Isolation and characterization of an extremophilic Chlorella sp. as a potential source of valuable metabolites.

Anisha, Chatterjee (2015) Isolation and characterization of an extremophilic Chlorella sp. as a potential source of valuable metabolites. [Student Project Report] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Extremophilic microalgae are those species that can tolerate extreme culture conditions such as high/low temperatures, acid/alkali pH, high salinity and intense light irradiation. These extremophiles find application for production of valuable metabolites of high commercial importance. In this direction, an alkalophilic green microalga was isolated from Spirulina cultivation pond. The strain was identified as Chlorella sp. based on the morphological features. The strain was characterized for its growth in different culture conditions such as different bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate and potassium phosphate levels. The strain was alkali tolerant and could grow above pH 10.0. The strain showed maximum growth at 10 g L-1 sodium bicarbonate, 1g L-1 sodium nitrate and 2 g L-1 potassium phosphate. The strain was tolerant to NaCl up to 8 g L-1 without any variation in the growth. The strain accumulated lipid in the range between 18-25% w/w biomass. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) was the dominant fatty acid followed by palmitic and oleic acid. Under reduced bicarbonate and nitrate levels, the ALA content decreased while palmitic and oleic acid levels increased. The culture conditions that improve growth were found to improve total carotenoid content (10-12 μg / 100 mg biomass). Lutein was the dominant carotenoid contributing up to 70% of the total carotenoid fraction. Lower nitrogen and bicarbonate concentrations (0 g L-1 to 0.5 g L-1) resulted in reduced lutein production. Based on the studies, it can be concluded that the isolated Chlorella sp. is an alkalophile and can be targeted as potential source of alpha linolenic acid and lutein.

Item Type:	Student Project Report
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Extremophilic microalgae, Spirulina, Chlorella sp
Subjects:	500 Natural Sciences and Mathematics > 07 Life Sciences > 04 Microbiology > 01 Algae
Divisions:	Plant Cell Biotechnology
Depositing User:	Food Sci. & Technol. Information Services
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2015 08:34
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2015 08:34
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/11919

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