Age of nitrogen deficient microalgal cells is a key factor for maximizing lipid content

A variety of batch cultured marine microalgae was selected as lipid producer candidates towards the biofuel invention. The strains were characterized and compared for their growth and potential lipid production. The results showed that, under basal cultivation conditions, Tetraselmis chuii is the highest grown and lowest lipid producer among the investigated species. Furthermore, a linear correlation between the alga's cell size and the lipid content was demonstrated. However, after being transferred into nitrogen deficient nutrient medium, T. chuii cells were equally sized and attained the maximum size after 15 days of cultivation. In addition, the lipid amount produced by the alga showed an increase by about 35% compared to the basal growth medium. © 2012 Academic Journels Inc.