Integration of continuous-high cell density-fed-batch fermentation for Aurantiochytrium limacinum for simultaneous high biomass, lipids and docosahexaenoic acid production

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) rich oil or biomass is currently being produced by fermentation of thraustochytrids by repeated fed-batch. Continuous cultivation has not been successful for DHA production because of excess carbon and limited nitrogen conditions requirement. The present study describes an alternative integrative fermentation strategy to simultaneously produce high cell density, lipids and DHA in continuous mode for Aurantiochytrium limacinum. The high cell density system (≥120 g/L DCW basis) on carbon feeding led to DHA productivity of 0.508 g/L.h on poultry waste based medium with a process time of 48–54 h. The strategy integrates the advantages of repeated fed-batch for high cell densities and DHA content in continuous cultivation.