Evaluation of diverse biochemical stimulants to enhance growth, lipid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production of Aurantiochytrium Sp. ATCC PRA-276

Abstract

In the current investigation, the efficacy of five different biochemical stimulants; 2-phenylacetic acid (PAA), humic acid (HA), spermidine (SPD), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and ferric chlorides (FC), as potential stimulant in augmenting the growth/biomass, lipid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 were elucidated. After 120 h of cultivation, the individual supplementation of PAA, HA, SPD, 1-MCP, and FC, elevates the biomass, total lipid and DHA production of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 by 32%–76%, 23%–34%, and 53%–86% in comparison to the control, respectively. The highest biomass and DHA productivities was observed with the supplementation of PAA and FC achieving 76% and 67% and 86% and 66%, compared to the control, respectively. PAA supplementation may have increased biomass production by reducing the lag period and extending the log phase. While only a marginal increment on biomass and DHA contents of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 was observed with the supplementation of 1-MCP. This study suggests the potential application of biochemical stimulants for improved growth, lipid and DHA productivities of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276. • The effects of biochemical stimulants on Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 growth, lipid, and DHA biosynthesis were studied. • Individual supplements of PAA, HA, and FC enhanced biomass, lipid, and DHA by 32%–76%, 23%–34%, and 53%–86%, respectively. • With the addition of PAA and FC, the maximum biomass and DHA productivities were achieved. • The addition of 1-MCP resulted in just a slight increase in the biomass and DHA contents of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276.