Comparison of the structure and properties between the Cladophora and Spirogyra filamentous macroalga

Algae is well known as a food source, and in recent years has been derivatized for a variety of biochemical applications. Algae can grow as single cells or as filaments. They may attach to any number or substrates. Algae may contain significant amounts of crystalline cellulose as a structural component on the cell walls. The cellulosic algal filaments may be useful as a replacement for existing synthetic fibers used for the production of composites. Both Cladophora genus and Spirogyra genus are green filamentous macroalga, are widely distributed in many parts of world. In this paper, the green algae obtained from freshwater rivers have been characterized. The structure of the algal fibers has been examined through optical and scanning electron microscopy. In this contribution, the structure properties of the 2 genuses filamentous macroalga have been investigated and compared.