Production and analysis of secondary carotenoids in green algae
M. Orosa, E. Torres, P. Fidalgo, J. Abalde-2000
Journal of Applied Phycology, 12 (3-5) : 553-556
(from Current Contents)
Abstract :
The microalgae Neochloris wimmeri, Scenedesmus
vacuolatus, Scotiellopsis oocystiformis, Chlorella zofingiensis and
Protosiphon botryoides were grown under secondary carotenoid inductive
conditions. The results indicate that nitrogen deficiency and high light
intensity are potential inducers of astaxanthin formation in the five
microalgae studied. All these microalgae accumulate significant quantities
of secondary carotenoids, mainly as astaxanthin esters and canthaxanthin.
They also showed high resistance to environmental conditions. All these
qualities make these microalgae good candidates for successful culture in
open ponds.
(Univ Coruna, Fac Ciencias, A Coruna 15071, Spain)