In a groundbreaking study, researchers have harnessed the power of Raman spectroscopy to unravel the intricate symbiotic interactions between the green alga Ulva and its bacterial community. This non-invasive, non-destructive technique allows scientists to observe the growth and development of these marine organisms in real-time, without disturbing the delicate processes. The findings, published in the journal ChemPhysChem, could pave the way for more efficient methods of algae cultivation, ultimately benefiting the biotechnology and energy production industries.
A Symbiotic Masterpiece
Algae, like the common green Ulva is a well known ecosystem engineer in marine environments. Beyond sustaining the oceans that sustain all life, these photosynthetic organisms hold enormous potential for biotechnology and even energy production.
But for decades, a deep understanding of the algae and their bacterial partners has remained elusive to biologists, because investigating these processes disrupts the delicate equilibrium between them. That is, at least until the researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena used Raman spectroscopy to come upon on the scene.
Beacon guided Raman spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy is an analytical tool that is particularly useful for probing the structure and composition of molecules within cells using laser light and without staining (dyes) or any other label. Working together with the University of Innsbruck, the research team used this technology in this study to get unprecedented insights into how Ulva interacts with its bacterial community.
Constanze Schultz, lead author of the paper and a researcher at Leibniz IPHT, said: ‘We aimed to create a method that could display algal cell structure and its interaction with bacteria in their finest details. Raman spectroscopy provides unparalleled possibilities to investigate these processes in water non-intrusively.
In the Context of Sustainable Algae Culture
The results of both the protein extraction and digestion studies have implications for future industry related to algae. With algae being of potential increasing value as food and fuel, the findings from this research may help to inform the design of better farming practices that are both more effective and more environmentally friendly.
Of particular significance are the reflections on cell wall synthesis and disruptions that could enhance resistance to stress, prevent disease. This might also lead to increased crop yields, and more robust supply chains which would be a boon for both the biotechnology and renewable energy industries.
Similarly, the ability to study how these algae and bacteria interact in their symbiotic association without interfering with that (which is one aspect of microscale ecology that is difficult to meddle with), may provide important insights into basic processes for these key players in marine ecosystem processes.
