Features of the Microalga Raphidocelis Subcapitata: Physiology and Applications

Overview

Journal Appl Microbiol Biotechnol

Specialties Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology
Microbiology

Date 2024 Feb 19

PMID 38372796

Authors

Manuela D Machado

Eduardo V Soares

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata was isolated from the Nitelva River (Norway) and subsequently deposited in the collection of the Norwegian Institute of Water Research as "Selenastrum capricornutum Printz". This freshwater microalga, also known as Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, acquired much of its notoriety due to its high sensitivity to different chemical species, which makes it recommended by different international organizations for the assessment of ecotoxicity. However, outside this scope, R. subcapitata continues to be little explored. This review aims to shed light on a microalga that, despite its popularity, continues to be an "illustrious" unknown in many ways. Therefore, R. subcapitata taxonomy, phylogeny, shape, size/biovolume, cell ultra-structure, and reproduction are reviewed. The nutritional and cultural conditions, chronological aging, and maintenance and preservation of the alga are summarized and critically discussed. Applications of R. subcapitata, such as its use in aquatic toxicology (ecotoxicity assessment and elucidation of adverse toxic outcome pathways) are presented. Furthermore, the latest advances in the use of this alga in biotechnology, namely in the bioremediation of effluents and the production of value-added biomolecules and biofuels, are highlighted. To end, a perspective regarding the future exploitation of R. subcapitata potentialities, in a modern concept of biorefinery, is outlined. KEY POINTS: • An overview of alga phylogeny and physiology is critically reviewed. • Advances in alga nutrition, cultural conditions, and chronological aging are presented. • Its use in aquatic toxicology and biotechnology is highlighted.

Citing Articles

The effects of nickel tungstate nanoparticles (NiWO NPs) on freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (Chlorophyceae).

de Abreu C, Gebara R, Rocha G, Mansano A, Assis M, Pereira T Int Microbiol. 2025; .

PMID: 39779638 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00628-1.

Integration of Copper Toxicity Mechanisms in : Advancing Insights at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations.

Machado M, Soares E Toxics. 2025; 12(12.

PMID: 39771120 PMC: 11728569. DOI: 10.3390/toxics12120905.

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