Identification of six novel microalgal strains and characterization of their potential for development of high-value compounds

In this study, six microalgae strains were isolated from samples collected in alpine regions, identified by 18S rRNA and rbcL gene sequencing, and assessed for their ability to produce biodiesel and high-value compounds. The six strains were isolated from three alpine regions (Daqing, Zhaodong and Zhalong Salt Lake). Phylogenetic neighbor-joining analysis indicated that the strains designated as HDA01, HDA04, and HDA07 belong to the genus Chlorella sp., HDA03 to the genus Scenedesmus sp., HDA05 to the genus Micractinium sp., and HDA06 to the genus Desmodesmus sp. Biomass productivity, lipid yield, fatty acid profiles and other indexes were evaluated to assess whether these strains have potential applications. Chlorella sp. HDA04 has potential as a biodiesel producer, based on its high biomass productivity (3.95 +/- 0.05 gL(-1)), high lipid productivity (472.99 +/- 18.97 mg L(-1)d(-1)), and its fatty acid profiles which meets European standards for biodiesel. Chlorella sp. HDA07 accumulates a high a-linolenic acid (ALA) content (26.12% of total lipids), which makes this strain potentially suitable for production of this high-value product. (C) 2021 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study isolated six microalgae strains from alpine regions and evaluated their potential for biodiesel and high-value compound production. Among them, Chlorella sp. HDA04 showed potential as a biodiesel producer, while Chlorella sp. HDA07 was suitable for high-value compound production.