Poster Session
Isolation of putative-lignin deconstructing bacteria. Alexis P. Healion-del
Valle, Tiffany del Valle-González, Solimar García-Torres,
Karleen M. González-Rosari, and José R. Pérez-Jiménez. Puerto Rico Institute for Microbial Ecology Research, School
of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR 00778. Abstract: There is a world-wide need for alternative energy sources. The use of biofuels is wildly considered as a
good substitute for petroleum-based fuels. The production of energy by biomass minimizes
pollution. One major challenge in its utilization is that the majority of this carbon
is trapped in the troublesome structural polymers of the plant cell wall. Lignin
is the most complex carbohydrate possessing a high molecular weight and the most
abundant aromatic polymer in the biosphere. It can cause serious pollution and toxicity
problem due to its low biodegradability.
Our objective is to isolate and characterize bacteria capable of deconstructing
lignin from diverse ecosystems. Soil samples
were collected and used as inoculum on media containing lignin as sole carbon source. Turbidity and color change in media suggested
lignin deconstructing consortia. Positive
enrichments were subjected to further characterization. A total of seventeen strains were capable of deconstructing
lignin. Most of them proving to be gram positive coccus. Future work includes genetic
and biochemical characterization of putative-lignin deconstructing bacteria. Eventually, the most efficient strains will be
selected for upscaling process.
Aislamiento e
identificación de microorganimos marinos en la zona noroeste de la bahía de Guánica,
P.R. como posibles agentes biorremediadores.
Angélica Toro Cora, Ángela Gonzales and Jason Dragoni Rosado. Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, Department
of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto
Rico-San Germán Campus. Abstract: Existen numerosas
especies de hongos los cuales pueden vivir en ecosistemas marinos. Especialmente
las levaduras marinas son una parte importante de los microorganismos que viven
en los océanos. En las zonas costeras los nutrientes y microorganismos son abundantes,
al igual que la contaminación. Las levaduras marinas pueden ser indicadoras de zonas
costeras contaminadas. Un estudio realizado por la NOAA demostró que la bahía de
Guánica es la más contaminada del Caribe, teniendo en ella una alta concentración
de metales pesados. Se conoce que diversas especies de levaduras tienen la capacidad
de tolerar y crecer en presencia de metales pesados. Es por esto que se propone
realizar un estudio para la identificación de levaduras marinas a lo largo de la
parte noroeste de la bahía de Guánica. Si la bahía está altamente contaminada, y
hay levaduras presentes en el lugar, entonces estas podrían tolerar las concentraciones
de metales pesados que allí se encuentran. Hasta donde se ha revisado la literatura,
no hay estudios que identifiquen levaduras
marinas en la bahía. Los objetivos de la investigación serán los siguientes: probar
la existencia de las levaduras marinas en los lugares contaminados de la parte noroeste
de la bahía de Guánica, así como enumerar e identificar taxonómicamente las levaduras
recuperadas. Se colectarán muestras de agua superficial en tres puntos de la bahía,
se filtrarán y cultivarán los filtros en medio de cultivo SDA con 50% agua de mar.
Las levaduras y mohos aislados fueron identificados preliminarmente por sus características
morfológicas observadas bajo el microscopio óptico. Se aisló una levadura no identificada
y diez mohos, incluyendo Aspergillus niger. Los trabajos futuros incluyen la identificación
molecular de los hongos aislados, y una propuesta para cultivar la levadura marina
en presencia de metales pesados y determinar su tolerancia y posible capacidad de
biorremediación.
Isolation of Putative Xylene-degrading Bacteria Across Neotropical
Ecosystems. Bianca Serrano-Torres, Christian D. del
Valle-Colón, Karleen M. González-Rosario, and José R. Pérez-Jiménez. Puerto Rico Institute for Microbial Ecology Research, School
of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR 00778. Abstract: Xylene is an aromatic organic compound formed by two methyl groups
and a benzene ring in the center that can cause health complications. This chemical
is used in many industries and it is one of the main components in gasoline. Because
of this, exposure to this contaminant is very probable. Conventional methods for
xylene isomers removal are difficult and expensive, therefore, biodegradation is
a more viable and economical way of transforming them into less harmful or non-hazardous
compounds. Bacteria, such as Pseudomonas
stutzeri or P. putida, are capable of
degrading xylene isomers with the help of metabolic intermediates of biodegradation
for biomass production. Our objective is to isolate and characterize bacteria capable
of degrading this benzene derivative. Water and soil samples were obtained from
polluted and non-polluted environments across Puerto Rico. They were cultivated
on general media initially and pure strains were tested on mineral medium with xylene
as its sole carbon source. Putative xylene degraders where characterized by Gram
stain, catalase test, CHROMagar Orientation plates and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Catalase test revealed positive results for all putative strains. Mineral media
provided a total of 19 bacterial strains out of twenty-seven. Sequencing of the
16S rRNA gene include genera such as Klebsiella,
Ralstonia, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Escherichia, Pseudomonas,
and Alcaligenes. Putative xylene-degraders
Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterobacter,
Citrobacter, and Escherichia were positive for CHROMagar analysis. Nevertheless, in the
Gram stain test all strains resulted to be Gram positive. This contradicts the results
of the CHROMagar Orientation plates. Neotropical ecosystems have provided bacteria with
diverse capabilities that can be useful in the remediation of contaminated sites
and preserving public health. Future studies will include a biodegradation test
for each of the xylene isomers individually and characterization of the metabolic
intermediates that are produced by these bacteria in the biodegradation of the isomers.
Preliminary Study of Identification of Filamentous Fungi in White
Sands of Three Beaches of the Caribbean.
Catherine E. Torres
Montes, Lourdes Echevarría. Biología, PUCPR,
P.O. Box 144045 Arecibo, P.R. 00614-4045.
Abstract:
The Caribbean has
various beaches of white sands that are frequently visited by many tourists above
all during the summer. Studded the dry area of the sand of Copacabana beach in Barbados
Bridgetown, Flamenco beach in Culebra and Maho beach in St. Maarten, in the month
of June 2016. The purpose of the study was to know the diversity of filamentary
fungus in the sand of the three beaches and determine if the filamentary fungus
found are pathogenic. Taxonomic analysis determined the presence of 3 genus; Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus. The
genus of fungus with more identified species in the three beaches was the Aspergillus.
The growth of colonies of filamentous fungus in the samples, fluctuated from 6 cfu/g
to 17 cfu/g. The species of fungus were R.
oligosporus, R. stolonifer, A. tamarii,
P. wasksmanii, A. niger, A. versicolor, A. flavus,
A. oryzae and A. fumigatus.
Most identified filamentary fungus are pathogenic to man and animals. Even some
of the species have been isolated from patients in nasal crops, and can cause diseases
like asthma. Also cause infections in the eyes, skin and nails. Most of these fungi
use as a transmission vehicle direct contact and by air.
Diversity of Microorganisms in the Rhizosphere of the Almeyda Dairy
Farm in Arecibo. Daniel O. Soto Burgos, Tarsis N. Aponte
Burgos, and Luz V. Arroyo Cruz. School of Natural Sciences and Technology,
Universidad del Turabo, Barceloneta, PR 00617.
Abstract:
The soil is the
outer layer of the earth's surface where it supports plant growth. The rhizosphere
is the soil region where biological activity occurs, which is important because
bacteria and fungi form communities to degrade organic compounds. Our research deals
with livestock farming. The edaphic sample of Almeyda Dairy Farm, with a pH of 7.52
and humidity of 22.3 %, was frozen for 2 months before being activated for this
investigation. Our objective is to quantify and characterize microorganisms (bacteria
and fungi) present in an edaphic livestock sample. The methodology had two approaches
based on soil sampling (0 – 10 cm). In the microbiological analysis, samples were
diluted, and colonies counted, bacteria and fungi isolated, stains (Gram, Hiss,
Wirtz-Conklin, and Lactophenol Cotton Blue), CHROMagar orientation, and biochemical
tests were made. The incubation temperature was 27 °C. In the molecular analysis,
direct genomic DNA extraction from the soil visualized by 1% agarose electrophoresis
was carried out. From the cattle edaphic sample refrigerated for 2 months, we quantified
94 x 107 cfu/mL, and only 2 bacilli (Gram positive and Gram negative), and 2 fungi.
In both cases, they are ready to identify. In addition, genomic DNA was extracted
there from same sample for subsequent PCR analysis. Results obtained in this study
will serve to be compared with a similar sample of forest soil and observe microbiological
differences between both soils.
Development of Method for Staining Lipids in Microalgae. Harim Delgado-Seo,
Shakira Martínez-Díaz, Paulette Gonzalez-Lamenza, and Catalina
Davila-Aguer. School of Natural Sciences and Technology,
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR 00778.
Abstract:
Investigators from
various fields of study have derived from searching for an alternative biofuel in
crops such as soybeans and corn that could replace the current use of fossil fuels,
because of slow production rate. Instead, a new wave of scientists has identified
the potential and benefits that microalgae have over crops. On the other hand, the
cultivation of microalgae also has its own complications that needs to be managed
before mass production. One of the difficulties that investigations have encountered
is the lack of a rapid tactic that could determine the neutral lipid content in
microalgae. A dye called Nile red could prove to be a solution for this problem
if the cell wall and cell membrane are broken to allow the entrance of the dye into
the cytoplasm. In order to do so, the cell wall needs to be exposed to molecular
collisions between microalgae with the use of vortexes and household microwaves
so it can rupture. Furthermore, the addition of DMSO dissolves the polar lipids
concentrated in the cell membrane. After the cell wall is broken and the cell membrane
is dissolved, the Nile red solution is added and allowed to sit in the dark for
a predetermined period of time and temperature. As a result, the intercellular lipid
bodies are stained with the Nile red solution and luster a fluorescent yellow. When
observed under a fluorimeter, the fluorescence intensity and wavelengths can be
measured and quantified with a graph. The use of the traditional Nile red method
had to be modified for it to work with thicker cell walled strains by the inclusion
of the polar lipid solvent, DMSO, and microwaves to the protocol, so the Nile red
dye solution could enter and stain the lipid bodies inside the cytoplasm.
Properties of Annona muricata plant as potential antibiotic. Herreld Y. Rosado Loubriel, and Luz V. Arroyo. School of Natural Science and Technology, Universidad del Turabo,
Barceloneta, PR 00617. Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance are microbes that
gaining resistance to modern medicine. The Annona
muricata plant, or as it called soursop
(“guanabana”, in Spanish), is a fruit that originates from Peru, but it is also
found in the Caribbean islands, South, and Central America. Mainly known as a natural
cancer killer stronger than chemotherapy, our goal was to use A. muricata
leaves to test it as potential antibiotic. Methodology consist of three steps: 1)
Extracts preparation: Three different extract concentrations were used: extract
#1 (10 leaves); #2 (25 leaves); and #3 (50 leaves). Annona muricata leaves were
collected, cleaned, and dried in an oven. Then were macerated in distilled water
(240 mL), heating for 10 minutes without boiling. They were left in slow agitation
for 24 hours, and then filtered to sterilize. These were stored in a refrigerator
until the day of exposure. 2) Bacterial cultures preparation: preparations started
by sterilizing the absorbent disks with UV light. Bacteria used were: Escherichia coli (Gram-negative rod), Bacillus
cereus (Gram-positive rod), Microccocus luteus (Gram-positive coccus), and Citrobacter freundii (Gram-negative
rod). TSA culture medium was calculated and prepared for large Petri dishes in triplicate
(16). Broad spectrum antibiotics were used as positive controls (Amoxillin and Cefradroxil).
3) Kirby Bauer antibiosis assay: Petri dishes were inoculated with bacteria; absorbent
disks were impregnated with each extract separately, and placed on each plate, as
well as antibiotics, and negative controls (paper without extracts, and paper with
distilled water). These were exposed for 24 hours at 37 °C temperature. Then inhibition
halos were read (mm) and documented. Results indicate that A. muricata leaves extracts
had effect against E. coli, and the more effective extract was
25 leaves ones [#2 (16 mm) > #3 (15 mm) > #1 (8 mm)]. Antibiotics (Cefradroxil
and Amoxillin) were more potent than A.
muricata leaves extracts in all cases.
Future work is to assess antimicrobial properties of A. muricata fruit.
Bacterial Prospects for Diisobutyl Phthalate Degradation from
the San Juan Bay Estuary System. Janmary Colón-Alicea. Claribel Báez-Félix,
and José R. Pérez-Jiménez. Puerto Rico Institute for Microbial Ecology
Research, School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo,
PR 00778. Abstract: Phthalates are esters attached to benzene
rings that, due to their structure and composition, make them less soluble and more
volatile in their pure state. They are used as plasticizers in many of the products
we use daily. Due to its great use and its persistence in the environment, they
represent a danger for humanity and nature. In few field studies in Puerto Rico
have found bacteria capable of degrading some phthalate isomers, but these studies
have been done in places with high exposure of the pollutant. One of the main interests
is to find bacteria capable of degrading the pollutant in water bodies of Puerto
Rico, like San Juan Bay Estuary System (SJBES), that are used by many citizens.
Water samples were collected at different points in the SJBES and others water bodies
of Puerto Rico. Five (5) bacteria were isolated in general media by serial dilution.
Phthalate-degrading prospects were identified by aerobic cultivation on mineral
salt media supplemented with diisobutyl phthalate as sole carbon source. Two are
prospects (n=5) with phthalate esters-degrading capabilities. Four of them are coccus,
one bacillus but all respires using oxygen (positive to catalase) and gram-positive
strains. Measuring the absorbance with the spectrophotometer, two of the strains
(n=5) were capable to start the degradation of the diisobutyl phthalate in less
than 48 hours. Future studies will include the characterization of phthalate esters-degrading
bacteria by 16S rDNA barcoding and known what intermediates can be formed in the
metabolic pathway. Bacteria that are prospects
of the degradation of phthalates were found in a body of water from Puerto Rico
not previously reported. What can be concluded with this research, bacterial prospects
of phthalate degradation can be find in nature regardless of the levels of contamination
that exist in the place of study.
Static and Dynamic Measurement of Dopamine Adsorption in Carbon
Fiber Microelectrodes Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. John C. González Amoretti, Nilka M. Rivera, and Lisandro Cunci. School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad del Turabo,
Gurabo, PR 00778. Abstract: This study used static and dynamic electrochemical
impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to study the adsorption of dopamine (DA) in carbon
fiber microelectrodes (CFME). DA is a neurotransmitter in the brain, which is responsible
for satisfaction, reward system, motor cortex and more. Analysis of DA is important
since the decrease or overproduction can contribute to neurological disorders and
diseases. Environmental neurotoxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and endocrine
disruptors are harmful to the DA system, consequently enhancing or impairing DA
neurotransmission and disrupting DA-associated behaviors. The CFMEs that were used
were completely fabricated in Dr. Cuncis’ lab. To show a proof-of-concept, EIS were
performed at potentials ranging from −0.4 to 0.8 V versus Ag| AgCl to demonstrate
the versatility of EIS where you don’t need to oxidize DA to study it. By using
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and single frequency electrochemical impedance,
different concentrations of DA, ranging from 1 nM to 500 nM, were measured. The
capacitance of the CFMEs surface seemed to decrease as DA would adsorb to the surface,
which correlates to the concentration. The CFMEs surface was oxidized and oxygen
was dissolved to study the effect it would have on measurements. Non-oxidized and
oxidized CFMEs were prepared and characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron
microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Optimum
working parameters of the CFMEs, such as frequency and voltage, were obtained for
better measurement. Electrochemical impedance of DA was determined at different
concentration, voltages, and frequencies. Finally, dynamic experiments were conducted
using a flow cell and single frequency impedance to study continuous and real-time
measurements of DA. EIS was successfully used to measure DA concentrations in standard
solutions as well as in dynamic measurements using a flow cell. The measurement of
DA was better at mid to higher frequencies from the information gathered in standard
solutions. This will make EIS an easy addition to the tools used currently in the
biochemical field.
Distribution of sulfidogenic communities across layers of a
hypersaline microbial mat. Luis Eduardo Serrano Torres, and José R. Pérez-Jiménez. Puerto Rico Institute for Microbial Ecology Research, School
of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR 00778. Abstract: Hypersaline microbial mats can be found in the Cabo Rojo salterns
in Puerto Rico. These are layered structures composed of many microorganisms. These
organisms vary from layer to layer and together they form their own self-sustained
ecosystem. Most mats are composed of a top photosynthetic layer, a middle layer
of anoxygenic phototrophy and an anoxic bottom layer. Sulfate-reducing bacteria
(SRB) are key components in both the carbon and sulfur biogeochemical cycles within
the mats and the can usually be found within all layers of the mats, being more
prevalent in bottom layers. Our aim is to characterize the richness and distribution
of sulfidogenic communities within a never before studied mat. Pieces of the microbial
mat were collected and part of the samples were aseptically processed immediately
and the rest was stored. DNA was extracted
from each sample for the amplification of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB)
genes. Communities of the SRB were described by terminal restriction fragment length
polymorphism of dsrAB genes (dsr-TRFLP) digested with MobI. SRB were found present in every layer of the microbial mat. A
total of 36 TRF were found within all layers of the microbial mat. A TRF with 58
bp was found to be in 80% of samples. TRFLP analysis revealed heterogeneity of SRB
within the different layers of the mat and homogeneity within samples of the same
layer. Our results have provided some insight about the diversity of sulfidogenic
communities in microbial mats.
Diversity of Microorganisms in the Rhizosphere of the Río Abajo
State Forest in Arecibo. Lydia Núñez Rosario, Kenneth Rivera, Herreld Rosado, and Luz V. Arroyo. School of Natural Science and Technology, Universidad del Turabo,
Barceloneta, PR 00617. Abstract: The soil is the outer layer of the earth's
surface where plant growth occurs. The rhizosphere is the soil region where biological
activity occurs, as bacteria and fungi form communities to degrade organic compounds.
The woodland is one of the main decomposition sites, a process of paramount importance
for the continuity of the forest as a whole. The edaphic sample from Río Abajo State
Forest, with a pH of 7.84 and humidity of 101.3 %, was frozen for 2 months before
being activated for this investigation. Our objective is to quantify and characterize
microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) present in a forest edaphic sample. The methodology
had two approaches based on soil sampling (0 – 10 cm). In the microbiological analysis,
samples were diluted, and colonies counted, bacteria and fungi isolated, stains
(Gram, Hiss, Wirtz-Conklin and Lactophenol Cotton Blue), CHROMagar orientation,
and biochemical tests were made. Incubation temperature of 27 °C. In the molecular
analysis, direct genomic DNA extraction from the soil visualized on 1% agarose electrophoresis
was carried out. From the edaphic sample refrigerated for 2 months, 57 x 109 cfu
/ mL were quantified, and 2 bacilli (Gram positive and Gram negative) and 4
fungi were isolated. In both cases they are ready to be identified. Genomic DNA
extraction must be repeated for subsequent PCR analysis. The results obtained in
this study will serve to be compared with a similar sample of livestock and to observe
microbiological differences between both soils.
Sigma-1R Antagonist (BD1047) prior to Cocaine Reduces Cathepsin
B Secretion in HIV-1 Infected Macrophages in
vivo and in vitro. Omar Vélez López1, Anabelle Segarra
Marrero1, Manuel Álvarez Ríos2, Santhi Gorantla4,
and Loyda M. Meléndez1. 1University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
2University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras, 3University of Nebraska
Medical Center. Abstract: Pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive
disorders (HAND) is mediated through the infiltration of perivascular macrophages
into the brain that secrete viral proteins, neurotoxic and inflammatory factors.
One of these factors is cathepsin B (CATB), a lysosomal cysteine protease that induces
neuronal apoptosis, increases in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid from HIV-1 infected
patients. Cocaine use further potentiates CATB neurotoxicity in vitro
and in vivo. Modulation of sigma-1 (Sig1R) by cocaine increases oxidative species,
calcium flux and other factors that promote lysosomal disruption. However, the role
of Sig1R in CATB secretion and HIV-1 replication in presence of cocaine in macrophages
is unknown. We hypothesized that pharmacological modulation of Sig1R would alter
CATB secretion from HIV-1 infected macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Monocyte derived-macrophages
(MDM) from HIV-1 seronegative donors were isolated, infected with HIV-1ADA, and
pretreated with Sig1R antagonist (BD1047) or agonist (PRE-084) prior to cocaine
for 3, 6, 9 and 11 days post-infection (dpi). Infected macrophages with BD1047 10
µM prior to cocaine decreased infection levels and CATB secretion when compared
to cells treated with cocaine (p24=130 ng/mL vs. 15 ng/mL; 3000 ng/mL vs. 10 ng/mL).
No significant differences in p24 or CATB levels were found in PRE-084 and cocaine
treatments. BD1047/cocaine MDM supernatants reduced neurotoxicity when compared
to supernatants from infected MDM exposed to cocaine (p≤0.01). The effect of Sig1R
antagonist was verified in vivo using the HIV encephalitis (HIVE) mouse model. Cocaine
increases CATB secretion through Sig1R modulation in HIV-infected macrophage and
that Sig1R antagonist BD1047 might be a potential therapy for reducing CATB induced
neurotoxicity in HIV-1 infected patients that use cocaine.
Spatial distribution of leaf litter fungal communities in a
simulated hurricane experiment. Ramón Maiz Del Toro, Christian D. del Valle-Colón, José R. Pérez-Jiménez,
and Sharon A. Cantrell-Rodríguez. School of Natural Sciences and Technology,
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR, 00778.
Abstract:
Fungal communities
play important roles in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. The Canopy Trimming
Experiment (CTE) began in 2003 at the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico,
with the intention of collecting samples that would provide relevant data. The CTE
focused on the immediate effects of hurricanes on forest floor processes and their
recovery, in a tropical wet forest ecosystem. Changes to the forest’s fungi community
structure of litter layers may influence ecosystem recovery. Canopy trimming was
performed again in October-November 2014 with the purpose of understanding long-term
effects of increased hurricane frequency on forest productivity and carbon sequestration.
Our objective was to evaluate if, and how, a hurricane affected fungal communities
in the litter. Leaf litter samples were collected in three blocks, at various times
up to two years. Based in the results of the first trimming, two treatments were
considered for the second: unmanipulated control and trim plus debris. DNA was extracted using MoBio Power Soil DNA Isolation
kit. The TRFLP technique was used to obtain profiles of the fungal communities in
each sample using the fungal ITS region. Changes in fungal community structure between
samples were analyzed using NMDS and Two-Way PERMANOVA. The fungal diversity in
the leaf litter increased with the addition of canopy deposits. Fungal diversity
decreases as the decomposition of litter progresses. The results indicate significant
differences in fungal communities between treatments and though time. Fungal communities
were heterogeneous among the treatments and through time indicative of a high turnover
of species during the decomposition process. The results support previous observations
obtain with the first trimming. In the future, we will analyze the effect of a recent
hurricane on the structure of leaf litter fungal communities and the characterization
of specific taxa. Climate change will cause an increase in intense hurricanes and
understanding their effect in leaf and soil microbial communities will help us understand
how resilient or vulnerable tropical forest are to natural disturbances.
Mixotrophic metabolism in Botryococcus sudeticus. Catalina Dávila-Aguer,
Olga L. Gracia-González, Nicole E. Silva-Ramos, Luis A. Álvarez-Rodríguez. School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad del Turabo,
Gurabo PR 00778. Abstract: Microalgae have many beneficial uses, such
as biofuels, bioplastics, nutraceuticals, animal feed and wastewater treatment. They are efficient CO2 fixers and thus,
growing microalgae at large scales can help reducing global warming. However, some species are mixotrophic, i.e., they
are capable of using carbon sources other than CO2. By growing microalgae with organic
carbon sources higher biomass values can be reached in shorter times. In this work, we aimed to study mixotrophic metabolism
in the green microalgae (Botryococcus
sudeticus). Biolog microplates with 31 different organic carbon
sources were inoculated with an algae suspension previously filtered and treated
with an antibiotic solution. Control wells
were inoculated with sterile water. Plates
were incubated under constant agitation for 6 days and readings were taken at 595
nm every 3 hours. Previous studies have shown
mixotrophic metabolism in some microalgal species and preliminary results in this
experiment indicates that B. sudeticus is able of using some of the organic
carbon sources present in the Biolog Ecoplate. Results showed that this species
can use other carbon sources.
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