Accumulation of lipid in Dunaliella salina under Nutrient Starvation Condition

Abstract

The effect of nutrient starvation on lipid accumulation of Dunaliella salina A9 was studied. In nutrient starvation, cell colour changed from green to yellow (or orange) and cell growth reached stationary phase after 9 days of the culture. The study showed that under nutrient stress, decreased in cell growth is accompanied by carotenoid biosynthesis and lipid content of Dunaliella salina. The results of this study can be used to increase carotenoid and lipid production in microalgae for functional food and biofuel in the future.