Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are microscopic trailblazers of Earth’s biosphere. As the first life forms to photosynthesize, they oxygenated our planet, laying the groundwork for future life. Their resilience in extreme environments also raises thrilling prospects for extraterrestrial life. Cyanobacteria represent billions of years of evolution, narrating the symphony of life itself.
Scientific report list
Burning fossil reserves depletes carbon-based materials. Converting CO2 to organic carbon is crucial. Increasing carbon partitioning improves total yield by 1.8x in cyanobacterium. Exceeding 30% partitioning leads to yield decline.
John W.K. Oliver
Stromatolites are ancient living fossils that have existed for 75% of the time since the formation of the Solar System. They are rock structures formed by cyanobacteria, and their existence played a crucial role in the development of oxygen on Earth. By using the Sun’s energy, stromatolites transformed the planet into a suitable environment for all life forms.
Florian Ion Tiberiu Petrescu
A new alkaline capture and conversion system using phototrophic microorganisms shows potential for sustainable bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) by efficiently capturing CO2 from the air while maintaining high biomass productivity.
Maryam Ataeian
A new fluorescence-imaging platform enables the tracking of individual carboxysomes in cyanobacteria, revealing their activity dynamics, degradation, and lifetime. The study introduces the first method for measuring the activity of single carboxysomes in vivo and identifies both degrading carboxysomes and highly productive ones.
Jeffrey C. Cameron
A cyanobacterial strain, Synechococcus sp. NIT18, efficiently sequesters CO2 while producing high biomass. By optimising conditions, it achieves significant CO2 sequestration and biomolecule production, making it a promising tool for greener CO2 mitigation.
Dr. Ganta Upendar
Lagoa Vermelha stromatolites reveal ancient microbial activity. Cyanobacteria play a key role in carbonate mineralization and may serve as biosignatures of atmospheric oxygenation, relevant to the search for life on Mars.
Henk Bolhuis
Cyanobacteria show promise as renewable sources for fuels, chemicals, and nutrition. Synthetic biology tools for cyanobacteria need development. Challenges include constructing targeted mutants, improving genetic tools, and understanding cyanobacterial metabolism. Working with cyanobacteria poses unique challenges as diurnal autotrophs.
Bertram M Berla
Cyanobacteria offer potential as biofuel producers due to fast growth, carbon fixation, and genetic versatility. Challenges include improving genetics, carbon fixation, metabolic flux, nutrient supply, and photosynthetic efficiency with natural light.
Nicole Nozzi Cooper
Cells compartmentalise enzymes to regulate metabolism. Cyanobacteria’s carboxysomes contain Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase, generating high CO2 concentrations for carbon fixation. The Rubisco-CcmM complex induces phase separation, crucial for carboxysome function. Understanding this is important for engineering CO2-concentrating mechanisms in plants.
H. Wang
Cyanobacteria capture CO2 by forming carbonate minerals. Silicon enhances the process, increasing carbon sequestration potential by 20-40%. Optimal conditions for cyanobacteria-induced CO2 sequestration are revealed.
Céline Lamérand
Cyanobacteria convert CO2 to calcium carbonate using photosynthesis, offering a self-sustaining carbon capture method. Genetic engineering and biomimetics can optimize this process.
Christer Jansson
Cyanobacteria were introduced to soil substrates for dryland restoration. They quickly colonised the substrates, increasing biocrust coverage and soil organic carbon content. This highlights their potential for restoring soil functions in degraded dryland ecosystems.
M Muñoz-Rojas
Cyanobacteria, ancient photosynthetic organisms, have diverse growth habitats and a CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) to optimise photosynthesis. They contain Rubisco in carboxysome microbodies and use Ci transporters for efficient CO2 utilisation. Cyanobacteria adapt and acclimate to varying Ci availability in their environments.
Murray R Badger
Cyanobacteria have a CO(2)-concentrating mechanism (CCM) that improves photosynthesis in low CO(2) conditions. They actively transport inorganic carbon and use unique carboxysomes to encapsulate the CO(2)-fixing enzyme. Progress has been made in understanding CCM genes and there are prospects for applying it in higher plants for improved resource efficiency.
G Dean Price
Cyanobacteria have a powerful CO(2) concentrating mechanism (CCM) with multiple uptake systems and compartments. Recent studies reveal surprising findings in their genes and proteins, including different carboxysomes and variable distribution of transport systems. The evolution of CCM components is discussed.
Murray R Badger
Carboxysomes are proteinaceous microcompartments that encapsulate CO2-fixing enzymes in cyanobacteria. They play a vital role in a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) and are essential for the productivity of cyanobacteria. Two types of carboxysomes, α and β, have evolved independently to optimise CO2 fixation.
Benjamin D. Rae
BICCAPS is a new system that uses bicarbonate as carbon source for algae culture and regenerates carbonate to absorb CO2. This system achieved a high biomass production rate of 1.21 g/L/day and can lead to new designs of photobioreactors.
Zhanyou Chi
CO2 levels are rising and traditional CCS methods are not sustainable. Microalgae can be used to bio-sequester CO2 and produce valuable products. Biorefineries can use all parts of the microalgae biomass, making them more sustainable than traditional methods. This article reviews the opportunities and challenges of CO2 bioconversion by microalgae.
Jyoti Singh
Two novel strains of microalgae with high biomass productivity and lipid content were found to be tolerant to high temperatures and CO2 levels. These strains are promising candidates for commercial applications and CO2 capture.
Kira Schipper
CO2 can modulate protein biochemistry by carboxylating lysine residues. This modification can lower the affinity of proteins for ATP, which could have implications for cell signaling and metabolism.
Dustin T. King
Cyanobacteria are promising resources for sustainable solutions to various problems. They have potential applications in bioenergy, biotechnology, natural products, medicine, agriculture, and the environment.
Zahra Zahra
A cyanobacterial protein called ALC does not function like a canonical rubisco activase. However, it does affect the response to CO2 availability by influencing the aggregation of rubisco and the organisation of carboxysomes. This could have implications for the regulation of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria.
Sigal Lechno-Yossef
A mathematical model of CCM in bacteria shows that pH is important for its energetic efficiency. An intracellular pH of ≈8 is optimal for the CCM, as it reduces leakage of inorganic carbon and makes the CCM more efficient. CO2 retention in the carboxysome is necessary, but selective uptake of HCO3− into the carboxysome would not appreciably enhance energetic efficiency.
Niall M. Mangan
Cyanobacteria can capture and sequester carbon dioxide by forming calcium carbonate crystals. This process, called biomineralization, can be used to develop novel and self-sustaining strategies for point-source carbon capture and sequestration.
Dr Lakshmanan A
Algae cultivation can be used to capture CO2 and produce biofuels. Chlorella sp. is the best algae for CO2 capture and vertical tubular bioreactors are emerging as a good cultivation method. Supercritical gasification is the preferred thermochemical method for producing synthesis gas from algae.
Tatyana Iglina
Cyanobacteria and microalgae have a unique system called CCM that helps them absorb CO2 and fix it into organic molecules. CCM is a complex system that involves active transport of HCO3−, CO2 and/or H+, or an energised biochemical mechanism. CCM is found in a wide range of algal species and is thought to be important for algal growth and survival in low-CO2 environments. Further research on CCM is needed to understand how it works and how it can be used to improve algal productivity.
Shailendra Kumar Singh
A cyanobacterial consortium was used to sequester CO2 at different initial CO2 concentrations, pH levels, and inoculum sizes. The best CO2 fixation capacity was found at 15% CO2, pH 9, and 12.5% inoculum. ANN and PSO were used to optimise the process.
Dr. Ganta Upendar
Cyanobacteria and basaltic glass tested for carbonate formation. Active cells increased carbonate concentration, but remained negative due to low cation activities. Inactive cells acted as nucleation sites. Findings contribute to understanding the carbon cycle’s role in stabilising Earth’s climate.
Olivier Pourret
A new cyanobacterium, Synechococcus UTEX 2973, has been found to grow rapidly and can be easily genetically manipulated. This discovery could lead to the development of new industrial applications for cyanobacteria.
Jerry J Brand
Microalgae are a promising alternative to CCS methods for capturing CO2 and producing biofuels. They can capture CO2 and convert it into biomass, which can then be used to produce biofuels and other value-added products.
Helen Onyeaka
A new photobioreactor design was developed to improve carbon dioxide capture and microalgae growth. The PhotoBioCREC uses rotating flow to improve light utilisation and inorganic carbon conversion. Experiments with Chlorella vulgaris showed that it was possible to achieve high carbon conversion and TOC selectivity.
Maureen Cordoba-Perez
Diatoms have a CO2-concentrating mechanism that helps them to take up and use carbon dioxide more efficiently in marine environments. The CCM is a complex system that is essential for the success of diatoms.
Yusuke Matsuda
Lab study on cyanobacteria from modern stromatolites reveals their role in carbon sequestration. Cyanobacterial metabolism increases pH via photosynthesis and provides a template for mineral nucleation. Higher carbon sequestration potential (20-40%) observed with the presence of dissolved Si in the medium.
Céline Lamérand
Microbial carbonate mineralization is vital but poorly understood. Cyanobacterial calcification may be linked to their carbon-concentrating mechanism. Understanding this process is crucial for assessing its impact on carbon cycling, interpreting paleontological data, and exploring carbon capture and storage applications.
Trent R. Northen
Cyanobacteria use calcium carbonate to capture carbon dioxide, providing a self-sustaining carbon capture method. High calcite content was observed in Blue green algae plots, and cyanobacterial calcite precipitation increased over time. SEM images and EDAX results confirmed cyanobacteria’s role in forming calcite crystals with varying size and shape.
Jeyapandiyan Natarajan
Rising carbon concentrations impact health, economy, and quality of life. To address climate tipping points, we need innovation and action for carbon capture and utilization. Next-gen biotechnologies inspired by nature can interface with existing infrastructure and tap into carbon sink potential.
Hannah Schweitzer
Engineered cyanobacteria produce succinic acid from carbon dioxide, with an 82% increase in titer achieved through gene inhibition. However, non-viability after 28 days was resolved by re-inoculation, resulting in continuous succinic acid accumulation of 8.9 g/L. This study offers a sustainable approach to carbon dioxide-based succinic acid production and addresses titer limitations for practical use.
Ethan I. Lan
Soil crusts in the Kalahari of Botswana, predominantly composed of cyanobacteria, play a crucial role in ecological productivity and CO2 fluxes. A study aimed to measure soil CO2 fluxes in different moisture conditions using a specially designed gas exchange chamber. Results showed that available moisture greatly enhanced net photosynthesis, while during wet periods, subsoil bacterial respiration contributed to CO2 efflux.
A.D. Thomas
Cyanobacteria in microbial mats create diverse communities and contribute to organic matter enrichment. Sulphate-reducing bacteria degrade organic matter, leading to steep gradients of sulphide and oxygen. Physicochemical variations shape mat structure, while nitrogen deficiency and polysaccharide production hinder calcification.
Lucas J. Stal
New research uncovers greater microbial diversity than expected. Contrary to previous assumptions, modern stromatolites host diverse microorganisms, challenging the dominance of cyanobacteria. Findings suggest the ancient Archean biota was functionally diverse and complex.
Brendan P. Burns
Cyanobacteria produce diverse molecules with harmful and beneficial properties. Over 90 genera produce potentially beneficial compounds, but some orders remain underexplored. These metabolites belong to 10 chemical classes and exhibit 14 bioactivities. The review highlights 47 molecule families with potential applications in various fields.
Cécile Bernard
Conical microbialites in Yellowstone contain diverse cyanobacteria in cones and mats. Mats have greater diversity and faster response to nutrients. Cyanobacteria activity is dense below cone tips, while mats show lower density. Diffusion limitation shapes and sustains the conical structure, similar to ancient stromatolites.
T Bosak
Experiments on cyanobacterial and algal mats reveal grain trapping and binding capabilities, shedding light on stromatolite evolution. Cyanobacterial mats effectively trap fine grains beyond a certain angle, indicating a potential biosignature in ancient stromatolites. Coarse grains in stromatolite laminae suggest the involvement of other organisms besides cyanobacteria in their construction.
C. M. Frantz
Biotechnology offers reliable solutions to address food security and environmental challenges. Cyanobacteria, with their unique features and genetic engineering, serve as a valuable bio-resource for sustainable development, improving soil fertility, and producing biofuels. This review highlights their potential role in solving agricultural and environmental problems for future welfare.
Jay Shankar Singh
Biodiversity and cyanobacteria show promise in treating wastewater by efficiently removing heavy metal ions, nutrients, and pesticides. Immobilised cyanobacteria outperform free cells, making them a preferred method for this application.
Subramaniyan Vijayakumar
Cyanobacteria’s global significance and diverse taxonomy are explored using molecular methods. Nine contributions from the 20th IAC Symposium discuss their distribution, taxonomy, and identification using classical and high-throughput sequencing approaches. Key issues are highlighted to advance cyanobacterial research.
Eugen Rott
Ancient cyanobacterial DNA from ice cores in Kyrgyz Republic provides insights into their evolutionary history and mutation rates. Two cyanobacterial groups from ancient samples match those found on the modern glacier surface. Mutation rates were estimated at 10^-7 substitutions/sites/year, and population sizes increased in Asia during the Holocene, shedding light on cyanobacteria’s response to climate change.
Takahiro Segawa
Photosynthesis studied for renewable energy. Genome-scale metabolic network of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 reconstructed. Alternative pathways optimise photosynthesis, photorespiration essential. High photosynthetic robustness for optimal biofuel production.
Juan Nogales
Cyanobacteria-based green synthesis of nanoparticles offers sustainable and versatile nanomaterials with diverse applications, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and photocatalytic activities.
Reham Samir Hamida
McdA and McdB proteins self-organise to position carboxysomes in cyanobacteria by stimulating ATPase activity and driving directed motion. They use a Brownian-ratchet mechanism instead of a cytoskeletal system, providing insights into bacterial organelle organisation.
Anthony G Vecchiarelli
Predatory bacteria hunting cyanobacteria studied, but few well-characterised species. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus invades prey internally, while Myxococcus xanthus hunts as a group. New findings from screening experiment on Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937 and diverse hunting strategies summarised.
Karl Forchhammer
Genomic and molecular evolution studies provide insights into the origins of photosynthesis and Cyanobacteria, crucial for understanding Earth’s oxygenation. Despite the challenge of studying the early history of photosynthesis within extinct bacterial lineages, recent advancements reveal the evolution of photosynthetic reaction centres and Cyanobacteria at the genomic and gene family levels.
Patricia Sánchez-Baracaldo