability for biodiesel formulations. The biomass of this microalga may serve as a viable feedstock for biodiesel production and a valuable source of ω-3 fatty acids. These findings reveal new morphological characteristics of A. quadricellularis, enhancing our understanding of the species.