Characterization of a new Dunalliela salina strain isolated from San Quintin, Baja California (México) producer of lipids, pigments and micronutrients

Abstract

Some microalgae are recognized for producing pigments and other metabolites with biotechnological importance, particularly, Dunaliella salina is a remarkable one. These kind of compounds are used as food and have a great industrial potential. The pigment industry comprises a millionaire market value, being β-carotene one of the most profitable one. In this study we describe the morphology, molecular identification, growth dynamics, proximal composition, nutrients and pigment content of a recently isolated Dunaliella salina strain (SQ) under different salinity/light conditions, in order to highlight its remarkable properties for biotech/biomed industry. D. salina SQ reached the highest densities (1.07-1.25 cell mL-1 x106) at low salinities (100-500 mM NaCl) under continuous light regimen (24:0 h Light:Dark). Neoxanthin (Neo) and violaxanthin (Viol) were the most abundant pigments when exposed to 500 mM NaCl (18:6 h Light:Dark). Furthermore, this peculiar strain produces other compounds with high industrial value.