Statistical optimization of phytol and polyunsaturated fatty acid production in the Antarctic microalga <italic>Micractinium variabile</italic> KSF0031

Abstract

Polar microorganisms produce physiologically active substances to adapt to harsh environments, and these substances can be used as biomedical compounds. The green microalga Micractinium variabile KSF0031, which was isolated from Antarctica, produced phytol, a natural antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, several polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3, exhibit antioxidant properties. Here statistical methods (Plackett-Burman design and Box- Behnken design) were used to optimize the culture medium of KSF0031 to improve biomass production, and K2HPO4, MgSO4·7H2O, and ammonium ferric citrate green (AFCg) were selected as significant components of the culture medium. Changes in the concentration of K2HPO4 and MgSO4·7H2O as positive factors and AFCg as a negative factor affected cell growth to a remarkable degree. The biomass production in a 100 L culture using the optimized medium for 24 d at 18°C was improved by 37.5% compared to that obtained using the original BG-11 medium. The quantities of PUFAs and phytol obtained were 13 mg g-1 dry cell weight (DCW) and 10.98 mg g-1 DCW, which represent improved yields of 11.70% and 48.78%, respectively. The results of this study could contribute to an improved production of phytol and fatty acids from Antarctic microalgae in the biomedical industry.