title: Characterization of biofilm-forming cyanobacteria for biomass and lipid production.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This work reports on one of the first attempts to use biofilm-forming cyanobacteria for biomass and lipid production.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three isolates of filamentous cyanobacteria were obtained from biofilms at different Italian sites and characterized by a polyphasic approach, involving microscopic observations, ecology and genetic diversity (studying the 16S rRNA gene). The isolates were grown in batch systems and in a semi-continuous flow incubator, specifically designed for biofilms development. Culture system affected biomass and lipid production, but did not influence the fatty acid profile. The composition of fatty acids was mainly palmitic acid (>50%) and less amounts of other saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Only two isolates contained two polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data obtained from the flow-lane incubator system would support a more economical and sustainable use of the benthic micro-organisms for biomass production. The produced lipids contained fatty acids suitable for a high-quality biodiesel production, showing high proportions of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data seem promising when taking into account the savings in cost and time derived from easy procedures for biomass harvesting, especially when being able to obtain the co-production of other valuable by-products.
authors: LBA-Laboratory for Biology of Algae, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. laura.bruno@uniroma2.it
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Bruno
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Di Pippo
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Antonaroli
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Gismondi
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Valentini
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Albertano
mesh_terms: D061249:Batch Cell Culture Techniques; D018441:Biofilms; D056804:Biofuels; D018533:Biomass; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014644:Genetic Variation; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D005227:Fatty Acids; D008055:Lipids; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S