Isolation and Characterization of
Algae; Culture Media & Harvesting
Unit II
VBT315
Introduction
• Isolating different types of algae in the
laboratory involves adapting techniques based
on their characteristics and habitat
preferences.
Isolation Methods
• Water Sampling:
– Discuss the use of water sampling techniques, such as
integrated water sampling and plankton net tows, for
collecting algae from different water layers.
• Periphyton and Benthic Algae Collection:
– Explain methods like kick sampling, scraping, grab
sampling, and core sampling for isolating periphytic
and benthic algae associated with different substrates.
• Artificial Substrates:
– Highlight the deployment of artificial substrates to
encourage the growth of specific algae, facilitating
their isolation for study.
MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF ALGAE
Characterization of Algae
• Characterizing algae involves a multi-faceted
approach that includes the analysis of various
aspects such as morphology, physiology,
genetics, and biochemical composition
1. Morphological Characterization
a. Light Microscopy:
• Observe algae under a light microscope to study cell
morphology, size, shape, and arrangement of
chloroplasts.
• Identify key morphological features for species
determination.
b. Electron Microscopy:
• Use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed
imaging of cellular ultrastructure.
• Reveals information about cell organelles, cell wall
structure, and surface characteristics.
2. Physiological Characterization
a. Photosynthetic Parameters:
• Measure chlorophyll fluorescence to assess the
photosynthetic efficiency of algae.
• Determine photosynthetic rates under varying light and
temperature conditions.
b. Growth Rate Analysis:
• Monitor the growth of algal cultures over time to assess
their reproductive rates and response to different
environmental conditions.
c. Nutrient Utilization:
• Analyze nutrient uptake and utilization by measuring
nutrient concentrations in the growth medium over time
3. Molecular Characterization
a. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):
• Amplify specific DNA regions for the identification and
classification of algae.
• Use specific primers for targeting genes related to
algae taxonomy.
b. DNA Sequencing:
• Sequence the amplified DNA to obtain the genetic
code and compare it with databases for species
identification.
• Facilitates phylogenetic studies to understand
evolutionary relationships.
4. Biochemical Characterization
a. Pigment Analysis:
• Use spectrophotometry to quantify pigments such as
chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
• Provides insights into the adaptation strategies of algae to
different light conditions.
b. Metabolite Profiling:
• Employ metabolomics techniques to analyze the complete
set of metabolites produced by algae.
• Reveals information about the biochemical composition
and potential applications in various industries.
c. Lipid Analysis:
• Determine the lipid content of algae, particularly important
for biofuel production.
• Utilize techniques like gas chromatography (GC) or mass
spectrometry (MS) for lipid profiling.
5. Cytological Characterization
a. Flow Cytometry:
• Use flow cytometry to analyze the physical and
chemical characteristics of individual algal cells in
a population.
• Provides information on cell size, granularity, and
fluorescence.
b. Cell Counting:
• Count algal cells using a hemocytometer or
automated cell counter to assess population
density and growth.
6. Ecological Characterization
a. Habitat Analysis:
• Study the ecological preferences of algae by
analyzing the physical and chemical
characteristics of their natural habitats.
b. Biotic Interactions:
• Investigate the interactions between algae
and other organisms in their environment,
such as symbiotic relationships or allelopathy.
7. Physicochemical Analysis
a. Water Quality Analysis:
• Assess water quality parameters such as pH,
temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient
levels to understand the environmental
conditions supporting algal growth.
THANK YOU

Isolation and characterization, Culture Media & Harvesting of Algae

  • 1.
    Isolation and Characterizationof Algae; Culture Media & Harvesting Unit II VBT315
  • 2.
    Introduction • Isolating differenttypes of algae in the laboratory involves adapting techniques based on their characteristics and habitat preferences.
  • 3.
    Isolation Methods • WaterSampling: – Discuss the use of water sampling techniques, such as integrated water sampling and plankton net tows, for collecting algae from different water layers. • Periphyton and Benthic Algae Collection: – Explain methods like kick sampling, scraping, grab sampling, and core sampling for isolating periphytic and benthic algae associated with different substrates. • Artificial Substrates: – Highlight the deployment of artificial substrates to encourage the growth of specific algae, facilitating their isolation for study.
  • 24.
  • 51.
    Characterization of Algae •Characterizing algae involves a multi-faceted approach that includes the analysis of various aspects such as morphology, physiology, genetics, and biochemical composition
  • 52.
    1. Morphological Characterization a.Light Microscopy: • Observe algae under a light microscope to study cell morphology, size, shape, and arrangement of chloroplasts. • Identify key morphological features for species determination. b. Electron Microscopy: • Use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed imaging of cellular ultrastructure. • Reveals information about cell organelles, cell wall structure, and surface characteristics.
  • 53.
    2. Physiological Characterization a.Photosynthetic Parameters: • Measure chlorophyll fluorescence to assess the photosynthetic efficiency of algae. • Determine photosynthetic rates under varying light and temperature conditions. b. Growth Rate Analysis: • Monitor the growth of algal cultures over time to assess their reproductive rates and response to different environmental conditions. c. Nutrient Utilization: • Analyze nutrient uptake and utilization by measuring nutrient concentrations in the growth medium over time
  • 54.
    3. Molecular Characterization a.Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): • Amplify specific DNA regions for the identification and classification of algae. • Use specific primers for targeting genes related to algae taxonomy. b. DNA Sequencing: • Sequence the amplified DNA to obtain the genetic code and compare it with databases for species identification. • Facilitates phylogenetic studies to understand evolutionary relationships.
  • 55.
    4. Biochemical Characterization a.Pigment Analysis: • Use spectrophotometry to quantify pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. • Provides insights into the adaptation strategies of algae to different light conditions. b. Metabolite Profiling: • Employ metabolomics techniques to analyze the complete set of metabolites produced by algae. • Reveals information about the biochemical composition and potential applications in various industries. c. Lipid Analysis: • Determine the lipid content of algae, particularly important for biofuel production. • Utilize techniques like gas chromatography (GC) or mass spectrometry (MS) for lipid profiling.
  • 56.
    5. Cytological Characterization a.Flow Cytometry: • Use flow cytometry to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of individual algal cells in a population. • Provides information on cell size, granularity, and fluorescence. b. Cell Counting: • Count algal cells using a hemocytometer or automated cell counter to assess population density and growth.
  • 57.
    6. Ecological Characterization a.Habitat Analysis: • Study the ecological preferences of algae by analyzing the physical and chemical characteristics of their natural habitats. b. Biotic Interactions: • Investigate the interactions between algae and other organisms in their environment, such as symbiotic relationships or allelopathy.
  • 58.
    7. Physicochemical Analysis a.Water Quality Analysis: • Assess water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels to understand the environmental conditions supporting algal growth.
  • 59.