Abstract

GARCIA MORALES, Jonathan et al. Effect of nitrogen and salinity stress on the β-carotene content of the microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta. Biotecnia [online]. 2020, vol.22, n.2, pp.13-19.  Epub Aug 07, 2020. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v22i2.1241.

The Dunaliella genus is cultivated to obtain antioxidant compounds, mainly carotenoids. In this study we analyzed growth, biomass and β-carotene content of Dunaliella tertiolecta cultivated under nitrogen and salinity stress. The salinity effects at 35, 45 and 55 UPS were compared, each one in combination with the F, F/8 and F/16 media; the F medium at 35 UPS was utilized as control. The experiment was carried out by the implementation of a 3x3 factorial design, using 250 mL flasks. Cell counts were done to determine the stationary growth phase, in which samples were taken for proximal analysis and determine the β-carotene content. It was observed that nitrogen limitation in culture media causes a negative effect on the cellular density and the β-carotene content; however, biomass and organic matter augmented under these conditions. On the other hand, the increase in salinity promoted high concentrations of the pigment. Based on the above findings, it was concluded that the most suitable conditions for the β-carotene production, is F medium at 45 UPS with yields of approximately 90 mg L-1.

Keywords : Dunaliella tertiolecta; β-carotene; nitrogen limitation; salinity.

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