Growth promotion of microalgae Dunaliella bardawil and disruption of microcrystalline cellulose structure by the interactions between cellulose hydrogen bonds and algae exudates: Microcrystalline cellulose in the algae culture medium

We reported a novel method to promote the growth of microalgae Dunaliella bardawil (D. bardawil) and disrupt the structure of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by adding different amount of MCC to the growth medium (200 mL). The effect of MCC additive on the growth of D. bardawil was examined, and structure changes of MCC treated in the medium were investigated. The proper addition of MCC promoted the growth of D. bardawil by removing some growth inhibitors derived from algae exudates in the medium. Cell density of the algae got a maximum increase of about 20% when MCC was added at 1.5 g/L. After treatment in the medium, MCC had the maximum reduction 12.5% in crystallinity (CrI), and polymerization degree (DP) was reduced to the minimum 170 from 209, leading to a lower thermal stability. All the above changes of treated MCC can be attributed to the combined effects of algae exudates and inorganic ions in the medium. We believe that this study has potential value in making the two biological resources more suitable for utilization.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Microcrystalline cellulose can remove growth inhibitors derived from algae exudates. ► Disruption of cellulose occurs in the algae culture medium. ► There are connections between growth of algae and disruption of cellulose.