Biochemical characteristics and antioxidant potential of Vischeria magna

This study investigates the biochemical characteristics, antioxidant potential and nutritional parameters of a newly identified eustigmatophycean strain Vischeria magna MZ-E1. The strain showed strong potential to accumulate lipids, vitamins, pigments, and fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid, which has significant commercial value. The identification was based on morphological features, phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. The strain accumulated substantial quantities of lipids (up to 185.03 mg g^- 1 dry weight), vitamins (retinol up to 33.98 µg g^- 1, α-tocopherol up to 465.87 µg g^- 1), ascorbic acid (up to 8.12 mg g^- 1), and carotenoids (up to 1.92 mg g^- 1), with astaxanthin comprising 12.5-19.4% of total carotenoids. Major fatty acids in the profile included palmitic 16:0, palmitoleic 16:1n-7, and eicosapentaenoic 20:5n-3 acids. Omega-3 fatty acids dominated, accounting for 73.39% and 69.81% in early and late stationary phases, respectively. Transition from exponential to stationary growth phase was accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and accumulation of secondary lipid degradation products. This led to enhanced synthesis of retinol and α-tocopherol. Overall, Vischeria magna MZ-E1 shows promise as a natural source of biologically active compounds applicable in feed production, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Additionally, it could contribute to carbon sequestration and biofixation technologies.