Haematococcus is a genus of algae, specifically a green, unicellular freshwater microalga known for its production of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant carotenoid. It is commonly found in various watery habitats and is recognized as a rich source of bioactive substances like carotenoids, proteins, and fatty acids. Haematococcus pluvialis, a notable species within this genus, is extensively used in cosmetic products due to its high astaxanthin production under stress conditions. Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis has diverse applications in industries such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food, and aquaculture due to its beneficial properties [1].
Health benefits
The algae produce astaxanthin to protect itself from harsh environmental conditions, such as high light intensity, UV radiation, and nutrient depletion [2]. The astaxanthin content in Haematococcus pluvialis can be increased by optimizing the culture conditions, such as temperature, light intensity, and nutrient availability [2]. The antioxidant properties of astaxanthin have been extensively studied, and it has been shown to have potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects [1]. Astaxanthin has also been shown to have potential benefits in preventing obesity and related metabolic disorders, such as reducing lipid deposition and improving mitochondrial function in adipocytes [3].
Carbon Capture
Haematococcus has the ability to capture CO2 and convert it into biomass through photosynthesis, making it a promising candidate for CO2 sequestration. The process of CO2 capture by Haematococcus involves the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere, which is then converted into biomass through photosynthesis, resulting in the production of oxygen and biomass. Research suggests a link between CO2 concentration and astaxanthin production in Haematococcus. Studies have shown that increased CO2 levels can stimulate astaxanthin synthesis, with some studies reporting up to a 4-fold increase in astaxanthin production under elevated CO2 conditions [4]. This presents a potential advantage for carbon capture. Haematococcus could be cultivated in systems that utilize CO2 emissions from power plants or industrial facilities. As the algae consumes CO2 to produce astaxanthin, it effectively captures and stores carbon within its biomass.
Studies have demonstrated that Haematococcus can effectively remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from various types of wastewater, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial effluents [5]. The microalgae can utilize the nutrients in the wastewater as a source of food, converting them into biomass that can then be harvested and used for further applications. In addition to nutrient removal, Haematococcus has also been found to be effective in removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from wastewater [6, 7]. This makes it a versatile and promising solution for comprehensive wastewater treatment.
One of the key advantages of using Haematococcus for wastewater treatment is the potential to generate valuable co-products, such as the astaxanthin pigment, which can be extracted from the biomass. This can help offset the costs of the wastewater treatment process and make it more economically viable.
References
[1] Mularczyk, M., Michalak, I. and Marycz, K., 2020. Astaxanthin and other nutrients from Haematococcus pluvialis—Multifunctional applications. Marine drugs, 18(9), p.459.
[2] Oslan, S.N.H., Tan, J.S., Oslan, S.N., Matanjun, P., Mokhtar, R.A.M., Shapawi, R. and Huda, N., 2021. Haematococcus pluvialis as a potential source of astaxanthin with diverse applications in industrial sectors: current research and future directions. Molecules, 26(21), p.6470.
[3] Pappalardo, I., Santarsiero, A., Radice, R.P., Martelli, G., Grassi, G., de Oliveira, M.R., Infantino, V. and Todisco, S., 2023. Effects of Extracts of Two Selected Strains of Haematococcus pluvialis on Adipocyte Function. Life, 13(8), p.1737.
[4] Lee, J.Y., Hong, M.E., Chang, W.S. and Sim, S.J., 2015. Enhanced carbon dioxide fixation of Haematococcus pluvialis using sequential operating system in tubular photobioreactors. Process Biochemistry, 50(7), pp.1091-1096.
[5] Shah, M.M.R., 2019. Astaxanthin production by microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis through wastewater treatment: waste to resource. Application of Microalgae in Wastewater Treatment: Volume 2: Biorefinery Approaches of Wastewater Treatment, pp.17-39.
[6] Zheng, Y., Li, Z., Tao, M., Li, J. and Hu, Z., 2017. Effects of selenite on green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis: Bioaccumulation of selenium and enhancement of astaxanthin production. Aquatic Toxicology, 183, pp.21-27.[7] Kang, C.D., An, J.Y., Park, T.H. and Sim, S.J., 2006. Astaxanthin biosynthesis from simultaneous N and P uptake by the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis in primary-treated wastewater. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 31(3), pp.234-238.
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