Implication of quorum sensing precursors in the co-cultivation biofuel production systems

Abstract

Tetraselmis striata is one of the established promising biofuel crops for the hypersaline and marine water systems. Growth and lipid productivity of the T. striata is influenced by the myriad phycospheric bacteria including the growth promoting bacteria Pelagibaca bermudensis. The present study analysed the potential co-cultivation biofuel model Tetraselmis striata and Pelagibaca bermudensis in a range of environmental variables and the probable role of quorum sensing precursors. The alkyl quinolones PQS and HHQ were established to be exuded during the colonization on the surface of T. striata by the P. bermudensis in co-cultivation system. The growth promoting effect of P. bermudensis on T. striata confirmedin the range of abiotic factors. In an independent investigation, it was concluded that it affects the lipid composition and total lipid content of the T. striata while excessive concentration reduced the growth of T. striata. The cocktailof quorum sensing precursors with other excessive algal exo-metabolic exudates reverses these effects. These study highlights the concentration specific distinct effect of HHQ and PQS on lipid content of microalgae in the higher and lower DOC (exo-metabolites) environment which have an implication for significant microalgae-bacteria relationships.