Optimization of Physical Parameters of Astaxanthin Production from Haematococcus pluvialis

Abstract

Haematococcus pluvialis, fresh water microalgae has been considered as a possible natural source for the production of astaxanthin and it has been widely studied. The general composition of Haematococcus algae consists of common carotenoids, fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals. Both of the main physical and chemical parameters, especially medium and light, directly control the growth rate of Haematococcus pluvialis Astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid which is built from five carbon precursors isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethyl allyldiphosphate. Astaxanthin has important metabolic functions in animals and humans ranging from protection against oxidation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, protection against UV light effects, pro vitamin A activity and vision, immune response, pigmentation and communication to reproductive behaviour and improved reproduction. The astaxanthin is the pigment that is considered as the most powerful antioxidants in nature. Due to the high production cost of synthetic astaxanthin and the market demand for natural astaxanthin, the biological sources of astaxanthin have long been widely exploited. To extract more astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis, Growth optimization of the microalgae was done by using various medium such as BG-11, Basal, RM, BBM and TAP Medium. This comprehensive study on the determination of the culture medium and the light intensity was carried out to maximize the growth of Haematococcus pluvialis for batch cultivations. optimization was done by using different pH, temperature and light. the chlorophyll and protein content were analysed. And finally the astaxanthin was produced. The protein content of H. Pluvialis was found to be 338.27µg/ml.