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Enhanced growth rate and ulvan yield of Ulva pertusa using light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

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Abstract

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology offers potential energy-efficient light sources for algal aquaculture. In this study, the growth rate and ulvan yield of Ulva pertusa used for broad commercial applications were enhanced in vitro. To investigate the response of Ulva to LEDs, algae were grown under white fluorescent, pure primary color LED, and mixed LED lights for 28 days. Ulva sp. under blue LED and white fluorescent light showed higher specific growth rate (SGR, 12% day−1) than other light sources, while the growth under mixed red-blue LED light was lower than that under white fluorescent lighting. Despite the differences in alga growth under LEDs and white fluorescent light, few differences are observed in N and P content among algae grown under any light source. U. pertusa showed tissue nitrogen and ulvan contents in the ranges of 4.4–6.7% and 20.4–25.1%, respectively, under all LED light treatments. The ulvan extracted from algae under blue LED showed high levels of antioxidant activity measured with 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the ulvan obtained under different lights showed different monosaccharide compositions. Based on these results, LEDs should be considered as the main light sources for indoor seaweed cultivation.

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Funding

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2017R1D1A1B03035600).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, Republic of Korea

    Bao Le, Sangmi Sun, Seung Hwan Yang & Gyuhwa Chung

  2. Department of Aquaculture, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, Republic of Korea

    Jong-Am Shin & Man-Gu Kang

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  1. Bao Le
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  2. Jong-Am Shin
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Correspondence to Gyuhwa Chung.

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Le, B., Shin, JA., Kang, MG. et al. Enhanced growth rate and ulvan yield of Ulva pertusa using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Aquacult Int 26, 937–946 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-018-0260-4

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