Abstract:
This study investigates the lipid droplet (LD) architecture in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a potential resource for biofuel and biotechnological applications. Despite the known importance of diatoms, there is a gap in understanding their LD structure and composition under nutrient stress conditions. The aim was to elucidate the lipid and protein composition of LDs in nitrogen-starved P. tricornutum cells. Using confocal microscopy, lipid profiling, and proteomic analysis, LDs were purified and analyzed from nitrogen-starved cells. Results indicated that these LDs contained 99% triacylglycerol, with a unique composition of betaine lipids, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, and brassicasterol, as well as specific carotenoid enrichment in β-carotene. Proteomic analysis identified a core set of 86 proteins involved in LD structure, protein folding, vesicular trafficking, and energy production. The primary takeaway is that nitrogen-starved LDs in P. tricornutum exhibit specialized lipid and protein profiles that support energy storage and cellular stress adaptation, highlighting potential biotechnological applications.
Conclusion on the Role of Constant Systems Cell Disruption equipment:
The Constant Systems Equipment played a key role in this research by enabling efficient and high-quality cell disruption, which was essential for isolating intact LDs for analysis. This high-pressure system facilitated the reliable extraction of LDs, ensuring sample integrity and purity, which were crucial for the accurate lipid and proteomic characterization of P. tricornutum LDs under nutrient stress conditions.
