The Increase in β-carotene Content in Dunaliella salina from the Application of Different Light Intensities

Abstract

Dunaliella salina is an example of a natural source of β-carotene and it is made up of larger cells than others in the genus Dunaliella. It is therefore able to produce more β- carotene. Dunaliella salina is able to accumulate more β-carotene content when cultured in environmental stress conditions such as high salinity, low nutrients and high light. This study aims to determine the increase in β-carotene content in D. salina due to the application of difference light intensities and to further determine the maximal light intensity required to obtain the highest β-carotene content in D. salina. The treatments used were different light intensities of700 Lux, 2.200 Lux, 3.700 Lux and 5.200 Lux with five repetitions respectively. The primary parameter that was measured was the β-carotene content of D. salina. The supporting factors in this research were the growth of D. salina and the water quality; i.e. temperature, pH, and salinity. The results showed that different light intensities can increase the β-carotene content in D. salina with the increased light intensity being the treatment. The maximum light intensity required to produce the highest amount of β-carotene content was 5.200 Lux with 0,0087 ml/L. Based on these results, further research is needed regarding light intensities to see if it can tolerate further stimulated growth in order to produce β-carotene more.