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Effect of Photoperiod and White LED on Biomass Growth and Protein Production by Spirulina

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Abstract

The constant increase in demand for food, valued bio-based compounds and energy demand has prompted the development of innovative and sustainable resources. New technologies and strategies must be implemented to boost microalgae biomass production, such as using different photoperiods along with (LED) light-emitting diodes to stimulate biomass production and boost profits. This work investigates the cultivation of blue-green microalgae (Spirulina) in a closed lab condition. The current study aims to boost Spirulina biomass production by creating ideal growth conditions using different photoperiods (12:12; 10:14; 14:10) light/dark with a constant light intensity of 2000 lx from White LED lights. The obtained optical density and protein content was highest for photoperiod 14L: 10D and values were 0.280 OD, with a protein content of 23.44 g/100 g, respectively. This study is a crucial first step in identifying the best photoperiod conditions to help S. platensis produce more biomass. The study results showed that increasing photoperiod for S. platensis farming can improve the quality and amount of biomass generated in those cultures without negatively affecting growth.

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Acknowledgements

We appreciate help and support from sustainable energy and sustainable resource (SRSE) lab for this study. We also thank the School of Renewable Energy, Maejo University for research grant “Project to Educate and Develop Graduate Potential in Renewable Energy in ASEAN Countries for Graduate Students of the School of Renewable Energy, Maejo University”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Renewable Energy, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand

    Obaid Bhat & Rameshprabu Ramaraj

  2. Sustainable Resources and Sustainable Engineering Research Lab, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand

    Obaid Bhat, Yuwalee Unpaprom & Rameshprabu Ramaraj

  3. APEC Research Center for Advanced Biohydrogen Technology (ACABT), Thailand Chiang Mai Branch Center, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand

    Yuwalee Unpaprom & Rameshprabu Ramaraj

  4. Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand

    Yuwalee Unpaprom

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  1. Obaid Bhat
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Correspondence to Rameshprabu Ramaraj.

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Bhat, O., Unpaprom, Y. & Ramaraj, R. Effect of Photoperiod and White LED on Biomass Growth and Protein Production by Spirulina. Mol Biotechnol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-023-00787-y

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