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Phycology
Special Issues
Development of Algal Biotechnology
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Development of Algal Biotechnology

A special issue of Phycology (ISSN 2673-9410).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 7219

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Leonel Pereira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: marine biotechnology; phycology; biodiversity; nutraceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the cutting-edge advancements and transformative potential of algal biotechnology. Algae, as a sustainable and versatile resource, have gained prominence for their applications across various fields, including biofuels, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food products, and environmental remediation. The contributions in this Special Issue highlight innovative research on algal cultivation, bioactive compound extraction, genetic engineering, and industrial-scale applications. By addressing challenges and showcasing opportunities, this collection aims to inspire further development and commercialization in the field. We invite readers to delve into these insights and join the global effort to harness the full potential of algae for a sustainable future.

Dr. Leonel Pereira
Guest Editor

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. Phycology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

  • algal biotechnology
  • bioactive compounds
  • algal cultivation
  • genetic engineering in algae
  • industrial applications of algae
  • sustainable biofuels
  • environmental remediation
  • nutraceuticals from algae
  • algal biodiversity
  • marine biotechnology
  • phycology research
  • algal biomass utilization

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 8086 KB  
Article
A Novel Approach Towards RSM-Based Optimization of LED-Illuminated Mychonastes homosphaera Culture, Emphasizing Input Energy: An Industrial Perspective of Microalgae Cultivation
by Doljit Borah, Khalifa S. H. Eldiehy, Khalid A. AL-Hothaly and Dhanapati Deka
Phycology 2025, 5(4), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5040062 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable bioprocesses highlights microalgae as a promising source of renewable feedstock. However, high energy use for artificial lighting limits the commercial viability of photobioreactor systems. This study proposes an energy-optimized framework for cultivating Mychonastes homosphaera using LED illumination. The [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable bioprocesses highlights microalgae as a promising source of renewable feedstock. However, high energy use for artificial lighting limits the commercial viability of photobioreactor systems. This study proposes an energy-optimized framework for cultivating Mychonastes homosphaera using LED illumination. The optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD) to assess the interactive effects of light intensity, duration, airflow rate, and nitrogen concentration on biomass and lipid productivity. The performance of LED wavelengths was compared for biomass, lipid productivity, and energy consumption. RSM models were statistically significant (p < 0.01), and ANOVA had a high coefficient of determination (R2) for all LEDs. Maximum biomass productivity was 512.0 ± 12.23 mg L−1 day−1 with cool-white, followed by pink (401.33 ± 10.48), blue (342.66 ± 3.53), and red (189.6 ± 1.36). Cool-white consumed the least energy (228.6 Wh day−1) to produce the maximum biomass, compared to blue (235.05 Wh day−1), pink (240.0 Wh day−1), and red (240.0 Wh day−1). Lipid content was highest under red (22.84%), followed by pink (17.39%), blue (15.82%), and cool-white (8.96%). However, lipid productivity was highest under pink (69.8 mg L−1 day−1), followed by blue (54.2 mg L−1 day−1), cool-white (45.86 mg L−1 day−1), and red (43.3 mg L−1 day−1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Algal Biotechnology)
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12 pages, 1546 KB  
Article
Effect of Photoperiod Duration and LED Light Quality on the Metabolite Profiles of High-Mountain Microalgal Isolates
by William H. Suárez Quintana, Ramón O. García-Rico, Janet B. García-Martínez, Néstor A. Urbina-Suarez, Germán L. López-Barrera and Andrés F. Barajas-Solano
Phycology 2025, 5(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5040059 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
High-mountain microalgae exhibit remarkable adaptability to extreme environments, making them promising candidates for sustainable biorefineries. We evaluated how photoperiod (12:12, 18:6, 24:0 h) and LED spectra (cool white, full spectrum, red–blue 4:1) affect growth and metabolite formation in Chlorella sp. UFPS019 and Scenedesmus [...] Read more.
High-mountain microalgae exhibit remarkable adaptability to extreme environments, making them promising candidates for sustainable biorefineries. We evaluated how photoperiod (12:12, 18:6, 24:0 h) and LED spectra (cool white, full spectrum, red–blue 4:1) affect growth and metabolite formation in Chlorella sp. UFPS019 and Scenedesmus sp. UFPS021. Biomass peaked in Chlorella under red–blue 18:6 (≈1.8 g L−1) and in Scenedesmus under red–blue 24:0 (≈1.7 g L−1), revealing species-specific responses. Carbohydrate fractions were maximized under red–blue 12:12 in both species, and continuous light (24:0) depressed carbohydrate content—most notably under full spectrum. Protein content was highest under red–blue 18:6 in Chlorella sp. and under red–blue 12:12–18:6 in Scenedesmus sp. Lipid fractions increased with light duration, peaking under red–blue 18:6–24:0 in Chlorella and under red–blue 18:6–24:0—with Cool White 24:0 also high—in Scenedesmus sp. Although extended illumination favored lipids, intermediate photoperiods (12:12–18:6) provided better productivity-to-energy trade-offs and broader metabolic profiles. These results show that tuning spectral composition and photoperiod to species-specific physiology enables the targeted, energy-aware production of proteins, carbohydrates, or lipids; red–blue at intermediate durations is a robust, energy-efficient regime, whereas longer exposures can be used strategically when lipid enrichment is prioritized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Algal Biotechnology)
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22 pages, 3975 KB  
Article
Comparative Phycoremediation Performance of Two Green Microalgal Strains Under Four Biomass Conditions for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
by Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Reda M. Moghazy, Mai M. Hamoud and Mostafa E. Elshobary
Phycology 2025, 5(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5040053 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 400
Abstract
This study uses industrial wastewater from an aluminum factory to evaluate the phycoremediation efficiency of two green microalgal strains, Dictyosphaerium sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus. The industrial wastewater contained high levels of pollutants, including COD, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metal ions (Al [...] Read more.
This study uses industrial wastewater from an aluminum factory to evaluate the phycoremediation efficiency of two green microalgal strains, Dictyosphaerium sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus. The industrial wastewater contained high levels of pollutants, including COD, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metal ions (Al3+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cd2+). Four biomass conditions were tested: free-living cells (active living cells), immobilized cells (entrapped within alginate), dried biomass (non-living dried cells), and acid-treated dried biomass (chemically modified for enhanced adsorption). Both strains demonstrated significant pollutant removal, with living biomass (free and immobilized) achieving the highest nutrient and organic pollutant removal, and non-living biomass (dried and acid-treated) being more efficient for rapid heavy metal removal. Tetradesmus obliquus showed superior performance across most parameters, while Dictyosphaerium sp. exhibited the highest aluminum removal (99.4%, reducing Al from 481.2 mg/L to 10.2 mg/L). These findings highlight the potential of microalgae-based approaches and support species-specific strategies for cost-effective and sustainable phycoremediation of industrial wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Algal Biotechnology)
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16 pages, 1010 KB  
Article
Productivity and Carbon Utilization of Three Green Microalgae Strains with High Biotechnological Potential Cultivated in Flat-Panel Photobioreactors
by David A. Gabrielyan, Maria A. Sinetova, Grigoriy A. Savinykh, Elena V. Zadneprovskaya, Maria A. Goncharova, Alexandra G. Markelova, Alexander K. Gabrielian, Boris V. Gabel and Nikolay V. Lobus
Phycology 2025, 5(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5030043 - 2 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 904
Abstract
Microalgae biotechnology is increasingly applied across diverse fields, from food and medicine to energy and environmental protection, with strain selection being crucial for both target product accumulation and scalability potential. In this study, we for the first time assess the scalability of two [...] Read more.
Microalgae biotechnology is increasingly applied across diverse fields, from food and medicine to energy and environmental protection, with strain selection being crucial for both target product accumulation and scalability potential. In this study, we for the first time assess the scalability of two new promising green microalgae strains, Neochlorella semenenkoi IPPAS C-1210 and Desmodesmus armatus ARC-06, in 5-L flat-panel photobioreactors. The growth characteristics of each culture, along with their biochemical composition and CO2 utilization efficiency, were examined and compared to the well-studied model strain Chlorella sorokiniana IPPAS C-1. While C-1 achieved the highest biomass concentration (7.1 ± 0.4 g DW L−1 by day 8) and demonstrated superior specific productivity (1.5 ± 0.1 g DW L−1 d−1) and CO2 utilization efficiency (average 25.4%, peaking at 34% on day 3), ARC-06 accumulated the highest starch content (51% of DW), twice that of C-1. Strain C-1210 showed intermediate performance, reaching 6.8 ± 0.8 g DW L−1 biomass with a CUE of 22.7%, whereas ARC-06 had the lowest CUE (12.8%). These results, combined with proposed cultivation optimization strategies, provide a foundation for scaling up N. semenenkoi and D. armatus production in industrial flat-panel PBR systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Algal Biotechnology)
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22 pages, 3276 KB  
Article
Hybrid Machine Learning Models for Predicting the Impact of Light Wavelengths on Algal Growth in Freshwater Ecosystems
by Himaranga Sumanasekara, Harshi Jayasingha, Gayan Amarasooriya, Narada Dayarathne, Bandita Mainali, Lalantha Senevirathna, Ashoka Gamage and Othmane Merah
Phycology 2025, 5(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5020023 - 8 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2086
Abstract
This study examines the influence of light wavelengths on the growth dynamics of five algal genera (Chlorella sp., Volvox sp., Gloeocapsa sp., Microspora sp., and Mougeotia sp.) in freshwater systems, using machine learning to optimize growth models. Natural light yielded the highest [...] Read more.
This study examines the influence of light wavelengths on the growth dynamics of five algal genera (Chlorella sp., Volvox sp., Gloeocapsa sp., Microspora sp., and Mougeotia sp.) in freshwater systems, using machine learning to optimize growth models. Natural light yielded the highest algal proliferation, increasing the total count from 90 to 1390 cells/mL in 30 days. Filtered wavelengths showed that blue light most effective (840 cells/mL), followed by red (490 cells/mL) and yellow (200 cells/mL), while green light minimally impacted growth (160 cells/mL). Genera-specific responses revealed that Gloeocapsa sp. and Mougeotia sp. thrived the most under blue light (240 and 750 cells/mL, respectively), with red and blue wavelengths generally enhancing growth across genera. Machine learning models achieved high accuracy (R2 > 0.96 for total growth and R2 > 0.8 for genera-specific and wavelength-based models), refining growth kinetics. These results suggest that spectral manipulation limiting blue/red wavelengths in water treatment to curb blooms while leveraging natural light for biofuel cultivation could optimize algal management. The integration of empirical data with machine learning offers a robust framework for predictive modeling in algal research and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Algal Biotechnology)
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12 pages, 1299 KB  
Article
Scale-Up Cultivation of the Dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii Under Varying Inoculum Percentages: Effects on Growth Performance and Fatty Acid Profile
by Pedro Rodrigues de Sena, Maria Eunice S. S. Lira, Deyvid Willame S. Oliveira, Barbara de Cassia S. Brandão, Jessika L. de Abreu, Watson Arantes Gama, Evando S. Araújo, Giustino Tribuzi, Alfredo O. Gálvez and Carlos Yure B. Oliveira
Phycology 2025, 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5020021 - 2 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1151
Abstract
Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms with rapid growth and high biochemical diversity, capable of thriving in a variety of environments. Among them, dinoflagellates, particularly symbiotic species like Durusdinium glynnii, have gained attention due to their potential for biotechnological applications, especially in the production [...] Read more.
Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms with rapid growth and high biochemical diversity, capable of thriving in a variety of environments. Among them, dinoflagellates, particularly symbiotic species like Durusdinium glynnii, have gained attention due to their potential for biotechnological applications, especially in the production of valuable fatty acids. However, the delicate cultivation of dinoflagellates remains a challenge due to their sensitivity to shear stress and complex morphology. In this study, we evaluated the influence of inoculum percentage (10%, 25%, and 50%) on the growth performance and fatty acid profile of D. glynnii during a scale-up process from test tubes to a pilot-scale photobioreactor. Higher inoculum concentrations (50%) promoted faster acclimatization, higher specific growth rates (µmax), and greater final biomass densities, optimizing the cultivation process. Meanwhile, lower inoculum concentrations (10%) favored the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly DHA (C22:6n3), indicating a trade-off between biomass productivity and fatty acid biosynthesis. Overall, D. glynnii demonstrated robust adaptability, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. Further studies focusing on cellular and metabolic pathways are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms underlying lipid production and growth in this promising species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Algal Biotechnology)
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