First characterization of cultivable extremophile Chroococcidiopsis isolates from a solar panel

Abstract

This study presents the first identification and characterization of cultivable extremophile cyanobacteria from a solar panel in Valencia, Spain. The isolates are members of the genera <i>Chroococcidiopsis</i>, <i>Leptolyngbya</i>, <i>Myxacorys</i>, and <i>Oculatella</i> all genera with species commonly isolated from deserts and arid regions. Four of the isolates were selected, all of them <i>Chroococcidiopsis</i>, and characterized. Our results showed that all <i>Chroococcidiopsis</i> isolates chosen were resistant up to a year of desiccation, viable after exposition to high doses of UV-C, and capable of being transformed. Our findings revealed that a solar panel is a useful ecological niche in searching for extremophilic cyanobacteria to further study the desiccation and UV-tolerance mechanisms. We conclude that these cyanobacteria can be modified and exploited as candidates for biotechnological purposes, including astrobiology applications.