Work

Microalgal membrane fluidity monitoring using DCVJ

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article proposes a flow cytometric methodology to monitor microalgae membrane fluidity using DCVJ. DCVJ is a methanol-soluble molecular rotor that inserts itself into the cell membrane. The tagging procedure was optimized in terms of cell-to-probe ratio, probe-to-water ratio, incubation time, and methanol toxicity. The model microalgae for this work was Chlorella vulgaris. The results demonstrated that the best incubation conditions are 1 mL sample at 1 MCell/mL, with a probe addition of 10 µL at 10 mM, incubated in the dark for 20 minutes. In addition, the protocol shows some robustness as cell concentration can be decreased to 0.1 MCell/mL, incubation time extended from 20 to 30 minutes, and methanol quantity quadrupled without perturbing the signal. Once optimized, the protocol was applied to monitor microalgae membrane acclimation to hyperosmotic (rigidifying) conditions and their reversion (fluidizing). An advanced signal treatment is required to access membrane fluidity properly. Ultimately, the protocol allowed monitoring for two passages, delivering explainable and repeatable results.

Source: Algal Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2025.104399

Authors: Victor Pozzobon, Jinjing Yin, Wendie Levasseur

Institutions: Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux

Language: English

Topic: Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,190