Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Optimization of Spirulina Biomass by Innovative Photobioreactor

Pigments such as Chlorophyll and Carotenoid are of particular interest due to their antioxidant and therapeutic properties. Spirulina is a great source to commercial pigments production due high pigment percentage and simple extraction processes. The aim of this study was chlorophyll and carotenoid optimization of spirulina biomass by innovative photobioreactor. In this experimental study, by designing and constructing an innovative photobioreactor for the elimination of some defects of commercial open cultures, spirulina combined culture was investigated. Using RSM-CCD method, the effect of circulation cycle factors, control volume, and irradiance intensity on total value of pigments were evaluated. The data were analyzed by SPSS 16, using linear regression. The highest amount of total Chlorophyll (3.63mg/l) was obtained in Test No. 7 with the shortest circulation cycle (2hr) and control volume of 30%. In this situation, total carotenoid was 0.90mg/l and the whole amount of two pigments was maximum. But, the highest amount of total carotenoid (1.59mg/l) was obtained in the least control volume (20%), circulation cycle of 9.5hr, and light intensity of 10500Lux. In order to attain the highest level of chlorophyll, the optimal irradiance intensity to increase the biomass and the short-range circulation cycle to increase content are the top priority. But, to attain the maximum level of carotenoid, long-range circulation cycle to increase biomass and irradiance intensity at high level to increase content is predominate. The importance of the effect of increasing irradiance intensity on the increase of carotenoid content as well as the reduction of the circulation cycle on the increase of chlorophyll content is greater than its negative effect on the dry weight of biomass and results in an increase in the pigmentation.