Development of a whole-cell-based screening method for a carotenoid assay using aerial microalgae

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Phycology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Non-destructive optical spectroscopy is crucial for monitoring carotenoid accumulation in microalgae.
• Carotenogenesis, the production of carotenoids, can be enhanced by specific stress conditions in photosynthetic organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, whole-cell-based assay for carotenoid quantification in aerial microalgae.
• To establish a screening method for identifying stress-induced carotenogenesis and bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of cell suspension spectra in the aerial microalga *Coelastrella* sp. KGU-Y002.
• Estimation of total carotenoid content using absorbance values and HPLC calibration data.
• Adaptation of the assay to a 96-well microtiter plate for high-throughput screening.

Main Results:

• Successful estimation of total carotenoid content based on absorbance.
• Development of the "whole-cell-based screening method" (WCA) for carotenoid assays.
• Identification of an active compound from plant extracts using the WCA method.

Conclusions:

• The WCA method provides a simple, rapid, and non-destructive approach for carotenoid monitoring.
• This bioassay effectively investigates stress effects on carotenoid accumulation in microalgae.
• The WCA method is valuable for screening bioactive compounds and optimizing carotenogenesis.