Efficient Microscale Screening Of Various Haematococcus Pluvialis Strains For Growth And Astaxanthin Production

Efficient Microscale Screening of Various Haematococcus Pluvialis Strains for Growth and Astaxanthin Production

A Comparison of Stressing Techniques of Haematococcus Pluvialis

Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater species of microalgae, is one of the most important sources of natural astaxanthin, a keto-carotenoid of high value to the pharmaceutical industry. Astaxanthin possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties as well as serving as food coloration. Production of astaxanthin from natural sources is limited, and microalgae is a promising source to meet the increasing demand. Three strains of H. pluvialis from various culture collections, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP 34/8), Nation Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES-144), and Scandinavian Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (SCCAP K-0048), were tested in different conditions to compare the synthesis of astaxanthin. The strains were compared in three different conditions, high light (control), low pH, and addition of salt water, and the amount of astaxanthin produced was compared using a 2-way T-test. This research is of interest to explore different methods for producing astaxanthin for the growing market.

Chemical Mutagenesis and Screening of Haematococcus Pluvialis for Natural Astaxanthin Production