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CSIC ENV002- Microalgae culture systems for the generation of lutein and other valuable compounds.
Institute of Vegetal Biochemistry and Photosynthesis of CSIC has optimised the production by micro algae of compounds of commercial interest, especially carotenoids and antioxidants, in batch, semi continuous and continuous systems. Lutein production by Muriellopsis sp. is an example. Production of compounds by micro algae represents an alternative to its production by either plants or chemical synthesis. Collaboration sought: further research and/or development support; financial resources.
Specification sheet:
DESCRIPTION

The content of several commercially interesting carotenoids has been studied in different strains of chlorophycean micro algae. Muriellopsis sp. and Chlorella zofingiensis CCAP 211/14 were the strains that exhibited the highest level of lutein (up to 35 mg per culture litre), as well as a high growth rate (about 0.2 h-1) and standing cell density (up to 80 million cells per ml culture), Chlorella zofingiensis containing in addition substantial amounts of astaxanthin. In Muriellopsis sp. and Chlorella zofingiensis, the highest lutein contents in the cultures were obtained in the early stationary phase and under conditions which were, in general, also optimal for cell growth (20-40 mM sodium nitrate, 2-100 mM NaCl, 460 µmol photon per square meter and second, pH 6.5 and 28°C). On the other hand, growth-limiting conditions, such as pH values of 6 or 9 or a temperature of 33°C, were found to stimulate carotenogenesis in Muriellopsis sp.

Lutein production by Muriellopsis sp. has been also studied in continuous culture outdoors in a tubular photo bioreactor, at different dilution and mixing rates, in different periods of the year, and along the daily solar cycle. Highest productivities, both of lutein (about 180 mg per square meter and day) and biomass (about 40 g (dry weight) per square meter and day) were achieved in May and July. In these months, optimum dilution rate (0.06 h-1) was lower than in November (0.09 h-1). Similar photosynthetic efficiency values were obtained in November and May, indicating that an optimisation of conditions for each experimental period was achieved. Along the daily cycle, lutein content of Muriellopsis sp. increased rapidly with irradiance during the early hours of daytime, maximal lutein content (about 6 mg per g dry weight) being recorded at noon, decreasing slowly afterwards. However, biomass concentration increased only after lutein content had reached maximal values. These results indicate that lutein could play a role in protecting cells from photo damage. Values obtained for lutein production by Muriellopsis sp. are similar to those for astaxanthin by Haematococcus, micro alga of recognized interest for the production of this carotenoid.

Muriellopsis sp. can be considered, thus, a potential source of lutein, a commercially interesting carotenoid of application in aquaculture and poultry farming, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry.

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

The production of lutein by Muriellopsis sp. cultures represents a significant innovation on actual systems for the production of lutein, a carotenoid pigment increasingly demanded as its effectivity for a variety of medical and pharmaceutical uses is confirmed.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Generation of products with commercial interest by microalgae represents an issue of great scientific and technological relevance. The system represented by Muriellopsis sp. cultures might prove highly effective for the generation of lutein, as an alternaive to its production by either marigold plantations or chemical systhesis.

KEYWORDS

Carotenoids, Microalgae, Lutein, Batch culture, Tubular photobioreactor, Biotechnology, Muriellopsis sp., Chlorella zofingiensis.

009002 Environtment
009002002 Environmental Engineering
006002 Biotechnology

PATENT

Applied for

CONTACT

Consuelo Quilchano
email: quilchano@cica.es
phone: +34 95 450 09 78

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