Growth and Biomass Characteristics of Picochlorum oklahomensis and Nannochloropsis oculata

Biofuels derived from microalgae are considered a viable alternative energy resource that eliminates the major drawbacks associated with biofuels produced from land crops. Strain selection is a critical factor for the success of microalgal production systems. This study evaluates Picochlorum oklahomensis (PO) as a potential microalga strain for biofuel and bioproduct applications. Nannochloropsis oculata (NO) was included in the study as a well-studied reference strain with biomass properties suitable for commercial applications. Growth pattern including specific growth rates, generation time and maximum biomass concentrations in culture media were determined for both PO and NO. Oil and protein contents and fatty acid composition of both strains were analyzed. PO had a higher biomass concentration in the medium and shorter generation time than NO. Both strains were rich in oil, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study indicates that PO can be a viable strain for bioproduct manufacturing because of its high oil and protein content and biomass productivity.