Production of value added substances by tropical microalgae

Abstract

Microalgae recently appeared to be a new source of renewable biofuel that is capable of meeting the global demand for transport fuel due to its ability to accumulate high amount of lipid in their intracellular body. In addition, massive accumulation of ketocarotenoid astaxanthin, which is one of the secondary metabolites produced by microalgae have also gained much attention for its potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals as well as cosmetics products. Four green microalgae morphologically identified as Staurastrum sp., Scenedesmus sp., Desmodesmus sp., and Ankistrodesmus sp. were isolated from Kuala Selangor Nature Park and Hulu Langat River, Selangor. The intracellular lipid bodies of the microalgae were stained with BODIPY 493/503 for the screening of the potential microalgae for biodiesel production. From the staining, more lipid bodies can be seen from Scenedesmus sp. compared to the other three isolated microalgae species. In astaxanthin complex quantification analysis, Ankistrodesmus sp. showed the highest accumulation of astaxanthin complex and therefore has the potential to be utilized for natural supplement applications.