Mixotrophic Cultivation of <i>Arthrospira platensis</i> (Spirulina) under Salt Stress: Effect on Biomass Composition, FAME Profile and Phycocyanin Content
Nicola Pio Russo,
Marika Ballotta,
Luca Usai,
Serenella Torre,
Maurizio Giordano,
Giacomo Fais,
Mattia Casula,
Debora Dessì,
Paola Nieri,
Eya Damergi,
Giovanni Antonio Lutzu,
Alessandro Concas
Affiliations
Nicola Pio Russo
Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41123 Modena, MO, Italy
Marika Ballotta
Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41123 Modena, MO, Italy
Luca Usai
Teregroup Srl, Via David Livingstone 37, 41123 Modena, MO, Italy
Serenella Torre
Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 12, 56126 Pisa, PI, Italy
Maurizio Giordano
Check Lab, Via Acquasanta 16, 84131 Salerno, SA, Italy
Giacomo Fais
Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy
Mattia Casula
Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy
Debora Dessì
Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco A, SP8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
Paola Nieri
Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 12, 56126 Pisa, PI, Italy
Eya Damergi
Algaltek SARL, R&D Departments, Route de la Petite-Glane 26, 1566 Saint Aubin, FR, Switzerland
Giovanni Antonio Lutzu
Teregroup Srl, Via David Livingstone 37, 41123 Modena, MO, Italy
Alessandro Concas
Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy
Arthrospira platensis holds promise for biotechnological applications due to its rapid growth and ability to produce valuable bioactive compounds like phycocyanin (PC). This study explores the impact of salinity and brewery wastewater (BWW) on the mixotrophic cultivation of A. platensis. Utilizing BWW as an organic carbon source and seawater (SW) for salt stress, we aim to optimize PC production and biomass composition. Under mixotrophic conditions with 2% BWW and SW, A. platensis showed enhanced biomass productivity, reaching a maximum of 3.70 g L−1 and significant increases in PC concentration. This study also observed changes in biochemical composition, with elevated protein and carbohydrate levels under salt stress that mimics the use of seawater. Mixotrophic cultivation with BWW and SW also influenced the FAME profile, enhancing the content of C16:0 and C18:1 FAMES. The purity (EP of 1.15) and yield (100 mg g−1) of PC were notably higher in mixotrophic cultures, indicating the potential for commercial applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This research underscores the benefits of integrating the use of saline water with waste valorization in microalgae cultivation, promoting sustainability and economic efficiency in biotechnological processes.
