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Optimization of entrapment efficiency and evaluation of nutrient removal (N and P) of Synechococcus elongatus in novel core-shell capsules

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Abstract

Removal of nitrogen and phosphorous by immobilized microalgae is an advantageous approach for wastewater treatment. Although immobilized microalgae cells remain viable to remove nutrients for several weeks, early leakage of cells because of deterioration of the capsules prevents further use of the immobilized microalgae. This study aimed at increasing the entrapment efficiency of Synechococcus elongatus by core-shell capsules of alginate (as the core) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) (as the shell). Cyanobacteria cells were immobilized into: 2 % alginate-1 % CaCl2, 2 % alginate-2 % CaCl2 and 4 % alginate-2 % CaCl2, and submerged into HEMA-PEGMA solution for: 1, 5, or 10 min. A liquid and transparent (93 % transparency) HEMA-PEGMA solution was obtained and used to form a shell over the alginate matrix. Capsules with a shell formed after 10 min of contact with HEMA-PEGMA increased four times (22 days) the cell entrapment efficiency relative to uncoated capsules, independently of alginate or CaCl2, while keeping cells metabolically active and able to remove nutrients.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been funded by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, CONACyT (Project: SEP-CONACyT 2009-01-130074), and Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, CICESE (project No. 623108). A.B. Castro-Ceseña acknowledges her postdoctoral fellowship from CONACyT (Project No.: SEP-CONACyT 2009-01-130074).

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  1. Ana B. Castro-Ceseña

    Present address: Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica, Subsede Tijuana (CIDETEQ), Carretera Tijuana-Tecate km 26.5, Parque Industrial El Florido, C.P. 22444, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3918, Zona Playitas, C.P. 22860, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

    Ana B. Castro-Ceseña, M. del Pilar Sánchez-Saavedra & Duahmet A. Ruíz-Güereca

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  1. Ana B. Castro-Ceseña
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  2. M. del Pilar Sánchez-Saavedra
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  3. Duahmet A. Ruíz-Güereca
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Correspondence to M. del Pilar Sánchez-Saavedra.

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Castro-Ceseña, A.B., del Pilar Sánchez-Saavedra, M. & Ruíz-Güereca, D.A. Optimization of entrapment efficiency and evaluation of nutrient removal (N and P) of Synechococcus elongatus in novel core-shell capsules. J Appl Phycol 28, 2343–2351 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-015-0771-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-015-0771-6

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