A cost-effective alternative to standard medium enhances the pigment production and antibacterial activity of Spirulina
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a microalga with a high value due to the bioactive compounds it possesses. Spirulina is considered to be the super food and food of the future. It has many applications in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals and dye industries. Replacing the standard growth medium for Spirulina with a more cost-effective alternative would offer a more sustainable production of microalgae. That is why in this study, there different growth media [standard Zarrouk’s medium (ZM), Low Medium (LM) and Modified Low medium (MLM)] were tested in 5L bioreactors and bioactive compounds (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and phycocyanin) in Spirulina were measured. Elemental analysis of the biomass was carried out by ICP-OES, and antibacterial activity of Spirulina extracts were analyzed. The results showed that the bioactive compound contents in Spirulina were elevated upon cultivation in MLM, which increased the antibacterial activity of the extracts. Lack of chelator in MLM significantly decreased the cost of the medium. Moreover, higher production of pigments suggested that there was no need to use high-cost micronutrient solution for the aim of pigment production, which definitely lowered the cost of medium. As a result, enhanced bioactive compound production on MLM compared to ZM and LM increases the economic value of the microalgae. Both reduced costs and increased bioactive compound contents make MLM a better choice for Spirulina production
Source: MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi
Institution: Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411675508