Tocopherol Content of Euglena sp. Isolated from Yogyakarta under Glucose and Ethanol Mixture Treatment

Abstract

Euglena sp. is a microalgae with significant potential for utilization as a high-value product because of the presence of protein, lipid, paramylon, and other compounds. Even though these microalgae may be found in freshwater, research on enhancing Euglena sp. cultivation is still limited in Indonesia. Tocopherols are antioxidants that can effectively protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress. The isomer of tocopherol with the highest biological activity is α-tocopherol. Euglena sp. cells had the highest levels of α-tocopherol compared to other microorganisms. Scientists are continuously trying to determine how to obtain a high α-tocopherol concentration and a significant Euglena cell biomass. Photosynthetic organisms culture has been found to boost α-tocopherol content in Euglena sp., although heterotrophic culture can potentially increase biomass. This study used photoheterotrophic culture with a mixture of glucose and ethanol to increase the α-tocopherol and biomass concentration inside the culture of the local strain of Euglena sp. The addition of treatments in a glucose and ethanol combination with levels of 3:2; 2.5: 2.5; 2: 2; and 0:0 (control) g L-1 was used in this study to assess the impact of Euglena sp. culture on growth, biomass, and α-tocopherol concentration. According to the findings of this study, the 3:2 treatment produced the most significant specific growth rate and biomass, including 0.992 (OD680/OD680/day) and 8.480 (g L-1). In contrast, the 2.5:2.5 treatment produced the highest α-tocopherol content, specifically 7.09±0.096 mg L-1.