Title : Biotechnological potential of aeroterrestrial algae from the Algal Collection of Sofia University (ACUS)
Abstract:
The living algal collection (ACUS) of Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria) has been the most important centre and custodian of aeroterrestrial algal biodiversity in Bulgaria since its establishment in 2006. Its mission is fulfilled through systematic research, pioneering innovations, implementation of new technologies and the exchange of knowledge. The aeroterrestrial prokaryotic and eukaryotic microalgae preserved in the collection were collected from various substrates, such as different soils (including the soil around plant roots), megaliths, stones, rocks, artificial substrates, etc. The relatively rich biodiversity of algae discovered in such extremophilic habitats, exposed to extremely high and low levels of temperature, humidity and UV radiation, demonstrates the high survival potential of aeroterrestrial algae and their remarkable cell protection capabilities. These microorganisms contain a wide range of valuable bioactive compounds that could be utilised by humans. For this reason, there is currently a growing interest in the utilisation of aeroterrestrial microalgae in modern biotechnology, food industry, medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, etc. The biotechnological potential of the Bulgarian aeroterrestrial algal strains is aimed at their use as a source of: 1) a high content of commercially valuable carotenoids such as the health-promoting xanthophyll astaxanthin, various amounts of lutein, luteoxanthin, beta-carotene, violaxanthin, vaucheriaxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin; 2) tocopherols (vitamin E) and mycosporine-like amino acids with strong antioxidant activity, which are particularly interesting for the cosmetics industry; 3) novel oleaginous algae for biodiesel production due to their high growth and biomass rate; 4) important secondary metabolites such as polyketides with good biological and pharmacological activities for the production of clinical drugs; 5) algae-based wastewater treatment as a promising microalgal biotechnology for the production of biofertilizers, the extraction of valuable elements and sustainable phosphorus management in wastewater treatment plants.
Acknowledgements: This study is financed by the European Union-NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, project No BG-RRP-2.004-0008.
