New nutrients evaluation in Spirulina maxima growth for phycocyanin, carbohydrate, and biochar production

Author(s)

Marciano, Lucas Ioran ; Pedro, Guilherme Arantes ; dos Santos, Wallyson Ribeiro ; Tagliaferro, Geronimo Virginio ; Batista, Fabio Rodolfo Miguel ; Guimaraes, Daniela Helena Pelegrine

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PIGMENT & RESIN TECHNOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 9-pg., 2023-08-15.

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of light intensity and sources of carbon and nitrogen on the cultivation of Spirulina maxima. Design/methodology/approachCultures were carried out in a modified Zarrouk medium using urea, sodium acetate and glycerol. A Taguchi experimental design was used to evaluate the effect on the production of biocompounds: productivities in biomass, carbohydrates, phycocyanin and biochar were analyzed. FindingsStatistical data analysis revealed that light intensity and sodium acetate concentration were the most important factors, being significant in three of the four response variables studied. The highest productivities in biomass (46.94 mg.L-1.d(-1)), carbohydrates (6.11 mg.L-1.d(-1)), phycocyanin (3.62 mg.L-1.d(-1)) and biochar (22, 48 mg.L-1.d(-1)) were achieved in experiment 4 of the Taguchi matrix, highlighting as the ideal condition for the production of biomass, carbohydrates and phycocyanin. Practical implicationsSodium acetate and urea can be considered, respectively, as potential sources of carbon and nitrogen to increase Spirulina maxima productivity. From the results, an optimized cultivation condition for the sustainable production of bioproducts was obtained. Originality/valueThis work focuses on the study of the influence of light intensity and the use of alternative sources of nitrogen and carbon on the growth of Spirulina maxima, as well as on the influence on the productivity of biomass and biocompounds. There are few studies in the literature focused on the phycocyanin production from microalgae, justifying the need to deepen the subject. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/06352-2 - Cultivation of Spirulina maxima using alternative sources of nutrients for the biocompounds production: pigments, carbohydrates and biochar
• Grantee: Lucas Ioran Marciano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation