Statistical optimization and formulation of microalga cultivation medium for improved omega 3 fatty acid production

Microalgae are considered a rich source of high-value metabolites with an array of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.Diferent strategies have been developed for cultivating microalgae at large-scale photobioreactors but high cost and low productivity are the major hurdles.Optimizing the composition of media for the cultivation of microalgae to induce biomass production and high-value metabolite accumulation has been considered as an important factor for sustainable product development.In this study,the efect of plant growth regulators together with basal microalgal cultivation medium on biomass,total lipid,and EPA production was studied using the Plackett–Burman model and Response surface methodology.The traditional one-factor-at-a-time optimization approach is laborious,time-consuming,and requires more experiments which makes the process and analysis more difcult.The Designed PB model was found to be signifcant for biomass(396 mg/L),lipid(254 mg/L),and EPA(5.6%)production with a P value<0.05.The major objective of this study is to formulate a medium for EPA production without compromising the growth properties.Further,we had formulated a new media using RSM to achieve the goal and the signifcant variables selected were NaNO_(3),NaH_(2)PO_(4),and IAA and was found to be signifcant with 16.72%EPA production with a biomass production of 893 mg/L with a P value<0.05.The formulated medium can be used in large-scale cultivation systems which can enhance biomass production as well as the omega 3 fatty acid production in marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica.