loading page

Induction of proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments in three microalgae using flashing light
  • +8
  • Serena Lima,
  • Peter Schulze,
  • Lisa Schüler,
  • Ralf Rautenberger,
  • Daniela Morales-Sánchez,
  • Tamará Santos,
  • Hugo Pereira,
  • João Varela,
  • F. Scargiali,
  • Rene Wijffels,
  • Kiron Viswanath
Serena Lima
University of Palermo

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Peter Schulze
Nord Universitetet
Author Profile
Lisa Schüler
University of Algarve
Author Profile
Ralf Rautenberger
NIBIO Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
Author Profile
Daniela Morales-Sánchez
Nord Universitetet
Author Profile
Tamará Santos
University of Algarve
Author Profile
Hugo Pereira
University of Algarve
Author Profile
João Varela
University of Algarve
Author Profile
F. Scargiali
University of Palermo
Author Profile
Rene Wijffels
Wageningen University
Author Profile
Kiron Viswanath
Nord Universitetet
Author Profile

Abstract

Microalgae use light to produce biomass and high value bio-compounds that are used as supplements in foods and feeds. They are commonly cultivated outdoors where organisms capture energy from sunlight. However, production at high latitudes require artificial light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), to complement or entirely replace sunlight. LEDs can be tailored to emit repeatedly pulses of photons (so-called flashing light), which can stimulate growth or induce the biosynthesis of high value biomolecules. Here, we assessed the effects of flashing light (f = 5, 50 and 500 Hz; duty cycle = 0.05) on growth and biochemical composition of Nannochloropsis gaditana, Koliella antarctica and Tetraselmis chui strains. At low flashing light frequencies (e.g., f= 5 and 50 Hz), a strain-dependent growth inhibition and an accumulation of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), chlorophyll and carotenoids (lutein, -carotene, violaxanthin and neoxanthin) were observed. In addition, a short-term 4-day application of flashing light to concentrated cultures increased productivities of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and specific carotenoids up to two to three times compared to continuous light. In conclusion, protein, PUFA or pigment productivities of microalgae can be maximised by applying low-frequency flashing light at exponential or late growth stages.