Performance evaluation of microalgal strains for concurrent production of high-value bio-actives lutein and phytol: A step forward towards the multi-product paradigm

Abstract

The major challenges in commercializing the microalgal products like lutein and biofuel are low product yields, and high costs associated with cultivation and downstream processes. One of the sustainable solutions to this technology challenge is to develop a multi-product paradigm or biorefinery model through systematic biomass valorisation. In this perspective, this study made efforts to evaluate the best performing microalgal strains for concurrent production of two high-value products like lutein and phytol, followed by biochemical characterization of the strains in terms of protein, carbohydrate and lipid. Out of the eighteen different strains grown under photoautotrophic mode, Dunaliella sp. CCNM 1161 produced a higher lutein (7.84 ± 0.49 mg g−1) and phytol (2.69 ± 0.23 mg g−1) contents with a biomass yield of 0.73 ± 0.03 g L−1. Further, on exploring the potential strains suitable for the production of valuable biochemical compounds, Spirulina sp. CCNM 2132 resulted in higher protein yield of 35.87 ± 0.49%, whereas, strains like Bracteacoccus pseudominor CCNM 1018 and Nannochloropsis sp. CCNM 1034 showed better carbohydrate (33.34 ± 0.22%) and lipid (40.2 ± 1.04%) contents, respectively. The potential significance of the present study lies in recognizing the promising microalgal strains for simultaneous production of two high-value bioactive compounds such as lutein and phytol. In addition, this study takes a step forward in achieving a multi-product microalgal biorefinery model that envisages effective biomass valorisation for cost-effective production of high- and low-value products.