Abstract
Microalgae are a source of valuable compounds with broad applications in cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, renewable energy, and bioremediation. The present study employs the freshwater microalgae Tetradesmus dimorphus NUAC202 to investigate the effects of different microalgal growth media, like BG-11, Bold’s basal medium (BBM), Bold’s basal medium with 3-fold nitrogen (3N-BBM), Modified Mann & Myers medium (MMM), Modified Bristol’s medium (BMM) and Modified Detmer’s medium (MDM), on its growth, biochemical compounds and photosynthetic pigment production. Lutein and β-carotene content were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Growth parameters were significantly improved by MDM and BMM media, whereas maximum accumulation of pigments, especially lutein (2.68 mg/g DW) and β-carotene (0.76 mg/g DW) were observed in BG-11 medium. Moreover, MDM and BG-11-biomass achieved high protein yield (40.64% and 40.49%, respectively). Thus, this study proposes MDM and BG-11 as a suitable media to cultivate T. dimorphus NUAC202 for the co-production of lutein and protein.