The optimal growth conditions for the biomass production of Isochrysis galbana and the effects that phosphorus, Zn2+, CO2, and light intensity have on the biochemical composition of Isochrysis galbana and the activity of extracellular CA

Abstract

The effects of phosphorus, Zn2+, CO2, and light intensity on growth, biochemical composition, and the activity of extracellular carbonic anhydrase (CA) in Isochrysis galbana were investigated. A significant change was observed when the concentration of phosphorus in the medium was increased from 5 μmol/L to 1000 μmol/L affecting I. galbana’s cell density, biochemical composition, and the activity of extracellular CA. Phosphorous concentration of 50 μmol/L to 500 μmol/L was optimal for this microalgae. The Zn2+ concentration at 10 μmol/L was essential to maintain optimal growth of the cells, but a higher concentration of Zn2+ (≥ 1000 μmol/L) inhibited the growth of I. galbana. High CO2 concentrations (43.75 mL/L) significantly increased the cell densities compared to low CO2 concentrations (0.35 mL/L). However, the activity of extracellular CA decreased significantly with an increasing concentration of CO2. The activity of extracellular CA at a CO2 concentration of 43.75 mL/L was approximately 1/6 of the activity when the CO2 concentration was at 0.35 mL/L CO2. Light intensity from 4.0 mW/cm2 to 5.6 mW/cm2 was beneficial for the growth, biochemical composition and the activity of extracellular CA. The lower and higher light intensity was restrictive for growth and changed its biochemical composition and the activity of extracellular CA. These results indicate that phosphorus, Zn2+, CO2, and light intensity are important factors that impact growth, biochemical composition and the activity of extracellular CA in I. galbana.