Fungal Identification for Microalgae Biomass Hydrolysis using FTIR

Abstract

Fungi offer a promising avenue for utilizing residual microalgae biomass after lipid extraction, harboring valuable carbohydrates that can be converted into useful compounds, such as sugars. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) stands out as an effective and environmentally friendly tool for selecting microorganisms with biotechnological potential. This study utilizes FTIR to identify suitable fungal strains for the hydrolysis of microalgae biomass (Desmodesmus subspicatus and Chlorella sp) post-lipid extraction. Eleven fungal strains are selected, applying FTIR and multivariate analysis to choose filamentous fungi. The maximum cell density is 28.7 × 106 cells mL-1 for Chlorella sp. and 15.8 × 106 cells mL-1 for D. subspicatus, with total carbohydrates of 23.1% and 16.9%, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) are useful for strain identification. Following the analysis, Penicillium G12 stands out for its ability to utilize D. subspicatus biomass, generating glucose and xylose (sugar yields of 9.4% and 6.6% respectively), and Trichoderma auricularis for Chlorella sp. (sugar yields of 12.9% and 9.6% respectively). FTIR proves successful in detecting fungal strains with biotechnological potential.