Enhancing starch production of a marine green microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis through nutrient limitation.
Microalgal starch is a potential feedstock for biofuel production. The effects of KNO(3) and MgSO(4) concentrations and light intensity on biomass and starch production by the marine microalga, Tetraselmis subcordiformis, were investigated. Under 200 μmol m(-2) s(-1) irradiance and sulfur-deprived conditions, a starch productivity of 0.62 g L(-1) d(-1) and a starch content of 62.1% based on dry weight (DW) was achieved. A starch content of 54.3% was achieved under low irradiance and nitrogen starvation, which was 6.5% higher than that under nutrient- and light-sufficient conditions. Photosynthetic activity was indispensable for starch accumulation. It is difficult to reach high starch productivity and starch concentration simultaneously. Proper nutrient concentrations are necessary to achieve high starch productivity or starch concentration based on the target. The high starch productivity and starch content suggest that T. subcordiformis is a promising microalgal starch producer.
Marine Bioproducts Engineering Group, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
Changhong
C
Yao
Jiangning
J
Ai
Xupeng
X
Cao
Song
S
Xue
Wei
W
Zhang
D059001:Aquatic Organisms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D018533:Biomass; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008027:Light; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D058086:Microalgae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045332:Photosystem II Protein Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013213:Starch / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D009566:Nitrates; D045332:Photosystem II Protein Complex; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D013213:Starch; C023844:potassium nitrate