International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 10 (2013) pp. 325-328

Optimization of growth conditions for carotenoid production from Spirulina platensis (Geitler)

K.Sujatha and P.Nagarajan*

Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

Carotenoid production by Spirulina platensis was enhanced under different stress conditions such as higher salinity and nitrogen starvation. Exposure of S. platensis to high saline levels and low levels of nitrogen caused an immediate cessation of growth and a decrease in biomass. The carotenoids and -carotene content was found to be increased at high saline levels and nitrogen starvation.The increase in -carotene content in starved cells may be attributed to excessive formation of free radicals under the stress, produced in order to protect the cells and to continue their growth.

Keywords

Spirulina; salinity; nitrogen starvation; carotenoids; -carotene.