A Protist, Euglena gracilis Z, Functions as a Sole Nutrient Source in a Closed Ecosystem

概要

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Euglena gracilis is a eukalyotic single cell which grows photoautotrophically and heterotrophically. This organism contained very rich nutrients as protein when the cells was determined by amino acid analysis and rat-feeding test. The amino acid score and net protein utilization were 88 and 79.9, respectively, higher than those of other single cell such as Chlorella, Spirulina, and similar to cow-milk casein. Triglycerides were mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid and linolenic acid which were essential fatty acids for human, and also contained considerably arachidonic acid, when Euglena was grown autotrophically. The organism synthesized paramylon, which is the characteristic β-1, 3-glucan in Euglena, and trehalose which is available for human. Paramylon was stoichiometrically converted to trehalose when Euglena cells were placed on salt stress. Micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, were also contained in Euglena cells more than yeast, and contents of some vitamins became extremely rich by being to high illumination and/or adding those precursor. We concluded that such Euglena cells was very available as a sole nutrients in a closed ecosystem.
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