Amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides in microalgae biomass harvested from phycoremediation of swine wastewaters

Michelon, William, et al. “Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, and Peptides in Microalgae Biomass Harvested from Phycoremediation of Swine Wastewaters.” Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Jan. 2021. Crossref, doi:10.1007/s13399-020-01263-2.

Abstract

Algae-based wastewater tertiary treatment systems have been drawing attention to eco-friendly companies due to high remediation effectiveness and production of valuable raw material. The amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides from microalgae harvested from a pilot-scale phycoremediation system treating swine wastewater were determined. The maximum microalgae concentration of 247 ± 3.4 mg L−1 was obtained after 11 days when phosphate and ammonium were completely removed. The AA content showed relatively high concentrations (as % of total protein) of essential amino acids such as leucine (4.1), lysine (2.5), phenylalanine (2.6), and threonine (2.4). The fatty acid profile was composed of 5.3% polyunsaturated (as C18:2 and C18:3) and ~ 10% of unsaturated (mainly C16:1 and C18:1). About 25 bioactive peptides related to antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties were found. Therefore, microalgae biomass produced during phycoremediation of swine wastewaters seems promising as a source of alternative feedstock with high-added value molecules.