A novel potential source of β-carotene: Eustigmatos cf. polyphem (Eustigmatophyceae) and pilot β-carotene production in bubble column and flat panel photobioreactors

• Published in: Bioresource technology Vol. 117; pp. 257 - 263
• Main Authors: Li, Zhen, Ma, Xiaoqin, Li, Aifen, Zhang, Chengwu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2012
• Subjects: analysis; beta Carotene; beta Carotene - biosynthesis; Biomass; bioreactors; biosynthesis; bubbles; carotenoids; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Culture Techniques - instrumentation; Cell Culture Techniques - methods; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll - analysis; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Eustigmatophyceae; Eustigmatos cf. polyphem; instrumentation; Intracellular Space; Intracellular Space - metabolism; Intracellular Space - radiation effects; Light; light intensity; metabolism; methods; Microalgae; Microalgae - metabolism; Microalgae - radiation effects; microbiology; nitrates; Nitrogen; Photobioreactor; Photobioreactors; Photobioreactors - microbiology; Pilot Projects; radiation effects; Stramenopiles; Stramenopiles - metabolism; Stramenopiles - radiation effects; β-carotene; β-carotene; Microalgae; Nitrogen; Eustigmatos cf. polyphem; Photobioreactor
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.04.069

► Carotenoids profile of Eustigmatos cf. polyphem was first analyzed by HPLC. ► The microalga was first reported to accumulate large amount of β-carotene and biomass. ► Effects of light intensity and N on β-carotene and biomass accumulation were studied. ► Production of β-carotene in bubble column and large flat panel bioreactors was assessed. Carotenoids profile of the unicellular Eustigmatos cf. polyphem (Eustigmatophyceae) and β-carotene production of the microalga in bubble column and large flat panel bioreactors were studied. The microalga which contained β-carotene, violaxanthin and vaucheriaxanthin as the major carotenoids accumulated large amount of β-carotene. The β-carotene production of this microalga in the bubble column bioreactor was considerable, with the maximum intracellular β-carotene content reaching 60.76mgg−1, biomass reaching 9.2gL−1, and β-carotene yield up to 470.2mgL−1. The β-carotene productions in two large flat panel bioreactors were relatively lower, whereas over 100mg β-carotene L−1 was achieved. Besides, high light intensity helped to accumulate intracellular β-carotene and biomass. Deficient nitrate supply inhibited biomass growth, though it helped to accumulate β-carotene. Our results first proved that E. cf. polyphem was a potential source and producer of β-carotene, making it an interesting subject for further β-carotene study or commercial exploration.