title: Rapid induction of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) in Nannochloropsis sp. by UV-C radiation.
abstract: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), provide substantial health benefits. As global fish stocks are declining and in some cases are contaminated with heavy metals, there is a need to find more sustainable land-based sources of these essential fatty acids. The oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis sp. has been identified as a highly efficient producer of omega-3 fatty acids. In this study, we present a new process to rapidly induce biosynthesis of essential fatty acids, including EPA in Nannochloropsis sp. BR2. Short exposure to UV-C at a dose of 100 or 250 mJ/cm(2) led to a significant increase in total cellular lipid contents when compared to mock-treated controls. A low dosage of 100 mJ/cm(2) also led to a twofold increase in total EPA content within 24 h that constituted 30% of total fatty acids and up to 12% of total dry weight at higher dosages. UV-C radiation may find uses as an easily applicable external inducer for large-scale production of omega-3 production from microalgae.
authors.affiliation: Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Kalpesh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Peer M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Schenk
mesh_terms: D053898:Biosynthetic Pathways / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D058009:Stramenopiles / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3
keywords: EPA; Nannochloropsis; PUFA; UV-C; microalgae; omega-3 fatty acids