Optimization of starch production by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using response surfaces methodology

Green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardetii is concerned as a model system to study algal physiology, morphology, genetics and biofuel production. The aim of this study was optimization of the growth and starch production conditions. With this respect, the effect of pH and light intensities was investigated in alga Chlamydomonas reinhardetii.
The combination effect of these factors on growth and starch production was evaluated by design-Expert software and response surface method. The growth rate and starch content were evaluated using dry weight and spectrophotometric method respectively.
Regarding to the response surface curve, maximum growth rates and starch content were achieved at pH 7.4 and 8; and light intensity 7400 and 5300 lux respectively.
Discussion and Results showed that light intensity and pH play an important role in starch productivity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Moreover, it was found that the response surface methodology was useful for enhancing the starch production in the algae.