Chlorella minutissima cultivation with CO2 and pentoses: Effects on kinetic and nutritional parameters

- Higher CO2 and N promote Chlorella minutissima growth.
- Pentoses have a positive effect on the recovery of CO2 biofixation rates by microalgae.
- CO2 and pentose supplementation affects the microalgae protein profile.

CO2 emissions and the large quantity of lignocellulosic waste generated by industrialized nations constitute problems that may affect human health as well as the global economy. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of using CO2 and pentoses on the growth, protein profile, carbohydrate content and potential ethanol production by fermentation of Chlorella minutissima biomass. CO2 and pentose supplementation can induce changes in the microalgal protein profile. A biomass production of 1.84 g.L−1 and a CO2 biofixation rate of 274.63 mg.L−1.d−1 were obtained with the use of 20% (v.v−1) CO2. For cultures with 20% (v.v−1) CO2 and reduced nitrogen, the carbohydrate content was 52.3% (w.w−1), and theoretically, 33.9 mL.100 g−1 of ethanol can be produced. These results demonstrate that C. minutissima cultured with the combined use of CO2 and pentoses generates a biomass with high bioenergetic potential.