Algicidal microorganisms and secreted algicides: New tools to induce microalgal cell disruption

摘要

Cell disruption is one of the most critical steps affecting the economy and yields of biotechnological processes for producing wbiofuels from microalgae. Enzymatic cell disruption has shown competitive results compared to mechanical or chemical methods. However, the addition of enzymes implies an associated cost in the overall production process. Recent studies have employed algicidal microorganisms to perform enzymatic cell disruption and degradation of microalgae biomass in order to reduce this associated cost. Algicidal microorganisms induce microalgae growth inhibition, death and subsequent lysis. Secreted algicidal molecules and enzymes produced by bacteria, cyanobacteria, viruses and the microalga themselves that are capable of inducing algal death are classified, and the known modes of action are described along with insights into cell-to-cell interaction and communication.