Effect of various stress-regulatory factors on biomass and lipid production in microalga Haematococcus pluvialis

To maximize the biomass and lipid production for applications in food or biofuel feedstock, nine stress conditions were tested considering N and/or P limitations, light intensity & quality, for Haematococcus pluvialis SCCAP K-0084 cultivation. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), warm white light emitting diode (WWLED), and white light emitting diode (WLED) at illumination of 240 μmol photons m−2 sec−1 were the best stress-regulatory factors. PAR without P & low N conditions yielded high biomass with 33% lipids containing increased C16:0 and C18:0 saturated fatty acids, and reduced unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (oleic, linoleic, and α/γ-linolenic). WWLED and WLED without P conditions also yielded high biomass, but 25% lipids with increased amounts of UFAs. Red light emitting diode (RLED) without P & low N conditions yielded 46% lipids with lowest biomass. PAR and WWLED & WLED illuminated conditions were found suitable respectively for biodiesel feedstock lipids and UFA-rich lipids for multiple applications.