Nutritional effects on biomass and metabolic products by Aurantiochytrium sp.

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid, or Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), plays a pivotal role in biological functions and is beneficial for both humans and animals. Traditionally, DHA is sourced from fish and fish oil. Due to the disadvantages associated with these sources, such as marine pollution and variable composition, there is a pressing need to explore alternative, reliable sources for DHA. Aurantiochytrium sp. has been identified as a promising candidate for DHA production. The primary aim of this study was to cultivate three strains in previously published media and, subsequently, to develop defined or semi-defined media for Aurantiochytrium sp.. These strains were grown in the selected media, and the dry weight of the cells was measured. Total fatty acids were extracted and analysed using gas chromatography. All three strains demonstrated satisfactory growth in media that incorporated glucose as a carbon source and monosodium glutamate as a nitrogen source. Strain B072 achieved the highest DHA concentration, with a peak of 5.0 g/l, and could accumulate lipids up to 57.57% (w/w). The DHA content in the biomass was 21.43% (w/w), with a biomass yield of 23.35 g/l. Vitamins and trace elements positively influenced the growth and DHA production of Aurantiochytrium sp.. Furthermore, strain B072 efficiently utilised ammonium for growth and fatty acid production.