title: Physiological studies of eicosapentaenoic acid production in the marine microalga Glossomastix chrysoplasta.
abstract: We describe the characterization of the microalga Glossomastix chrysoplasta, an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) producer in the Pinguiophyceae class, Chromophyte division. Growth conditions were selected to optimize algal growth and EPA production. EPA represented up to 30% of the fatty acid content of Glossomastix chrysoplasta, at levels of 22 mg EPA per gram dry weight. Up to 72% of the EPA was produced as glycolipids, components of structural lipids. The optimal growth conditions in continuous culture were found to be greater than 500 micromol photons/m(2) . s light intensity, 0.33/day dilution rate, pH 7.20-7.45, and a temperature of 18-20 degrees C. Macronutrient studies indicated the limiting nutrient to be bicarbonate or dissolved carbon dioxide, and consequently decreasing pH increased EPA production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Hsiao
authors.forename: Harvey W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Blanch
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008027:Light; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D010710:Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology; D010788:Photosynthesis; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D009566:Nitrates; D010710:Phosphates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D010100:Oxygen