1 research outputs found
Regenerative Astaxanthin Extraction from a Single Microalgal (<i>Haematococcus pluvialis</i>) Cell Using a Gold Nano-Scalpel
Milking
of microalgae, the process of reusing the biomass for continuous production
of target compounds, can strikingly overcome the time and cost constraints
associated with biorefinery. This process can significantly improve
production efficiency of highly valuable chemicals, for example, astaxanthin
(AXT) from Haematococcus pluvialis.
Detailed understanding of the biological process of cell survival
and AXT reaccumulation after extraction would be of great help for
successful milking. Here we report extraction of AXT from a single
cell of H. pluvialis through incision
of the cell wall by a gold nanoscalpel (Au-NS), which allows single-cell
analysis of wound healing and reaccumulation of AXT. Interestingly,
upon the Au-NS incision, the cell could reaccumulate AXT at a rate
two times faster than the control cells. Efficient extraction as well
as minimal cellular damage, keeping cells alive, could be achieved
with the optimized shape and dimensions of Au-NS: a well-defined sharp
tip, thickness under 300 nm, and 1–3 μm of width. The
demonstration of regenerative extraction of AXT at a single cell level
hints toward the potential of a milking process for continuous recovery
of target compounds from microalgae while keeping the cells alive