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Authors

J. Galán-González, Instituto de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, México
I. Quintero-Zapata, Instituto de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, México
M Elías-Santos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, México
L.J. Galán-Wong, Instituto de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, México
U.J. López-Chuken, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotoxicología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, México
C Guajardo-Barbosa, Instituto de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, México
J.C Beltrán-Rocha, Laboratorio de Suelos, Plantas y Aguas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Francisco Villa S/N, Col. Ex-Hacienda El Canadá, C.P. 66050, General Escobedo, Nuevo León, MéxicoFollow

Abstract

Haematococcus pluvialis is a microalga with significant potential due to its capacity to produce carotenoids with antioxidant and nutraceutical benefits. However, the cost of harvesting this microalga, constituting over 30% of total expenses in large-scale production, is a major concern. Efficient flocculation, aiding in cell separation from the culture medium, is crucial to address this issue. The study contrasted Bold’s Basal Medium (BBM) with Lopez-Chuken & Young nutrient solution (LC-Y). The heightened salt content in LC-Y plays a crucial role in fostering saline stress, which is essential for evaluating H. pluvialis flocculation, biomass yield, and carotenoid production. To assess stability and adaptation in a cultivation medium for H. pluvialis, three consecutive batches were executed in 2-liter photobioreactors, starting with H. pluvialis cysts, adaptation, and increased inoculum. Variables like pH, electrical conductivity, and flocculation percentage were monitored. Moreover, the study found that pH had no noticeable effect on flocculation, but electrical conductivity significantly influenced observed flocculation dynamics in the process. Results revealed that LC-Y nutrient solution consistently outperformed BBM, exhibiting higher yields, flocculation rates, and ash content. Chlorophyll a and carotenoid levels were comparable in both media, whereas BBM excelled in chlorophyll b and oil production. According to the results, LC-Y nutritional solution enhances H. pluvialis flocculation as well as biomass yield, offering notable mineral enrichment and establishing itself as a cost-effective option for carotenoid synthesis. In conclusion, adopting LC-Y nutrient solution for H. pluvialis cultivation can boost carotenoid production and lower costs, thereby benefiting industries.

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