In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology*, researchers have uncovered a novel approach to enhance the production of high-value products from microalgae, offering promising implications for the energy sector. The study, led by Zhan Hu, explores the synergistic effects of nitrogen stress and phytohormones on the microalgae species *Dunaliella salina* within a CO2 chemical absorption and microalgae conversion (CAMC) system.
The CAMC system has long been recognized for its potential to capture CO2 with low energy consumption and convert it into valuable resources. However, the focus on enhancing the synthesis of high-value products has been limited. This research addresses that gap by demonstrating how the strategic application of nitrogen stress and exogenous phytohormones can significantly boost the accumulation of desirable compounds in *D. salina*.
“Phytohormones play a crucial role in alleviating oxidative damage under nitrogen-limited conditions, thereby promoting the growth of *D. salina*,” explains Zhan Hu. The study found that gibberellin (GA), a type of phytohormone, was particularly effective. Under nitrogen stress, GA supplementation increased the biomass of *D. salina* by 10.24% and directed more carbon towards the synthesis of polysaccharides. This resulted in a 1.65-fold increase in polysaccharide content compared to the control group.
Moreover, the combination of GA and nitrogen stress also enhanced the accumulation of β-carotene, a high-value compound with extensive applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The β-carotene yield and content were 18.52% and 14.46% higher, respectively, than in the control group.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. By optimizing the CAMC system, industries can not only capture CO2 more efficiently but also produce valuable by-products, making the process more economically viable. “This study provides a possible insight into improving the production of economical metabolites in the CAMC system,” says Zhan Hu, highlighting the potential for future developments in this field.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient solutions for CO2 capture and utilization, this research offers a promising avenue for exploration. By leveraging the natural processes of microalgae and the strategic use of phytohormones, the energy sector can move closer to achieving both environmental and economic goals. The findings published in *Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology* represent a significant step forward in this endeavor, paving the way for innovative advancements in the field of bioengineering and biotechnology.