Publications by authors named "R De Philippis"

Given the necessity for bioprocesses scaling-up, the present study aims to explore the potential of three marine cyanobacteria and a consortium, cultivated in semi-continuous mode, as a green approach for i) continuous exopolysaccharide-rich biomass production and ii) removal of positively charged metals (Cu, Ni, Zn) from mono and multi-metallic solutions. To ensure the effectiveness of both cellular and released exopolysaccharides, weekly harvested whole cultures were confined in dialysis tubings. The results revealed that all the tested cyanobacteria have a stronger affinity towards Cu in mono and three-metal systems.

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Cyanobacteria can cope with various environmental stressors, due to the excretion of exopolysaccharides (EPS). However, little is known about how the composition of these polymers may change according to water availability. This work aimed at characterizing the EPS of (Oscillatoriales; Oscillatoriaceae) and (Pseudanabaenales; Leptolyngbyaceae), when grown as biocrusts and biofilms, subject to water deprivation.

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Article Synopsis
  • Cancer is a major global health issue, and natural anticancer agents can provide effective alternatives to traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • The study focused on a specific carbohydrate polymer from a mutant organism that previously showed strong antitumor effects by inducing cell death in tumor cells.
  • Variants of this polymer were developed and tested, revealing that higher molecular mass and reduced peptide content led to improved anticancer activity and reduced tumor growth in experiments, highlighting the potential for developing customized treatments from natural sources.
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Article Synopsis
  • Microalgae are promising in biotechnology for producing valuable macromolecules and high-value products, making them important for sustainable development.
  • The review emphasizes the economic viability of large-scale biomass production through multi-product microalgae-based biorefineries, focusing on innovative uses like biofertilizers and biostimulants.
  • Future research directions include exploring antimicrobial properties, bioplastic production from wastewater, implementing circular economy strategies, and conducting more Life Cycle Assessments (LCA).
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In the scenario of alarming increase in greenhouse and toxic gas emissions from the burning of conventional fuels, it is high time that the population drifts towards alternative fuel usage to obviate pollution. Hydrogen is an environment-friendly biofuel with high energy content. Several production methods exist to produce hydrogen, but the least energy intensive processes are the fermentative biohydrogen techniques.

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