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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Evaluation of the Effect of Growth Factors on Chlorophylls a and b Production from Microalgae
Published on: October 25, 2024
Nitrogen effects on proteins, chlorophylls and fatty acids during the growth of Arthrospira platensis
Samah Ayachi1, Amor El Abed, Wissal Dhifi
1Centre de Biotechnologie, Technopole de Borj-Cedria, Unité des Plantes Aromatiques et Médicinales, Tunisie. chebsamah@yahoo.fr
Abstract:
Spirulina platensis (=Arthrospira platensis) is a tunisian strain which has been isolated for the first time in Oued Essed (Sousse, Sidi Bou Ali). Biomass evolution, proteins, chlorophylls and fatty acids composition of this alga were monitored by varying nitrogen concentrations in the culture medium. Nitrogen stress was provoked by adding sodium nitrate (NaNO3) in the culture medium with concentrations varying from 0 to 5 g/l. Results obtained showed that nitrogen depletion increased total proteins and total chlorophylls. The addition of NaNO3 (5g/l) led to an increase of total fatty acids amounts and modify fatty acids composition. Optimal quantities of palmitic, gamma -linolenic and oleic acids were obtained with NaNO3 free-cultures. Thus, the tunisian strain has valuable biological substances, worthy to determine the optimal conditions for its propagation.
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