Application of the Response Surface Methodology to Optimize the Fermentation Parameters for Enhanced Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Production by Thraustochytrium sp. ATCC 26185.

Kang Wu,Lijian Ding,Shuang Li,Peng Zhu,Shan He

doi:10.3390/molecules23040974

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the cumulative effect of fermentation parameters and enhance the production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by Thraustochytrium sp. ATCC 26185 using response surface methodology (RSM). Among the eight variables screened for effects of fermentation parameters on DHA production by Plackett-Burman design (PBD), the initial pH, inoculum volume, and fermentation volume were found to be most significant. The Box-Behnken design was applied to derive a statistical model for optimizing these three fermentation parameters for DHA production. The optimal parameters for maximum DHA production were initial pH: 6.89, inoculum volume: 4.16%, and fermentation volume: 140.47 mL, respectively. The maximum yield of DHA production was 1.68 g/L, which was in agreement with predicted values. An increase in DHA production was achieved by optimizing the initial pH, fermentation, and inoculum volume parameters. This optimization strategy led to a significant increase in the amount of DHA produced, from 1.16 g/L to 1.68 g/L. Thraustochytrium sp. ATCC 26185 is a promising resource for microbial DHA production due to the high-level yield of DHA that it produces, and the capacity for large-scale fermentation of this organism.

Highlights

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays a significant role as a nutrient required by both invertebrates and vertebrates
Reduction in the initial number of variables was carried out through Plackett-Burman design and, among eight tested variables, the initial pH, inoculum volume, and fermentation volume were taken for Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM) to assess their effects on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production by Thraustochytrium sp
ATCC 26185 in this study showed an F-value of 9.93, which indicated that the terms in the model had a significant production reinforced significant effect effecton onthe theresponse

Summary

Introduction

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays a significant role as a nutrient required by both invertebrates and vertebrates. Since DHA is indispensable for prenatal and postnatal development of visual and other perceptive functions, this compound is added to many infant dietary formulas [1,2]. It has been observed that DHA is correlated with enhanced quality of life and reduced risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases [3]. Mammals lack the enzymes required to produce DHA de novo, so this substance must be obtained through the diet. A variety of marine fish species are currently the primary commercial sources of DHA. Fish-derived DHA is associated with many shortcomings, including unstable quality, a fishy odor, environmental pollution, high processing costs and a tendency to oxidize [4,5]. Efforts have been made to divert commercial DHA production towards the exploitation of oleaginous microorganisms that biosynthesize DHA, such as thraustochytrids

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