High-value chemicals from Botryococcus braunii and their current applications – A review. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Pengfei; Okada, Shigeru; Zhou, Chengxu; Chen, Paul; Huo, Shuhao; Li, Kun; Addy, Min; Yan, Xiaojun; Ruan, Roger R.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 291(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Botryococcus braunii -- Hydrocarbon -- Exopolysaccharides -- Carotenoids -- High-value; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121911
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Highlights: Development of high-value products is a new direction of application of B. braunii . Squalene has an advantage in oxidative stress and tumor xenotransplantation. B. braunii excretes EPS could be used in the chemical nanoparticles industry. Carotenoids in B. braunii have antioxidant activity and commercial value. Advanced culture systems may improve production for high-value chemicals. Abstract: Botryococcus braunii is known for its high yield of extracellular hydrocarbons and polysaccharides. Hydrocarbons, especially botryococcenes and squalene can be used as not only fuels but also alternative feedstock for other fossil-based products. Exopolysaccharides excreted from B. braunii can be used as scaffolds for polyesters production, and have a notable potential for synthesis of nanoparticles. B. braunii is also a rich source of carotenoids, especially the unique secondary carotenoids such as botryoxanthins that have never been found in other microalgae. The morphology, physiology, and outer cell walls of B. braunii are complex. Understanding the colony structure shall provide insights into the mechanism of cell growth and chemicals secretion. It is possible to improve the production economics of the alga with advanced culture systems. Moreover, investigation of metabolic pathways for B. braunii may help us understand their regulation and provide valuable information for strain selection and optimal production of high-value chemicals.