Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts最新文献

{"title":"Light-enhanced surface film formation in Euglena gracilis is associated with betaine-, phenylalanine-, and arginine-enriched EPS","authors":"Fang Yu,&nbsp;Huiyun Feng,&nbsp;Shaoqiu Li,&nbsp;Zengliang Yu,&nbsp;Jingang Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.105005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.105005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Euglena</em> blooms in freshwater and brackish habitats often form surface films that pose ecological risks. Although phototaxis is recognized as a key behavioral response, how light-associated physiological changes relate to cell aggregation and surface film development remains poorly understood. Here, <em>Euglena gracilis</em> was used as a model organism to investigate the role of light in surface film formation, with a focus on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and associated metabolic profiles. Among the tested irradiance levels under controlled conditions, illumination at 35 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ resulted in the highest degree of surface aggregation, yielding a film-forming rate of 81.51% and a stable film area of 0.075 mm² under high cell density (5.23 × 10⁸ cells·L⁻¹). Combined chemical and spectroscopic analyses revealed significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and protein contents in the bound EPS (BEPS) under illumination. Non-targeted metabolomics identified betaine, L-phenylalanine, and L-arginine as dominant EPS-associated metabolites, with the latter two showing consistent light-associated enrichment. Collectively, these findings suggest that illumination-induced alterations in EPS composition and metabolite profiles contributed to enhanced cell aggregation and surface film development. This study provides insights into the photophysiological mechanisms underlying light-induced surface film formation and EPS-mediated aggregation in <em>Euglena</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105005"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149204369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Algicidal effects of Landoltia punctata against toxic Microcystis aeruginosa: Insights from physiological, molecular, and environmental perspectives","authors":"Jinlan Xiao,&nbsp;Cuicui Wei,&nbsp;Yongqiang Liu,&nbsp;Zhubin Hu,&nbsp;Leyi Zhao,&nbsp;Xuerui Zhou,&nbsp;Yanling Jin,&nbsp;Hai Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing frequency of <em>Microcystis</em> blooms highlights the urgent need for environmentally sustainable strategies to mitigate associated ecological and health risks. Floating aquatic macrophytes, particularly duckweed, have attracted attention as potential nature-based approaches; however, their effectiveness, underlying mechanisms, and environmental impacts remain insufficiently understood. Here, we show that duckweed (<em>Landoltia punctata</em>) exhibits potent algicidal activity against toxic <em>Microcystis aeruginosa</em> in a co-culture system. Within 5 days, the initial chlorophyll-a concentration (331 μg L⁻¹) decreased by 71.9%, and cell density declined by 69.7%; these reductions were accompanied by a loss of buoyancy and severe ultrastructural damage in algal cells. Photosynthetic analyses revealed asymmetric inhibition of the photosynthetic apparatus, characterized by rapid and pronounced impairment of photosystem I activity, whereas photosystem II remained comparatively resilient. This imbalance was accompanied by enhanced oxidative stress and PCD-like responses, as evidenced by elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, caspase-3(−like) activity, increased ATP levels, and DNA fragmentation. Transcriptomic analyses further revealed coordinated disruptions in carbon and nitrogen metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, indicating metabolic and energetic imbalance. Importantly, co-cultivation with <em>L. punctata</em> also contributed to cyanotoxin mitigation, as extracellular microcystin-LR concentration decreased by 19.4%, accompanied by pH stabilization, turbidity reduction, and marked shifts in dissolved organic matter composition. Metagenomic analysis of the phytoplankton community revealed that duckweed reduced the absolute abundance of Cyanobacteriota while promoting eukaryotic algae in eutrophic water bodies under laboratory conditions. Collectively, this study provides insights into the multi-level mechanisms underlying <em>L. punctata</em>-mediated inhibition of toxic <em>Microcystis</em> and highlights its potential role in nature-based cyanobacterial bloom management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104991"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interplay of rhodamine-based spectral conversion and light intensity in growth and pigments production by Spirulina platensis","authors":"Taraneh Sadat Ghoreyshi,&nbsp;Fereshteh Naeimpoor","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104953","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104953","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Light spectral modification, converting unused into operational wavelengths by fluorescent dyes, can improve light utilization by photoautotrophic microorganisms. In this study, growth and pigments production by <em>Spirulina platensis</em>, a commercial producer of valuable products, were inspected using spectral conversion by rhodamine 6G in a 1-L double-layer cylindrical photobioreactor. A general factorial design using incident light intensities of 200 and 400 μmol/m².s and rhodamine levels of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 and 60 ppm was firstly applied. Outperformance of low rhodamine level (10 ppm) alongside high incident light intensity (400 μmol/m².s) was evidenced, biomass increase from 5.43 g/L for control to 7.5 g/L (38%), while attenuation of the total transmitted light intensity received by the culture at higher dye levels led to declined values of all culture variables. To eliminate the existing dye level interaction with the received intensity, light intensity after rhodamine layer was adjusted and maintained at 400 μmol/m².s, leading to the highest concentrations of biomass (8.3 g/L), phycocyanin (1.297 mg/mL), chlorophyll <em>a</em> (0.123 mg/mL) and carotenoids (0.04 mg/mL) at rhodamine level of 10 ppm. Further increase in received intensity to 600 μmol/m².s showed photoinhibition. Our results demonstrated the importance of adjustments of the total transmitted light intensity alongside dye level for effective spectral conversion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104953"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parallel chromosome alignment and translational symmetry define a distinct mode of chromosome segregation during dinomitosis in Alexandrium minutum","authors":"Ángeles Cuadrado,&nbsp;Alfredo de Bustos","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dinomitosis is a distinctive form of closed mitosis observed exclusively in dinoflagellates. In these organisms, chromosomes are permanently condensed, lack canonical nucleosomal organization, have no recognizable centromeres or kinetochores, and never contact with the microtubules. How such chromosomes are organized and faithfully segregated during dinomitosis remains poorly understood.</div><div>We investigated chromosome arrangement and segregation during dinomitosis in <em>Alexandrium minutum</em> using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with multiple chromosomal markers, including telomeric repeats, 45S and 5S ribosomal DNAs, and several satellite DNAs.</div><div>Despite the absence of a canonical metaphase plate, we identify a preanaphase reorganization in which chromosomes adopt a low-height cylindrical configuration within the intact nucleus. In this state, chromosomes appear longitudinally aligned, and telomeric signals show a polarized distribution within the nucleus. During anaphase, sister chromatids segregate while maintaining an overall parallel orientation as they moving perpendicular to the plane of nuclear division. The nucleolus remains intact throughout dinomitosis, dividing during anaphase and segregating together with the chromosome masses. The translational symmetry of FISH signals indicates that sister chromatids slide past one another in parallel toward opposite poles.</div><div>These findings define a metaphase-like stage characterized by parallel chromosome alignment and translational symmetry as a defining feature of dinoflagellate chromosome segregation. Telomere polarization and nuclear envelope architecture likely guide chromosome orientation and movement. By revealing an alternative solution to faithful genome inheritance, dinomitosis expands the conceptual framework of eucaryotic mitosis and provides new insights into chromosome dynamics in dinoflagellates, a group of ecological and toxicological relevance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104995"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing desalination and biomass accumulation of Nannochloropsis sp. in brackish water reverse osmosis concentrate using indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid","authors":"Hang Xu,&nbsp;Micheng Guo,&nbsp;Baofeng Yue,&nbsp;Feiyu Chen,&nbsp;Xiaonuo Li,&nbsp;Tianlong Hu,&nbsp;Yuanxiang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104982","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brackish water reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) is characterized by high salinity, which limits its resource recovery potential and increases the pressure of terminal disposal. Cultivating halotolerant microalgae in ROC can reduce freshwater and nutrient inputs while enabling biological desalination and biomass production. However, high-salinity stress still restricts microalgal growth and desalination efficiency. To address this limitation, <em>Nannochloropsis</em> sp. was cultivated for 24 days in synthetic brackish water ROC under control, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and gibberellic acid (GA₃) treatments. Growth and biomass accumulation, desalination performance, biomass composition, stress-response indicators, and transcriptomic profiles were evaluated to determine the regulatory effects of the two phytohormones. Both phytohormones significantly alleviated growth inhibition caused by the high-salinity environment. After 24 days of cultivation, biomass reached 586.51 and 699.33 mg L⁻¹ in the IAA and GA₃ groups, respectively, compared with 415.52 mg L⁻¹ in the control. Electrical conductivity (EC) reduction increased from 13.06% in the control to 25.28% and 30.58% under IAA and GA₃ treatments, respectively. IAA and GA₃ also increased lipid and protein yields, thereby enhancing the valorization potential of microalgal biomass produced in the ROC cultivation system. Stress-response indicators showed that phytohormone treatments enhanced antioxidant defense and reduced membrane lipid peroxidation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct regulatory strategies: IAA mainly promoted carbon metabolism, carbon–nitrogen coordination and cell proliferation-related processes, thereby supporting DNA replication and biomass synthesis; whereas GA₃ reduced transcriptional activity associated with cell proliferation while regulating energy metabolism and stress responses, with increased cell size contributing to biomass accumulation. These findings indicate that phytohormone regulation can enhance ROC treatment by <em>Nannochloropsis</em> sp. while producing valorized biomass, providing a theoretical basis for resource-recovery-oriented ROC treatment, biological desalination and microalgal cultivation in high-salinity water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104982"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of green brined cheese enriched with Chlorella vulgaris biomass","authors":"Héctor Hernández,&nbsp;Maria Cristiana Nunes,&nbsp;Catarina Prista,&nbsp;Ekaterini Moschopoulou,&nbsp;Lambros Sakkas,&nbsp;Anabela Raymundo","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104977","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104977","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> biomass supplementation (2%, 4%, and 6%, <em>w</em>/w of cheese mass) on the physicochemical composition, fatty acid profile, mineral content, antioxidant properties, enzymatic activity, <em>in vitro</em> bioaccessibility and texture of green brined cheeses during 60 days of ripening. The 6% microalgal supplementation level significantly increased protein (6.3%), ash (38.5%) and essential mineral contents, particularly iron, zinc, manganese, and copper (nutritional claims according to European regulations), while reducing fat content (11%) compared with the control cheese. Texture analysis revealed that moderate supplementation levels (2–4%) enhanced cheese firmness, whereas a higher incorporation level (6%) led to a reduction of this parameter. The fatty acid profile was markedly improved by <em>C. vulgaris</em> incorporation, resulting in a dose-dependent reduction in saturated fatty acids and a significant increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). <em>In vitro</em> digestion revealed enhanced protein digestibility and improved bioaccessibility of potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese in fortified cheeses, whereas dry matter digestibility was only slightly affected. Antioxidant capacity, determined by FRAP and DPPH assays, increased proportionally with microalgal concentration and was accompanied by a significant rise in total phenolic content. Enzymatic analyses demonstrated increased lactate dehydrogenase activity and reduced aminopeptidase activity in microalgae-supplemented cheeses, suggesting modifications in microbial metabolism and proteolytic pathways, during ripening. Overall, <em>C. vulgaris</em> biomass proved to be a promising natural fortification ingredient for the development of nutritionally enhanced, antioxidant-rich, and lipid-improved brine-ripened cheeses with enhanced nutritional quality and functional potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104977"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sensory profiles of three Nordic seaweeds following industrially relevant post-harvest processing","authors":"Sermin Rauf Dahlstedt,&nbsp;João P. Trigo,&nbsp;Kristoffer Stedt,&nbsp;Henrik Pavia,&nbsp;Ingrid Undeland,&nbsp;Pernilla Sandvik","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seaweed has potential to be a sustainable food ingredient, yet its sensory properties are poorly understood, and previous research has focused on species differences, with less attention given different post-harvest processing formats. To characterize sensory properties across different post-harvest processing formats, 15 seaweed ingredients were profiled by Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. These encompassed three Nordic-relevant species (<em>Saccharina latissima</em>, <em>Palmaria palmata</em>, and <em>Ulva fenestrata)</em> treated with different combinations of blanching, stabilization (flash-freezing, drying), and disintegration (re-hydrated flakes and powder as well as wet mince and paste). Data were analysed using ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis.</div><div>Two previously unreported sensory attributes were consistently perceived across all <em>P. palmata</em> samples: a salmiac-like flavour and a tingling, carbonation-like mouthfeel. The blanched <em>U. fenestrata</em> samples differed from the non-blanched counterparts, with higher sulphurous odour and flour-like flavour notes and lower marine flavour, saltiness, sourness, and bitterness. No differences were detected between samples that were flash-frozen before drying and those that were dried directly after harvest, suggesting that intermediate frozen storage may be feasible in an industrial context. Samples differing in tissue disintegration (flaking/milling, mincing, and pasting to powder/paste) showed differences in texture- and structure-related attributes, with limited effects on flavour., the findings demonstrate that different processing formats are associated with differences in the sensory characteristics of seaweed ingredients, while flash-freezing before drying resulted in no detectable sensory differences in <em>P. palmata</em> and <em>U. fenestrata</em>, facilitating for more even feeding volumes into industry scale dryers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104988"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impact of Spirulina platensis powder enrichment on Chinese steamed buns: A comprehensive study on dough fermentation, quality characteristics and structural properties","authors":"Yan Xu,&nbsp;Xiaolong He,&nbsp;Xiao Wei,&nbsp;Jiangyu Zhu,&nbsp;Xiangli Ding,&nbsp;Xiangzhen Nie,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Zhou,&nbsp;Wenzheng Zhu,&nbsp;Hai Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Spirulina platensis</em> (SP) is rich in essential amino acids and bioactive compounds, making it a promising ingredient for the development of protein-enriched cereal-based foods. This study investigated the effects of <em>S. platensis</em> powder supplementation ranging from 0% to 8% on dough fermentation, structural properties, and the quality characteristics of Chinese steamed buns. <em>S. platensis</em> powder addition significantly improved the nutritional profile of steamed buns, increasing protein content from 6.50 to 8.75 g/100 g. In particular, the 4% SP treatment exhibited the highest specific volume of 2.00 mL/g, representing a 7.53% increase over the control, while maintaining a sensory score (82.6/100) comparable to that of the 0% SP. FTIR analysis indicated concentration-dependent changes in the estimated secondary structure of proteins, while DSC revealed alterations in starch gelatinization behavior, with 4% SP resulting in a 37.59% reduction in gelatinization enthalpy. In contrast, supplementation exceeding 4% SP was associated with a less continuous dough microstructure and adversely affected textural and sensory properties. Hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis further revealed concentration-dependent quality-response patterns across SP supplementation levels. Overall, among the tested formulations, 4% SP provided a favorable balance between protein enrichment and product quality, offering a promising strategy for the development of protein-enriched Chinese steamed buns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104983"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Granular microalgae-bacteria wastewater treatment systems: A systematic review of granule formation dynamics, operational control variability, and circular resource recovery potential","authors":"Baker Nasser Saleh Al-dhawi,&nbsp;Kanadasan Gobi,&nbsp;Vel Murugan Vadivelu","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Granular microalgae-bacteria systems are a technology that has proven to be a potential wastewater treatment technology that can be integrated to remove pollutants, produce biomass, and recover resources in a single process. However, there is limited knowledge currently regarding granule formation, granule control during operation, treatment performance, and potential for circular resource recovery. This study comprised a systematic review of 97 peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2025, with a critical assessment of them to identify the progress in the research and future research directions. The results suggest that extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) aggregation, algal-bacterial mutualism, microbial community succession, and ecological stratification are the main mechanisms controlling granule formation and stability. The most influential operational parameters that affect granulation and treatment performance were identified as hydraulic retention time, solids retention time, light intensity, organic loading rate, and hydrodynamic conditions. Granular microalgae-bacteria systems often removed more than 85% of the organic matter, more than 90% of the ammonium, and between 80 and 95% of the phosphorus under optimized conditions. The development of the reactors has been evolving from the conventional Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) and photobioreactors to the more advanced membrane-assisted and integrated reactors, which are more efficient in treatment and resource recovery. In addition to wastewater treatment, the focus has shifted to nutrient recovery, biofuel production, recovery of alginate-like exopolymer, and valorisation of biomass, which all drive the shift towards a circular bioeconomy-based wastewater management. Despite these developments, the majority of systems are still in the laboratory or pilot stage; only a few systems have been fully validated, and there is no adequate techno-economic assessment. The future research needs are mechanistic understanding, pilot-scale implementation, integrated resource recovery, and sustainability evaluation. In summary, granular microalgae-bacteria systems are a promising new technology for sustainable wastewater treatment and circular resource recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104994"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In cellulo monitoring of mRNA expression in Euglena gracilis using spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoflare","authors":"Minwoo Lee,&nbsp;Yugeun Jung,&nbsp;Yoon-E Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.algal.2026.104987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Detection of metabolic products, precursors, and gene expression in living cells is crucial for advancing industrial microbial applications and understanding <em>in cellulo</em> biological processes. In this study, a gold nanoparticle-based spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoflare was employed to detect mRNA in <em>Euglena gracilis</em> cells. A SNA nanoflare targeting <em>EgGSL2</em>, a key gene in paramylon biosynthesis, was designed using a 30-base oligonucleotide specific to <em>EgGSL2</em> mRNA. Fabrication of SNA nanoflare was confirmed through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV–visible spectroscopy. In vitro validation revealed an up to 32-fold increase in fluorescence in the presence of the target mRNA, demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity, while scramble controls exhibited negligible signals. <em>In cellulo</em> detection of <em>EgGSL2</em> mRNA in <em>E. gracilis</em> was then performed by comparing wild-type and <em>EgGSL2</em> knockdown cells, confirming effective discrimination of expression states of <em>EgGSL2</em> mRNA, which was consistent with qPCR results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further demonstrated an AUC of 0.92 in binary classification based on fluorescence imaging data. Following 12 and 24 h of SNA nanoflare exposure, a moderate increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed, while paramylon production remained unchanged, indicating moderate but tolerable cellular stress. These findings highlight the potential of SNA nanoflares as a sensitive, non-invasive molecular sensing tool for the discrimination of gene expression states in living cells, with promising applications in cellular diagnostics and bioengineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7855,"journal":{"name":"Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts","volume":"99 ","pages":"Article 104987"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149140663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}