Biochemical Variations of Microalga <i>Isochrysis galbana</i> Cultured in Different Culture Media

Abstract

The dianoflagellate, Isochrysis galbana, grown in different culture media was analysed to study the biochemical variations. The species was cultured in four different growth media, viz. Walne’s, Miquel’s, Chu’s and f/2, keeping the physicochemical factors such as temperature (23.0 - 25.0 oC), light intensity (2000 lux), pH (8.0) and salinity (35.0 ppt) constant. Harvesting was done in exponential phase to carry out the biochemical analyses. The results of the study revealed that the nutritional status of I. galbana varies with different culture media. The best growth rate, cell density, protein (22.33±1.54%), carbohydrate (23.24±2.6%) and lipid (27.71±5.55%) contents were obtained in Chu’s medium. The colour intensity and chlorophyll a content were observed highest in the microalgae grown in Miquel’s medium. The amounts of protein, carbohydrate and lipid showed significant (P < 0.05) variations in different culture media. Therefore, from the study it is inferred that biochemical compositions of I. galbana varies with the media used for its culture.