Impact of light intensity, CO2 concentration and bubble size on growth and fatty acid composition of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis KMMCC CY-007

Studies on lipid accumulation and fatty acid composition of microalgae as a feedstock for biodiesel have been reported in numerous papers in recent years. However, in contrast to microalgae, documentation on cyanobacteria such as Arthrospira platensis with regard to lipid production has been sparse thus far. In this paper, we show the relatively high lipid accumulation potential of A. platensis KMMCC CY-007 in modified Schlِsser medium. Four different growth conditions [7.5 candela (cd) and 1% CO2, 15 cd and 1% CO2, 7.5 cd and air, and 15 cd and air] were examined over 7 days in order to compare the impact of light intensity. Using two different growth conditions (7.5 cd and 1% CO2 bulk bubble and 7.5 cd and 1% CO2 fine bubble), changes in growth, lipid accumulation and fatty acid composition were compared. The highest lipid content of 37.96% was obtained at 7.5 cd and 1% CO2 fine bubble after 7 days, and the maximum net production (72.56%) of long chain fatty acid methyl esters (C16:0 and C18:0) detected at 7.5 cd and 1% CO2 bulk bubble. These data suggest the potential of A. platensis for production of crude lipid as a future feedstock for biodiesel production.