Magnetically modified microalgae and their applications

Abstract

The majority of algal cells can interact with a wide range of nano- and microparticles. Upon interaction the modified cells usually maintain their viability and the presence of foreign material on their surfaces or in protoplasm can provide additional functionalities. Magnetic modification and labeling of microalgal biomass ensures a wide spectrum of biotechnological, bioanalytical and environmental applications. Different aspects of microalgal cell magnetic modification are covered in the review, followed by successful applications of magnetic algae. Modified cells can be employed during their harvesting and removal, applied in toxicity microscreening devices and also as efficient adsorbents of different types of xenobiotics.

• Harvesting algal cells
• magnetic labeling
• magnetic modification
• magnetic separation
• microalgae

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. This research was supported by the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic (Projects Nos. 13-13709S and P503/12/1424) and by the projects LO1305 and LD13021 (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic).