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Induction of β, ε-carotene-3, 3′-diol (lutein) production in green algae Chlorella salina with airlift photobioreactor: interaction of different aeration and light-related strategies

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Abstract

The impact and interaction of light irradiance strength (light intensities), lighting cycle (photoperiod), and aeration rate on biomass concentration and lutein production efficacy of the microalga Chlorella salina in a closed laboratory-scale airlift photobioreactor were investigated via the response surface method. Among the factors assessed, light intensity and aeration rate had significant influence on cell concentration, though a concurrent increment in light intensity noticeably decreased the lutein content. All the parameters were observed to be statistically significant. Best operating conditions for the growth of alga was evaluated to be as follows: light intensity, 200 μmol m−2 s−1; photoperiod, 12:12 h L D; and the aeration rate, 3 lpm. These conditions could substantially enhance the microalgal growth rate (0.82 day−1) and biomass production (665.89 mg). Specific lutein productivity and a recovery of 9.73 mg/L/day were achieved at a day light cycle of 16 h. According to the results of the experimental design, the optimum conditions led to a twofold increase in biomass and lutein productivity compared with unoptimized condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Road, Chennai, India

    S. Gayathri, S. R. Radhika Rajasree, T. Y. Suman, L. Aranganathan & R. Thriuganasambandam

  2. Department of Fish Processing Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Cochin, India

    S. R. Radhika Rajasree

  3. College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China

    T. Y. Suman & G. Narendrakumar

  4. Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China

    G. Narendrakumar

  5. Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio & Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India

    G. Narendrakumar

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  1. S. Gayathri
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Gayathri, S., Rajasree, S.R.R., Suman, T.Y. et al. Induction of β, ε-carotene-3, 3′-diol (lutein) production in green algae Chlorella salina with airlift photobioreactor: interaction of different aeration and light-related strategies. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 11, 2003–2012 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00580-5

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