Authors

Greta Canelli; Sabrina Trevele; Luc Jaquenod; Fabiola Dionisi; Zhen Rohfristch; Cristoph J. Bolsen; Lukas Neutsch; Alexander Mathys

Abstract

Microalgae are a promising source of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as bioactive antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, phenolics and tocopherols. However, the accumulation of these biomolecules is often promoted by conflicting growth conditions. In this study, a phased bioprocessing strategy was developed to simultaneously enhance the lipid and antioxidant amounts by tailoring nitrogen content in the cultivation medium and applying light stress. This approach increased the overall contents of total fatty acids, carotenoids, phenolics, and α-tocopherol in Chlorella vulgaris by 2.2-, 2.2-, 1.5-, and 2.1-fold, respectively. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of the lipids and bioactives from the obtained biomasses improved after pulsed electric field (5 μs, 20 kV cm−1, 31.8 kJ kg−1sus) treatment (up to +12%) and high-pressure homogenization (100 MPa, 5-6 passes) (+41-76%). This work represents a step towards the generation of more efficient algae biorefineries, thus expanding the alternative resources available for essential nutrients.

Relevance of the article for the Red Tecnomifood

The bioaccessibility of the lipids and bioactives of the obtained biomasses improved after PAH (up to +12%) and hpH (+41-76%). Overall, this study represents a step towards more efficient biomass production of C. vulgaris containing higher amounts of antioxidants and bioactive lipids.