Fed-batch strategy for enhancing cell growth and C-phycocyanin production of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis under phototrophic cultivation

The C-phycocyanin generated in blue-green algae Arthrospira platensis is gaining commercial interest due to its nutrition and healthcare value. In this study, the light intensity and initial biomass concentration were manipulated to improve cell growth and C-phycocyanin production of Arthrospira platensis in batch cultivation. The results show that low light intensity and high initial biomass concentration led to increased C-phycocyanin accumulation. The best C-phycocyanin productivity occurred when light intensity and initial biomass concentration were 300 mu mol/m(2)/s and 0.24 g/L, respectively. The fed-batch cultivation proved to be an effective strategy to further enhance C-phycocyanin production of Arthrospira platensis. The results indicate that C-phycocyanin accumulation not only requires nitrogen-sufficient condition, but also needs other nutrients. The highest C-phycocyanin content (16.1%), production (1034 mg/L) and productivity (94.8 mg/L/d) were obtained when using fed-batch strategy with 5 mM medium feeding. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.