Flocculation and Cell Rupture in C. Vulgaris

Abstract

Among all carotenoids, the human body can easily convert β-carotene into retinol, which is a major ingredient in dietary supplements. In the United States, beta-carotene (95% pure) is permitted as a colorant under 21 CFR 73.95 and 21 CFR 166.110. In this study, we are reporting the evaluation of the content of lipids, β-carotene and lutein in the native strain of Chlorella vulgaris CIB 46 (from CIBNOR), Mexico during growth period to define the optimal harvest days for the specific products and future industrial use. This strain has the potential to produce lutein, β-carotene, lipids that can be used for functional foods. Chlorella vulgaris CIB 46 strain showed considerably high biomass productivity reaching almost 2.4g/L biomass on day 21 and reaching 3.0g/L on Day 24 in photobioreactors. Chlorella vulgaris presented a production of carotenoids up to 3.45mg/g at day 21. The Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) showed that they contain high β-carotene and lutein in their carotenoid fraction based on the intensity of the band. Our study results showed that Chlorella vulgaris-CIB46 is a potential strain to produce main carotenes such as β-carotene and lutein, they are 0.35% of dry biomass. We obtained a notable amount of lipids that is 37% in Chlorella vulgaris CIB 46 measured by sulpho-valiline method of extraction with enzymatic pretreatment with enzyme Celluclast at 2%. Lipid content was high at 15 days of culture whereas we found β-carotene was higher at 15th and 21st day.