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🌿 Tetraselmis Chuii

  • Dion Tomaras
  • May 9
  • 2 min read

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🌱 Taxonomy & Morphology

  • Scientific Name: Tetraselmis chuii

  • Authority: Butcher, 1959

  • Phylum: Chlorophyta

  • Class: Chlorodendrophyceae

  • Order: Chlorodendrales

  • Family: Chlorodendraceae


Morphologically, T. chuii cells are compressed, elliptical to obovate, with the narrower end at the base . Each cell possesses four flagella, facilitating motility.


🌊 Cultivation & Growth Conditions

T. chuii thrives under various cultivation modes:

  • Autotrophic: Utilizing light and CO₂, it's commonly grown in f/2 medium.

  • Heterotrophic: Capable of growth using glucose as the sole carbon source, achieving higher biomass under certain C/N ratios .

  • Mixotrophic: Combining light and organic carbon sources, leading to enhanced growth rates and nutrient profiles .


Optimal growth conditions include moderate light intensity, controlled photoperiods, and appropriate nutrient supplementation.


🧬 Nutritional & Bioactive Profile

T. chuii is a powerhouse of essential nutrients:

  • Proteins: Approximately 35-40% of dry weight .

  • Lipids: Rich in PUFAs, notably EPA and DHA .

  • Vitamins & Minerals: High levels of vitamins C, E, and K .

  • Antioxidants: Contains superoxide dismutase (SOD), combating oxidative stress .


These attributes make it valuable for human consumption and as a dietary supplement.

🐟 Applications in Aquaculture

Widely used in aquaculture, T. chuii serves as a nutritious feed for various marine organisms:

  • Larval Feed: Supports the growth of shrimp, mollusks, and fish larvae.

  • Rotifer Cultures: Enhances the nutritional profile of rotifers, a primary feed in hatcheries.

Its ease of cultivation and high nutritional value make it a staple in marine hatcheries .


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🧪 Biotechnological & Nutraceutical Potential

Beyond aquaculture, T. chuii holds promise in various sectors:

  • Nutraceuticals: Approved in the EU as a novel food and supplement, it's incorporated into health products for its antioxidant properties .

  • Biofuel Production: Its lipid-rich profile is explored for sustainable biofuel sources.

  • Pharmaceuticals: Research indicates potential neuroprotective effects and applications in managing oxidative stress-related conditions .

🧬 Genetic Insights

Genomic studies have provided deeper understanding of T. chuii's capabilities:

  • DNA Barcoding: Sequences like AJ437326 and MG022661 aid in accurate identification and phylogenetic studies.

  • Microbiome Analysis: Investigations into its associated microbiota reveal potential health benefits and applications in biotechnology .


🌍 Environmental & Sustainable Aspects

T. chuii contributes to environmental sustainability:


  • Carbon Sequestration: Through photosynthesis, it captures CO₂, aiding in climate change mitigation.

  • Wastewater Treatment: Its ability to absorb nutrients makes it suitable for bioremediation efforts.

In summary, Tetraselmis chuii stands out as a multifaceted microalga with significant applications in aquaculture, human health, and environmental sustainability. Its rich nutritional profile, adaptability to various cultivation methods, and potential in biotechnology underscore its importance in current and future research endeavors.

 
 
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