Production of Spirulina platensis Biomass Under Different Temperature and Nitrogen Regimes

Abstract

Spirulina is of the worldwide cultivated and consumed microalgae. It is generally used directly or as an additive in the food industry due to its high protein content. Besides the high protein content Spirulina biomass contain important fatty acids, (e.g., GLA), vitamins, minerals, and some bioactive compounds, that are affected by the parameters of biomass cultivation. In the presented study, the limitation of nitrogen (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% N concentration) and temperature fluctuations (25°C and 30°C) on Spirulina platensis growth parameters, biomass, protein, total phenolic, total carotenoids and antioxidant capacity were investigated and the production of Spirulina platensis was optimized in terms of biomass and metabolites.While the amount of biomass increased in general with the increase in temperature, dry weight decreased. The highest level of the protein accumulation was determined at 30°C and Spirulina medium with 100% N concentration. Protein, total phenolic substance, and total carotenoid amounts were found at the higher level with the temperature increase to 30°C in all samples.