• ALGAE
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.75-82
• /
• 2012

$Arthrospira$ $platensis$ and $Arthrospira$ $maxima$ are species of cyanobacteria used in health foods, animal feed, food additives, and fine chemicals. This study conducted a comparison of the 16S rRNA gene and $cpcBA$-intergenic spacer ($cpcBA$-IGS) sequences in $Arthrospira$ strains from culture collections around the world. A cluster analysis divided the 10 $Arthrospira$ strains into two main genotypic clusters, designated I and II, where Group I contained $A.$ $platensis$ SAG 86.79, UTEX 2340, $A.$ $maxima$ KCTC AG30054, and SAG 49.88, while Group II contained $A.$ $platensis$ PCC 9108, NIES 39, NIES 46, and SAG 257.80. However, although $A.$ $platensis$ PCC 9223 belonged to Group II-2 based on its $cpcBA$-IGS sequence, this strain also belonged to Group I based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and $cpcBA$-IGS sequences showed no division between $A.$ $platensis$ and $A.$ $maxima$, plus the 16S rRNA gene and $cpcBA$-IGS sequence clusters did not indicate any well-defined geographical distribution, instead overlapping in a rather interesting way. Therefore, the current study supports some previous conclusions based on 16S rRNA gene and $cpcBA$-IGS sequences, which found that $Arthrospira$ taxa are monophyletic. However, when compared with 16S rRNA sequences, $cpcBA$-IGS sequences may be better suited to resolve close relationships and intraspecies variability.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.21 no.7
• /
• pp.697-702
• /
• 2011

A strain of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira was isolated from Lake Chahannaoer in northern China and was characterized according to microscopic morphology, photosynthetic oxygen-evolving activity, growth rate, and nutritional profile. Compared with thermophilic Arthrospira species occurring naturally in tropical and subtropical lakes, this isolate is mesophilic and grows optimally at ${\sim}20^{\circ}C$. The total protein, fatty acid, phycocyanin, carotenoid, and chlorophyll a contents were 67.6, 6.1, 4.32, 0.29, and 0.76 grams per 100 grams of dry weight, respectively. The strain is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). An essential omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), was detected, and ${\gamma}$-linolenic acid (GLA) and DHA accounted for 28.3% of the total fatty acid content. These features of this newly isolated strain make it potentially useful in commercial mass culture in local areas or as a biofuel feedstock. It is also an alternative resource for studying the metabolic PUFA pathways and mechanisms of cold stress tolerance in cyanobacteria.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.359-365
• /
• 2011

Cyanobacterial strains of the genus Spirulina have recently been identified as an excellent source of sulfolipids, some of which possess anti-HIV properties. Thus, to investigate the distribution of sufolipid biosynthesis pathways in Spirulina, a genetic screening/phylogentic study was performed. Five different strains of Spirulina [Spirulina (Jiangmen), Spirulina sp., S. platensis, S. maxima, and Spirulina seawater] sourced from different locations were initially classified via 16S rDNA sequencing, and then screened for the presence of the sulfolipid biosynthesis genes sqdB and sqdX via a PCR. To assess the suitability of these strains for human consumption and safe therapeutic use, the strains were also screened for the presence of genes encoding nonribosomal peptide synthases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs), which are often associated with toxin pathways in cyanobacteria. The results of the 16S rDNA analysis and phylogenetic study indicated that Spirulina sp. is closely related to Halospirulina, whereas the other four Spirulina strains are closely related to Arthrospira. Homologs of sqdB and sqdX were identified in Spirulina (Jiangmen), Spirulina sp., S. platensis, and the Spirulina seawater. None of the Spirulina strains screened in this study tested positive for NRPS or PKS genes, suggesting that these strains do not produce NRP or PK toxins.