Abstract
Microalgal biomass is an emerging source of several health-related compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids. Herein, Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated heterotrophically in a 16-L stirred tank bioreactor. The lipid oxidative stability and lipid bioaccessibility of the biomass harvested during the exponential and stationary phases were evaluated. The biomass harvested during the stationary phase showed lower lipid oxidation than that harvested during the exponential phase, likely due to the higher content of antioxidants in the former. In both biomasses, the hexanal and propanal profiles showed only moderate increase over 12 weeks of storage at 40 °C, indicating good oxidative stability. Lipid bioaccessibility measured in an infant in vitro model was 0.66% ± 0.16% and 2.41% ± 0.61% for the biomass harvested during the exponential and late stationary phases, respectively. This study indicates that C. vulgaris biomass can be considered as a stable and nutritious (optimal ω3:ω6 profile) source of essential fatty acids. Our results suggested that regarding lipid stability and bioaccessibility, harvesting during stationary phase could be preferred choice. In general, treatment of the biomass to increase lipid bioaccessibility should be investigated.
Highlights
Microalgae are well known microorganisms for their high growth rate and limited competition with existing agriculture since they can be grown on non-arable land [1]
The biomass harvested during the stationary phase showed lower lipid oxidation than that harvested during the exponential phase, likely due to the higher content of antioxidants in the former
This study indicates that C. vulgaris biomass can be considered as a stable and nutritious source of essential fatty acids
Summary
Microalgae are well known microorganisms for their high growth rate and limited competition with existing agriculture since they can be grown on non-arable land [1]. Microalgae can be grown in photoautotrophic mode: in presence of light and carbon dioxide, microalgae obtain their energy through photosynthesis. Certain microalgae species can grow in heterotrophic conditions. Microalgae need an additional organic carbon source (e.g., glucose, glycerol) as an energy supply [2,3]. Species can be strictly photoautotrophic or heterotrophic or able to grow in both modes (mixotrophic) (e.g., Chlorella vulgaris and Auxenochlorella protothecoides) [4]. Heterotrophic cultivation has been shown to lead to higher biomass productivity and can be considered to be more sustainable than photoautotrophic based production so far [1]
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