Biomass and lipid production by heterotrophic cultivation of chlorella sp. ABC-001

Abstract

Recently, the third generation biomass, microalgae, studies have been actively conducted to replace fossil fuels. Oleaginous microalgae Chlorella sp. ABC-001 is a suitable candidate as a biofuel with high lipid contents. In order to increase the economics of microalgae culture, biomass and lipid productivity were improved by using heterotrophic cultivation. At first, axenic condition was established to prevent contamination by bacteria. Next, a statistical optimization method was used to find optimal temperature and medium composition for heterotrophic cultivation. Based on this medium and culture condition, high biomass (3.65 g $L^{-1} d^{-1}$) and lipid productivity (1.41 g $L^{-1} d^{-1}$) were showed. This study expected to contribute to the production of biofuel in the future.