Isolation and characterization of a novel lutein-producing marine microalga using high throughput screening

A novel highly selective lutein-producing marine microalga was isolated and identified using high throughput screening (HTS). Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed it belongs to a microalgae class (Trebouxiophyceae), and is closely related to Auxenochlorella spp. The novel strain was designated as Auxenochlorella sp. strain LEU27. Based on HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS analyses, strain LEU27 produced a total of 1203.9 +/- 98 mu g g(-1) dry cells of carotenoids, including a remarkable amount (996.6 +/- 98 mu g g(-1) dry cells) of pure lutein under heterotrophic growth conditions. This is the first report that describes a natural, highly selective lutein-producing marine microalga isolated by HTS approach.