Phaeodactylum tricornutum

What is Phaeodactylum tricornutum?

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a species of unicellular diatom found in oceans worldwide. It belongs to the group of diatoms and is one of the most studied species. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is of great scientific interest due to its ability to photosynthesize.

The cells of Phaeodactylum tricornutum are triangular in shape and surrounded by a pebbly cell wall. They are able to convert carbon dioxide and light energy into organic molecules and thus contribute to the food base for many other organisms in the sea.

In addition, Phaeodactylum tricornutum contains valuable compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that can be used in biotechnology and in the food industry. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is also studied in biofuel research because under certain conditions they produce large amounts of lipophilic compounds such as lipids and triglycerides can be used as raw materials for the production of biodiesel.

Where does  Phaeodactylum tricornutum grow?

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a species of unicellular diatom found in oceans worldwide.It can be found in both coastal and open water and grows best in temperate to cold water with temperatures between 4 and 20°C.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a planktonic species, meaning it is free-floating and not attached to solid substrates. It is also one of the few species of diatom found in saline waters such as sea bays or oceans.

Due to their wide distribution and ability to reproduce rapidly, Phaeodactylum tricornutum can often be found in large numbers in aquatic ecosystems and thus has an important impact on marine food webs and global climate.

What does  Phaeodactylum tricornutum look like?

Phaeodactylum tricornutum has a distinctive triangular shape and is surrounded by a silicic cell wall composed of silicon dioxide. The cells are typically between 5 and 10 microns in length and brown in color due to the presence of pigments such as fucoxanthin and diatoxanthin.

The triangular shape of Phaeodactylum tricornutum is characterized by two narrow sides and one broad side, the broad side often being provided with two or three spines or "horns". These thorns can be different in different strains of this species. Phaeodactylum tricornutum cells are easy to spot under the microscope because they have a unique structure called the centrum.

The center is a bright area in the middle of the cell surrounded by three triangular plates called the valve. The valves have fine, distinctive structures called spines or struts, which are species to species may differ.

Overall, Phaeodactylum tricornutum has a distinctive appearance that allows scientists to distinguish it from other types of diatoms.

What makes Phaeodactylum tricornutum so special?

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a particularly interesting species of diatoms.

Like all diatoms, Phaeodactylum tricornutum is capable of photosynthesis, producing organic compounds from carbon dioxide and light energy. This ability makes them an important part of the marine food chain and also influences global climate by sequestering carbon in the biosphere.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum produces valuable compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that can be used in biotechnology and the food industry.

Specifically, Phaeodactylum tricornutum contains high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid known for its health benefits.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is also being studied as a potential source for the production of biodiesel. Under certain conditions, Phaeodactylum tricornutum can produce large amounts of lipophilic compounds such as lipids and produce triglycerides, which can be used as raw materials for the production of biodiesel.

The diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum has a well-characterized genome and is used as a model organism for the study of biological processes and for the development of new biotechnological applications.

Overall, Phaeodactylum tricornutum is an interesting species of diatom that plays an important role in biotechnology, energy production, and climate research due to its diverse properties and applications.

What is Phaeodactylum tricornutum recommended for?

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is recommended for various uses in different areas. Phaeodactylum tricornutum produces valuable compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that can be used in biotechnology and the food industry.

Specifically, Phaeodactylum tricornutum contains high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid known for its health benefits.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is being studied as a potential source for biodiesel production. Under certain conditions, Phaeodactylum tricornutum can produce large amounts of lipophilic compounds such as lipids and triglycerides, which can be used as raw materials for the production of biodiesel.

Also in environmental monitoring Phaeodactylum tricornutum is used for cleaning and cleaning because it plays an important role in the marine ecosystem and can react to environmental stresses such as pollution or warming of the water.

Diatoms such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum are also used as water quality indicators. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is an important model organism for basic research in fields such as biology, ecology, evolution, and biotechnology due to its well-characterized genome and unique physiological properties.

Overall, Phaeodactylum tricornutum is recommended for a variety of uses in different fields and its potential is expected to be further explored in the future. 

Typical applications

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a globally occurring microalgae, which is mainly found in coastal regions and brackish waters.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is rich in DHA, EPA and DPA and is therefore well suited as a plant alternative to conventional fish oil.

Due to the said EPA and DHA content in combination with the high protein content, Phaeodactylum tricornutum is also an interesting feed for aquaculture and aquaristics.

But Phaeodactylum tricornutum is not only promising as a food and additive, but also as an ingredient for natural cosmetics. The microalgae contains Zeaxanthin and protects the skin from energy sources like the sun and reduces the formation of melanomas. It also contains Fucoxanthin, which has proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

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Typical applications in the cosmetics industry:

Phaeodactylum tricornutum makes the skin smooth and supple and can relieve discomfort (e.g. itching) of the skin and scalp. The microalga binds moisture in the use of cosmetic products, which is why it is often used as a humectant in facial toners and scrubs.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum microalgae can have a calming effect by rebalancing the microbiome of sensitive skin and controlling the overall inflammatory process.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum can be used as a preventive care against environmental skin aging, so it is ideal for use in anti-aging cosmetics.