Effect of nutrients on growth and lipid accumulation in the green algae Dunaliella tertiolecta.
Production of biofuel from algae is dependent on the microalgal biomass production rate and lipid content. Both biomass production and lipid accumulation are limited by several factors, of which nutrients play a key role. In this research, the marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta was used as a model organism and a profile of its nutritional requirements was determined. Inorganic phosphate PO4(3-) and trace elements: cobalt (Co2+), iron (Fe3+), molybdenum (Mo2+) and manganese (Mn2+) were identified as required for algae optimum growth. Inorganic nitrogen in the form of nitrate NO3- instead of ammonium (NH4+) was required for maximal biomass production. Lipids accumulated under nitrogen starvation growth condition and this was time-dependent. Results of this research can be applied to maximize production of microalgal lipids in optimally designed photobioreactors.
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Meng
M
Chen
Haiying
H
Tang
Hongzhi
H
Ma
Thomas C
TC
Holland
K Y Simon
KY
Ng
Steven O
SO
Salley
D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D003470:Culture Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004952:Esters / Q000032:analysis; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D058086:Microalgae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D009821:Oils / Q000737:chemistry; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology
D003470:Culture Media; D004952:Esters; D009566:Nitrates; D009821:Oils; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds