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Extract from Chlorella vulgaris: Production, characterization, and effects on the germination, growth and metabolite profile of Eruca sativa microgreens
The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture has intensified interest in natural biostimulants as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. Microalgae,
Francesco Del Prete, Tiziana Esposito, Catello Pane, Gelsomina Manganiello, Giacomo Pepe, Emanuela Salviati, Pietro Campiglia, Teresa Mencherini, Francesca Sansone, Rita Patrizia Aquino
Industrial Crops and Products · 2025 · https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121490
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture has intensified interest in natural biostimulants as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. Microalgae, particularly Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) , are promising candidates due to their diverse bioactive composition. In this study, we developed a water-based extraction protocol to obtain a polysaccharide-rich aqueous extract (CHL-P) from C. vulgaris and evaluated its effects on early development and metabolite accumulation in Eruca sativa microgreens. The extract was obtained via hot water extraction, then characterized using spectrophotometric, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array detection (UHPLC-PDA) and High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) techniques. Application of CHL-P at 0.5 mg/mL significantly improved germination rate (+7 %), hypocotyl length (+20 %), and fresh biomass, indicating enhanced early vigor. Biochemically, the treatment triggered a 32 % increase in chlorophyll b, a 7 % increase in total polyphenols, and an 8 % rise in antioxidant activity, suggesting improved physiological and stress-response profiles. UHPLC-PDA analysis further revealed a 2-fold increase in a sinapoyl derivative and a 3-fold increase in dihydrophaseic acid 4-O-β-D-hexoside, both linked to plant defense and growth regulation. In contrast, higher concentration (1.0 mg/mL) treatments showed no additional benefit and even suppressed key metabolites, indicating a dose-sensitive effect. These findings demonstrate that CHL-P functions as an effective, concentration-dependent biostimulant, enhancing both morphological and metabolic parameters in E. sativa . This study supports the integration of microalgal extracts into clean-label, eco-friendly strategies for crop enhancement.
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How to credit this work
Francesco Del Prete; Tiziana Esposito; Catello Pane; Gelsomina Manganiello; Giacomo Pepe; Emanuela Salviati; Pietro Campiglia; Teresa Mencherini; Francesca Sansone; Rita Patrizia Aquino (2025). Extract from Chlorella vulgaris: Production, characterization, and effects on the germination, growth and metabolite profile of Eruca sativa microgreens. Industrial Crops and Products. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121490 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NC ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
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