Enrichment of chlorophyll and phycobiliproteins in Spirulina platensis by the use of reflector light and nitrogen sources: An in-vitro study

The use of reflector film in a cyanobacteria culture rack provides a good light intensity. The effect of light intensity on Spirulina platensis biomass, phycobiliprotein and amino acid content using KNO3 and urea as a nitrogen sources were studied. Maximum biomass productivity 6.9 mg ml−1and 6.1 mg ml−1 with light reflector (LR) + urea and LR + KNO3 respectively, were noticed. The C-phycocyanin (148.1 ± 2.2 mg g−1) and allophycocyanin (45.2 ± 0.94 mg g−1) contents were reached maximum at 4 klx. The rack system with reflector gave good effect of light intensity (4.8–6.0 klx) than the normal system (2–3 klx). Results showed that reflector used cultivation improved biomass, proteinic pigments and protein biosynthesis in S. platensis. This method of cultivation is simple, inexpensive and requires low energy.

Schematic diagram of (i) culture rack fix with reflector, (ii) normal and reflected light penetration on S. platensis cultivation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Culture rack system with reflector induce the biomass and phycobiliproteins.
► Effects of reflector intensity and nitrogen sources stimulate phycocyanin, protein and amino acid in Spirulina platensis.
► The content of C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin reached maximum at 4 K lux were 148.1 ± 2.2 mg g−1 and 45.2 ± 0.94 mg g−1.
► Increasing of light intensity enhances the growth and phycobiliprotein biosynthesis and low intensity give opposite result.