Characterization of the biofuel potential of a newly isolated strain of the microalga Botryococcus braunii Kützing from Assam, India

Botryococcus braunii GUBIOTJTBB1 was isolated from a freshwater reservoir in Assam, India and its taxonomic identity was confirmed by 18S rRNA sequence analysis. Biofuel potential of the microalga strain was assessed from batch culture under laboratory conditions, based on its lipid content and energy value of the dried biomass. Total lipid of 57.14% and hexane extractable crude hydrocarbon of 52.6% were recorded maximum at 56 and 28 days respectively, which vary upon culture durations. The energy value (54.69 kJ/g) of the strain’s sundried biomass was found higher than that of petroleum diesel fuel and nearly twice than other microalgae strains compared. The strain GUBIOTJTBB1 was found superior in terms of total lipid and hydrocarbon contents comparing to the previously reported Indian strains of B. braunii. With further improvements in growth, the strain could become an ideal feedstock for potential biofuel production in the prevailing climatic conditions of the region.