Optimization of omega-3 fatty acid production by microalgae: Crossover effects of CO2 and light intensity under batch and continuous cultivation modes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2005

Authors

Carvalho, AP (Author) Other; F. Xavier Malcata (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Marine Biotechnology

Vol. 7

Pages: 381-388

ISSN: 1436-2228

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 62 Citations

Scopus - 80 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-26W

DOI: 10.1007/s10126-004-4047-4

Abstract (EN): The microalga Pavlova lutheri is a potential source of economically valuable docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids. Specific chemical and physical culture conditions may enhance their biochemical synthesis. There are studies relating the effect of CO2 on growth; however, this parameter should not be assessed independently, as its effect strongly depends on the light intensity available. In this research, the combined effects of light intensity and CO2 content on growth and fatty acid profile in P. lutheri were ascertained, in order to optimize polyunsaturated fatty acid production. The influence of the operation mode was also tested via growing the cultures by batch and by continuous cultivation. Higher light intensities associated with lower dilution rates promoted increases in both cell population and weight per cell. Increased levels of CO2 favored the total lipid content, but decreased the amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mass productivities of eicosapentaenoic acid (3.61 +/- 0.04 mg.L-1.d(-1)) and docosahexaenoic acid (1.29 +/- 0.01 mg.L-1.d(-1)) were obtained in cultures supplied with 0.5% (v/v) CO2, at a dilution rate of 0.297 d(-1) and a light intensity of 120 mu E.m(-2).s(-1).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8