Culture medium optimization for enhanced β-carotene and biomass production by Dunaliella salina in mixotrophic culture

Dunaliella salina is a well-known microalga with a high pharmaceutical and industrial value. It contains a high fatty acid, protein and beta-carotene content that makes it a fascinating choice for human food or feed. To improve the beta-carotene and biomass production and therefore its nutritional value in mixotrophic culture, a well-known commercial medium was optimized to the most favorable nutrient level using response surface methodology approach. The optimal growth medium conditions defined to be at a glucose concentration of 15.0 g L-1, a nitrate concentration of 1.80 g L-1, and a phosphate concentration of 0.013 g L-1. Suggested culture medium conditions allowed obtaining an 8.12 mg beta-carotene per gram dry weight (DW) and biomass concentration of 1.015 g L-1. The beta-carotene and biomass contents were increased 1.95 and 1.75 folds than their original values, respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.