The production of biomolecules in microlagae: process improvement in laboratory and large scales

• Grant number: 19/16273-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 01, 2019
• End date: February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Applied Botany
• Principal Investigator: Ana Teresa Lombardi
• Grantee: Leonardo de Faria
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/07988-5 - Bioprospecting, characterization and optimization of Brazilian microalgal strains for CO2 biofixation and bioproducts of commercial importance, AP.TEM

Abstract

Microalgae have biotechnological potential of commercial importance. This is due to the great physiological versatility and biochemical diversity of these organisms, mostly photosynthetic. Microalgae produce a wide range of biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, as well as carotenoids and other antioxidant compounds. Their compounds can be used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. For commercial microalgal production, it is essential to commercialize high added value compounds, such as carotenoids or other antioxidants. Carotenoids provide a protective role for humans, similar to the protective functions performed on microalgae and plants. In microalgae carotenes are naturally produced as accessory pigments in the photosynthetic process. About 60 microalgae species were prospected under the thematic project (2018/07988-5) and of these, 9 species showed promise for carotenoid production, producing it in an amount comparable to Chlorella sorokiniana. The objective of this study is to develop strategies to improve the production of protein biomolecules, carbohydrates and antioxidants, including carotenoids, on laboratory scale and up to 500 L. We will select a low cost culture medium and combine induction strategies based in changes in algal growth conditions. As medium modifying agents we mention NaCl, copper and light intensity. We intend to develop a cultivation strategy that results in increased production of biomolecules without impairing growth rate, thus leading to higher productivities. Cultures will be performed on a laboratory scale where the strategy will be developed and afterwards, having selected at least 2 - 3 species that are most promising, we will expand the cultivation scale (up to 500 L) and apply the strategy developed in the laboratory. (AU)