Abstract
Optimization of the fatty acid profile in microalgae is one of the key strategies for obtaining valuable products and sustainable biofuels. Light intensity and light regimes exert an impact on the growth and metabolic process in microalgae. The objective of the present investigations was to assess the effect of light intensity and continuous light vs. photoperiod conditions on the growth and changes in the biomass composition in Eustigmatos magnus, with a focus on bioactive molecules such as lipids and fatty acids. The highest daily productivity of Eustigmatos magnus biomass and lipid yields were detected at continuous illumination and at the highest intensity of light. The results show that the content and composition of fatty acids was influenced by the culture conditions. The biomass of Eustigmatos magnus contained the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the pphotoperiod conditions with the highest light intensity. This study shows that Eustigmatos magnus has a capacity for the accumulation of palmitoleic acid. A high intensity of continuous light improves the profile of fatty acids in Eustigmatos magnus, which can be suitable for biodiesel applications. At the high intensity of continuous light, Eustigmatos magnus lipids are characterized by high content of oleic acids and low content of saturated and monounsaturated acids.
Highlights
Eukaryotic microalgae have been being recognized as a new promising feedstock production of biodiesel and such bioproducts as lipids, pigments, carbohydrates, and vitamins [1].Photoautotrophic microalgae are the primary producer of medium-chain (C10–C14) and long-chain (C16–C18, C20–C22) polyunsaturated fatty acids
The highest daily productivity of biomass was found in Eustigmatos magnus cultures grown under continuous illumination and at the highest light intensity
We have demonstrated that the increased lipid accumulation in the Eustigmatos magnus cells exposed to the highest light intensity is the result of light but not the depletion of nutrients, which is supported by the highest biomass productivity in the HL continuous illumination (CL) conditions
Summary
Eukaryotic microalgae have been being recognized as a new promising feedstock production of biodiesel and such bioproducts as lipids, pigments, carbohydrates, and vitamins [1]. Photoautotrophic microalgae are the primary producer of medium-chain (C10–C14) and long-chain (C16–C18, C20–C22) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Microalgal lipids containing C14–C20 fatty acids can be used for the production of biodiesel, which is non-toxic and eco-friendly [2]. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are commercially important as well. They comprise two groups of essential acids: omega ω-3 and ω-6. The omega 3 group is represented by an essential fatty acid, i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), which is an important target in microalgal biotechnology due to its special role in human nutrition [3]
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