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Rapid induction of omega‐3 fatty acids (EPA) in Nannochloropsis sp. by UV‐C radiation
Author(s) -
Sharma Kalpesh,
Schenk Peer M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.25544
Subject(s) - nannochloropsis , eicosapentaenoic acid , food science , fatty acid , polyunsaturated fatty acid , chemistry , biosynthesis , biology , biochemistry , algae , botany , enzyme
ABSTRACT Omega‐3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), provide substantial health benefits. As global fish stocks are declining and in some cases are contaminated with heavy metals, there is a need to find more sustainable land‐based sources of these essential fatty acids. The oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis sp. has been identified as a highly efficient producer of omega‐3 fatty acids. In this study, we present a new process to rapidly induce biosynthesis of essential fatty acids, including EPA in Nannochloropsis sp. BR2. Short exposure to UV‐C at a dose of 100 or 250 mJ/cm 2 led to a significant increase in total cellular lipid contents when compared to mock‐treated controls. A low dosage of 100 mJ/cm 2 also led to a twofold increase in total EPA content within 24 h that constituted 30% of total fatty acids and up to 12% of total dry weight at higher dosages. UV‐C radiation may find uses as an easily applicable external inducer for large‐scale production of omega‐3 production from microalgae. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1243–1249. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.