Research Article Open Access

Effect of Nitrogen on Growth and Lipid Content of Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Subhasha Nigam1, Monika Prakash Rai1 and Rupali Sharma1
  • 1 Amity Institute of Biotechnology, India

Abstract

Problem Statement: In today’s scenario, microalgae are widely recognized as a promising source for biofuel production as a renewable source of energy. They are exceedingly rich in oil, which can be converted to biofuel. This paper deals with one of the method to enhance the lipid content in microalgae. Approach: Microalga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, was grown autotrophically in batch culture and the effect of different concentrations of nitrogen source (0-0.4 g L-1 KNO3) on growth and lipid content was studied. Results: As the nitrate concentration in the medium decreased, biomass production also decreased but the lipid content increased. Moreover, at the same concentration of nitrate source, lipid tends to accumulate more in stationary phase in comparison to exponential phase. Highest lipid accumulation of 26% was recorded in the culture with 0.05 g L-1 KNO3, which is one-fourth of basal nitrogen source concentration. Conclusion: The present study suggested that nitrogen starvation is the effective approach to enhance lipid for biofuel production.

American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Volume 7 No. 3, 2011, 124-129

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajbbsp.2011.124.129

Submitted On: 24 August 2011 Published On: 22 September 2011

How to Cite: Nigam, S., Rai, M. P. & Sharma, R. (2011). Effect of Nitrogen on Growth and Lipid Content of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 7(3), 124-129. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajbbsp.2011.124.129

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Keywords

  • Microalgae
  • lipid content
  • nitrogen source
  • KNO3
  • biofuel
  • comparison to exponential
  • grown autotrophically
  • batch culture
  • Triacylglycerols (TAGs)