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Microbodies

Microbodies: Digestibility and Stability of Microalgal Oleosomes

Microalgae are sustainable sources of omega-3, offering an alternative to fish oils. The Microbodies project aims to characterize oleosomes isolated from microalgae and to study their physicochemical and oxidative stability, as well as their in vitro digestibility.

The consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with numerous health benefits. It is important to note, however, that the molecular and supramolecular structures of lipids can influence the bioavailability and metabolism of omega-3s.

In microalgae, omega-3s exist in three main molecular forms: glycolipids, phospholipids, and neutral lipids. Glycolipids are primarily associated with the chloroplast, phospholipids are the main components of membranes, and neutral lipids are found in lipid bodies called oleosomes.

Also surrounded by a lipoprotein monolayer, these oleosomes differ from those of terrestrial plants due to the presence of interfaces rich in glycolipids, betaine lipids, and proteins that are not homologous to plant oleosins. These characteristics influence their stability, which has not yet been studied in detail in the literature. Furthermore, the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids encapsulated in microalgal oleosomes has not been documented.

In this context, the Microbodies project aims to:

  • Characterize oleosomes isolated from a microalga.
  • Study the physicochemical and oxidative stability of these oleosomes under conditions relevant to their integration into the food industry.
  • Evaluate the in vitro digestibility of these oleosomes using the Infogest protocol.
  • Study the composition of the outer monolayer of the oleosomes.

The project will primarily be carried out by two BIA teams: ISD and BIBS.

 

microbodies.jpg

MOB: microalgal oil bodies, PL: phospholipides, GL: glycolipides

The ongoing doctoral thesis by Aziliz Rolland, supervised by Sébastien Marze and Ha Phuong Ta, which focuses on the stability and digestibility of microalgal oleosomes, will be a major achievement of the project.

 

Project Overview:

  • Project Start Date – End Date: 06/01/2025 – 05/31/2028
  • Coordination: Name of project leader and coordinating entity: Ha-Phuong Ta, BIA Unit
  • Partners/entities involved: École supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles de la ville de Paris (ESPCI Paris).
  • BIA teams involved: ISD, BIBS
  • Funding type: ANR JCJC

Contact : Ha-Phuong Ta

Modification date: 11 June 2026 | Publication date: 11 June 2026 | By: HT