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Characterization of cell structural change, growth, lipid accumulation, and pigment profile of a novel oleaginous microalga, Vischeria stellata (Eustigmatophyceae), cultured with different initial nitrate supplies

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Abstract

The appropriate microalgal species and the optimal nitrogen supply in culture medium are vital factors in maximizing biomass and metabolite productivities in microalgae. Vischeria stellata is an edaphic unicellular eustigmatophycean microalga. Cytological and ultrastructural characteristics and the effects of different initial nitrate-nitrogen concentrations on growth, lipid accumulation, fatty acid profile, and pigment composition were investigated in the present study. The cell structures of V. stellata changed with the degree of nutrient utilization and growth phase. The initial nitrate concentration for the optimal growth of V. stellata ranged from 6.0 to 9.0 mM. The maximum total lipid (TLs), neutral lipid (NLs), and total fatty acid (TFAs) contents were 55.9, 51.9, and 44.7 % of dry biomass, respectively. The highest volumetric productivity of TLs, NLs, and TFAs reached 0.28, 0.25, and 0.21 g L−1 day−1, respectively. V. stellata had a suitable fatty acid profile for biodiesel production, as well as containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for nutraceutical applications. In addition, the content β-carotene, increased gradually as culture time was prolonged, resulting in its exclusive production at the end of cultivation. V. stellata is a promising microalgal strain for the production of biofuels and bioproducts.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the following funding: the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31170337); the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (No. 2013AA065805); the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No. 2011CB2009001); the Special Program for Low-Carbon, Reform and Development Commission of Guangdong Province (2011–051).

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Ecology & Research Center for Hydrobiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China

      Baoyan Gao, Jin Yang, Xueqing Lei, Song Xia, Aifen Li & Chengwu Zhang

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    1. Baoyan Gao
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    2. Jin Yang
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    3. Xueqing Lei
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    Correspondence to Chengwu Zhang.

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    Baoyan Gao and Jin Yang contributed equally to this work.

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    Gao, B., Yang, J., Lei, X. et al. Characterization of cell structural change, growth, lipid accumulation, and pigment profile of a novel oleaginous microalga, Vischeria stellata (Eustigmatophyceae), cultured with different initial nitrate supplies. J Appl Phycol 28, 821–830 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-015-0626-1

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