Response surface optimization for γ-linolenic acid production of arthrospira ( spirulina ) platensis

Abstract

Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis belongs to the class of phototrophic blue-green algae that are widely cultivated in the world and irrigated in many industries. Spirulina's biomass has gained profound importance in feed and food industries, due to its high protein content, high unsaturated fatty acid containing gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and iron. Factors such as temperature, light, nutrient sources and nutrient composition affect Spirulina cultivation significantly. The aim of this study was to optimize the culture conditions for enhancing the GLA production from A.platensis. A central composite design (CCD) was carried out for this response surface optimization. The predicted maximum biomass, lipid and GLA content by RSM was determined as 0.511 g.L-1, 4.33 % and 23.350 %, respectively, whereas the experimental maximum biomass, lipid and GLA content of 0.513 g.L-1, 4.340 % and 23.790 % was obtained after 15 days of cultivation. Optimum conditions for maximum GLA production by response surface method were determined according to the results of the experiment and a temperature of 27 degrees C and a nitrate concentration of 0.41 g.L-1 were determined and validated.