Taxonomical, Physiological, and Biochemical Characteristics of <i>Dunaliella salina</i> DSTA20 from Hypersaline Environments of Taean Salt Pond, Republic of Korea

Abstract

Dunaliella salina, a halophilic unicellular chlorophyte, produces bioactive compounds and biofuels applicable to various industries. Despite its industrial significance, comprehensive studies on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of the genus Dunaliella remain challenging. In this study, we characterized an axenically isolated green alga from a salt pond in Taean, Republic of Korea, and assessed its industrially relevant traits. The morphological characteristics were typical of D. salina, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the SSU, ITS1-5.8S-ITS, LSU regions of rDNA, and rbcL gene confirmed the isolate as D. salina strain DSTA20. The optimal temperature, salinity, and photon flux density required for its growth were determined to be 21 °C, 0.5 M NaCl, and 88 µmol m−2 s−1, respectively. Dried biomass analysis revealed 42.87% total lipids, with major fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid (31.55%) and palmitic acid (21.06%). The alga produced high-value carotenoids, including β-carotene (2.47 mg g−1 dry weight (DW)) and lutein (1.39 mg g−1 DW), with peak levels at 0.25 M salinity. Glucose (195.5 mg g−1 DW) was the predominant monosaccharide. These findings highlight the potential of D. salina DSTA20 for biodiesel production and as a source of ω-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and glucose. Morphological traits provide insights relevant to the industrial potential of the species.

Keywords

• <i>Dunaliella salina</i>
• halophilic microalga
• taxonomy
• biodiesel production
• fatty acid profile
• carotenoids