Environmental control of lipids and fatty acid production in the diatom Navicula saprophila

Abstract

The unique ability of microalgae to accumulate large amounts of lipids has led to an increase in the research on the cultivation of these organisms for the production of fuels. This paper describes the accumulation of cellular lipids by the diatom, Navicula saprophila, as a result of culture management strategies. The cells were grown in two different nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and silica) maintained at 20° and 30°C. The biomass, lipids, and fatty acids were measured. Biomass yield was higher in a nutrient (nitrogen/silica) nonstress treatment; however, the production of lipids was enhanced in a nutrient stress medium at 30 °C. The influence of the environmental conditions on the distribution of fatty acids was also observed. © 1989 Humana Press Inc.