Abstract
Microalgae is important in many biotechnological exploitations in producing valuable products, services and processes. The technology of cryopreservation is useful in the long-term storage of many microalgal strains able to survive post cryopreservation. In this study, Chlorella vulgaris was utilised to determine the effects of different concentrations of a cryoprotectant to preserve the fresh water microalgal strain employing three types of protocol. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at different concentrations of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% were added to the microalgal suspension in three types of protocol. Protocol 1 involved direct plunging into liquid nitrogen, Protocol 2 is slow cooling to -80°C and Protocol 3 is slow cooling to -20°C. The absorbance value at 540 nm was used as a measurement to determine the growth post cryopreservation. The absorbance value recorded with 30% DMSO in Protocol 2 was the highest at 0.387 + 0.015 and was significant at p<0.05 compared to Protocol 1 and 3. The best protocol for post cryopreservation growth of Chlorella vulgaris was Protocol 2 using slow cooling to -80 °C treated with 30% DMSO as the cryoprotective agent.
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