Evaluación de la producción de luteína en el cultivo de Chlorella vulgaris bajo condiciones de laboratorio

Abstract

Currently, interest in microalgae has increased due to their potential as a source of bioactive compounds that can be applied in functional foods and nutraceutical supplements. Research on pigments produced by these microorganisms is highly relevant. For example, lutein has antioxidant properties that are beneficial for eye health, and its importance in biotechnology has generated interest in its production under controlled conditions. In the present study, experimental cultures of Chlorella vulgaris grew in standard BBM medium and in medium with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations reduced by fifty percent, under low and high light intensities: two thousand six hundred thirty-eight lux and five thousand two hundred sixteen lux, respectively. Cell density was monitored for twenty-two days to determine the best treatment, with the aim of adding two promoters under that condition for lutein production: sodium acetate and acetic acid. This carotenoid was quantified using spectrophotometric methods with ninety-six-well microplates. The results showed that cultures grown in standard medium under high light intensity reached the highest cell densities and showed a prolonged exponential phase. Lutein production was higher in treatments with an organic carbon source, although cultures without promoters also presented detectable amounts of lutein. The combination of a balanced medium and controlled light conditions proved to be efficient for maximizing biomass and the content of bioactive pigments.