Biotechnology, Agricultural and Biological Sciences
58
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Agronomic potential of ethanolic extracts from the microalgae Limnospira platensis and Porphyridium cruentum on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) crops Camila Nader, Herculano Cella, Alessandro Antônio dos Santos, Marciel João Stadnik, Mateus Brusco de Freitas, et al. Journal of Applied Phycology, 2026 In recent years algae extracts have gained recognition in global agriculture for their capacity to enhance the growth and yield of leguminous plants like the common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ), which is vital in many countries and plays a key role in ensuring global food security. This study evaluated the biostimulant and biopesticide potential of ethanolic extracts from Limnospira platensis and Porphyridium cruentum on common bean, using seed priming and soil application methods. Extracts were tested at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg mL –1 . Seed treatment with L. platensis at 0.1 mg mL –1 increased shoot length by 59% and total seedling length by 32%. At 1.0 mg mL –1 , shoot dry weight rose by 21%, and total dry weight by 20%. In soil application, L. platensis extract at 1.0 mg mL –1 increased root fresh weight by 28.8% and shoot dry weight by 25.9%. Porphyridium cruentum extract promoted seedling elongation (up to 42%) and fresh biomass accumulation (17.6%) at 1.0 mg mL –1 . Photosynthetic pigment levels were enhanced in L. platensis treatment, with chlorophyll a and carotenoids increasing by 17% and 31%, respectively. The chemical characterization revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds, such as peptides, sphingolipids, fatty acids, and phospholipids, commonly associated with plant growth promotion and physiological responses. The extracts enhanced growth, biomass accumulation, and pigment levels, suggesting their potential as eco-friendly agricultural inputs. Further research is needed to explore their application in other crops.
Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Microalgae Extracts for Enhancing Growth and Anthracnose Resistance in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Alessandro A. dos Santos, Camila Nader, Mateus B. de Freitas, César F. Ribeiro, Geovanna de Oliveira Costa, et al. Biotech, 2025 The present study aimed to chemically profile the hydroalcoholic extracts from the microalgae (MEs) Nannochloropsis oculata, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Tetradesmus obliquus, and Tetraselmis tetrathele and evaluate their effects on the development of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and anthracnose symptoms, as well as on the initial growth of bean plants. For this, MEs were analyzed using UPLC coupled with a mass spectrometer, allowing the identification of peaks and annotation of potential metabolites. Fungal mycelial growth was assessed seven days after inoculation, and conidial germination was measured 72 h after incubation, using ME concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg·mL−1. Bean seeds of the IPR Uirapuru cultivar were sown and treated with 3 mL of extracts at four time points: at sowing and 72 h after each previous treatment. After 11 days of cultivation in a growth chamber, the plants were divided into two groups: one for anthracnose control assessment and the other for evaluating growth promotion by MEs. Plant length as well as fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were determined, leaf pigments were quantified, and anthracnose severity was assessed using a diagrammatic scale. The UPLC analysis identified 32 compounds in the extracts of the four microalgae, belonging to different chemical and functional groups, with lipids being the most significant fraction. The extracts exhibited variability and diversity in chemical composition depending on the microalgal species. MEs did not affect mycelial growth yet increased the germination of C. lindemuthianum conidia, regardless of the dose or species used. Anthracnose severity was not affected by the microalgae extracts. Regarding growth promotion, the extracts showed varying effects but generally increased shoot and root length, fresh biomass, and leaf pigment content.
Pivotal Roles of Fish Nutrition and Feeding: Recent Advances and Future Outlook for Brazilian Fish Farming Aline Brum, Caio Magnotti, Mônica Yumi Tsuzuki, Elen Monique de Oliveira Sousa, José Luiz Pedreira Mouriño, et al. Fishes, 2025 The aquafeed industry evolved alongside fish farming, utilizing scientific and technological advancements to incorporate a variety of feed additives, supplements, and alternative ingredients in the nutrition and feeding of fish in aquaculture. These advances played a significant role in improving the production, health, and welfare of farmed fish. Recent research in Brazil highlighted the importance of using fish feed additives, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, to ensure that farmed fish receive all the necessary nutrients for growth and health. Functional additives can enhance the immune system, boosting disease resistance and promoting the overall health of fish. Antimicrobial and antiparasitic additives help prevent and treat infections and infestations, reducing the occurrence of disease outbreaks. Additionally, some additives improve feed digestibility, leading to better nutrient absorption and reduced feed requirements. Overall, nutritional strategies are essential for optimizing fish farming practices in Brazil and globally, promoting fish health and sustainability in the industry. This review emphasizes the significance of certain additives, supplements, and ingredients strategically incorporated into experimental feeds for research in Brazilian fish farming. It also underscores the necessity for ongoing research. There is a noticeable trend towards developing more sustainable and efficient feeds, which is essential for the future of sustainable aquaculture. The goal is to minimize environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability in aquaculture operations.
Evaluation of a Pilot-Scale Vertical Flat-Panel Photobioreactor for Indoor Mass Cultivation of Microalgae Marco Dellian Zanetta, Rafael da Fonseca Arantes, Rafael Garcia Lopes, Rafael Sales, Marco Shizuo Owatari, et al. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 2025 The study assessed flat-panel photobioreactors (FP-PBRs) for superintensive microalgae cultivation. FP-PBRs were constructed with a metallic skeletal structure and galvanized metal grids for support. FP-PBRs were made with plastic bags with dimensions of 2.30 m × 0.75 m × 0.1 m and a useful volume of 150 L. The operation included a filtered aeration system, CO2 injection, and automated pH and temperature control. To start the FP-PBR operation, an aeration rate of 0.067 vvm and an overall mass transfer coefficient KLa(O2) of 54.29 h-1 were used. An irradiance of 400 µmol photons m-2 s-1 suitable for Nannochloropsis oculata cultivation was applied. Two surface-to-volume ratios (S/V) were used: 10.5 m-1 with one-sided illumination and 21 m-1 with illumination on both sides. At the end of 264 h (11 days), the FP-PBR system made with alternative materials proved to be efficient. The highest biomass of N. oculata biomass was achieved with a S/V ratio of 21.0 m-1 (1.91 ± 0.15 g L-1 day-1), compared to 1.13 ± 0.08 g L-1 day-1 in the S/V 10.5 m-1 treatment. By using a FP-PBR that cost around US$ 544.00, it was feasible to attain high productivity in cultures where the algal cells received increased light exposure, while still ensuring control and safety.
Foliar application of microalgae extracts impacted the seed yield of white lupine (Lupinus albus) Vinícius Cordeiro de Moraes, Pedro Maia Zeny, Lilyan Barbosa Ruivo, Marco Shizuo Owatari, Rafael Garcia Lopes, et al. Environmental Technology United Kingdom, 2025 Algae are known for their rich nutrients, which can enhance productivity of agricultural crops, making them valuable biostimulants. However, the use of microalgae for this purpose is still in its early stages, and there have been no studies conducted on lupine crops in Brazil so far. This study aimed to investigate the impact of microalgae extracts on the growth and productivity of white lupine. The experiment included four different microalgae extracts (Limnospira platensis, Nannochloropsis oculata, Tetradesmus obliquus, and Chaetoceros muelleri), applied either once or twice, along with a control group. The results showed that there was no interaction between the number of applications and the type of microalgae extract applied via foliar application in white lupine crops. The microalgae extracts did not have a significant impact on the 100-grain weight and yield of white lupine crops. The average height of white lupine plants at harvest was 117.04 cm, regardless of the treatment. However, there was a significant increase (13.12%) in the number of seeds per pod of white lupine with a single application of microalgae extract, regardless of the specific extract used. The height of the white lupine plants was not affected by the treatments during both the vegetative and reproductive phases. Further research is needed to optimise the bioactive extraction process, identify metabolites with biostimulant potential in the extracts, and determine the most effective application method (soil, seed, or foliar), as well as the optimal timing and frequency of foliar applications based on the crop's phenological stages.HighlightsFirst report of microalgae extracts used in Lupinus albus cultures in Brazil.Extracts of microalgae have no effect on the grain mass and productivity of white lupine.A single application of any microalgae extract enhanced the seed yield per white lupine pod.
