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Published on: October 27, 2023
Polymer-based ammonium-limited fed-batch cultivation in shake flasks improves lipid productivity of the microalga
T Keil1, B Dittrich2, J Rührer1
1AVT - Biochemical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to study ammonium-limited fed-batch conditions in heterotrophic C. vulgaris shake flask cultivations. Therefore, an innovative polymer-based ammonium release technique (polymer beads) was developed. Using these beads in shake flasks, C. vulgaris cultivations resulted in simultaneous growth and lipid accumulation. Lipid productivity was increased by 43% compared to batch cultivations. Furthermore, by online monitoring of the metabolic activity (RAMOS technique), unlimited growth and depletion of nutrients could be identified. A previously unknown sulfur limitation was detected in the applied Bold's Basal Medium. Combining the ammonium release beads with the RAMOS technique proved to be an efficient method for microalgae process development.
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