Promoting lutein production from the novel alga Acutodesmus sp. by melatonin induction

Abstract

In the current research, a novel microalgae strain was isolated from Yajiageng Red Rock Beach and identified as Acutodesmus sp. HLGY. To obtain high-efficiency production of lutein from algae, the feasibility of using melatonin (MT) to increase lutein yield of Acutodesmus sp. HLGY was evaluated. Under the 7.5 μM MT treatment, the lutein content and lutein productivity were 17.44 mg g−1 and 46.50 mg L−1 d−1, which were 1.53 times those of the control. Furthermore, exogenous MT increased the transcripts of key lutein synthesis- and antioxidant enzyme-related genes. Simultaneously, the carbohydrate, protein, and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid content were suppressed. More importantly, the ethylene and γ-aminobutyric acid contents were markedly increased by MT, which may be linked to the increase in lutein biosynthesis. This study proposes a valuable biotechnological approach for lutein production via a novel Acutodesmus sp. strain using MT induction and provides insights into the role of MT in promoting lutein biosynthesis.