Bioprospecting for fast growing and biomass characterization of oleaginous microalgae from South–Eastern Buenos Aires, Argentina

As part of pioneering efforts to assess the potential of native microalgae as biofuel feedstock in South–Eastern Buenos Aires, 34 monoalgal cultures (corresponding to the Phylum Chlorophyta) were established and 21 were selected for further growth and biomass composition characterization.Novel RNA sequences in the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region were identified. Some strains showed desirable traits as biodiesel feedstock such as (i) apparent maximal doubling times of 6 h, (ii) lipids accumulation of up to 43% of their dry biomass, (iii) high ration of mono-unsaturated to poly-unsaturated fatty acids, (iv) high response to CO2 supplementation, and (v) complete sedimentation in 4 h. Data of the outdoors performance of some strains suggested they might represent valuable resources for future research towards the regional development of the technology for microalgae-based biofuels.

► Thirty-four native-to-Argentina microalgae strains were isolated.
► Novel RNA sequences in the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region were reported.
► Some strains accumulated lipids up to 43% of their dry biomass.
► High ratios of mono-unsaturated to poly-unsaturated fatty acids are shown.
► Strains with doubling times up to 6 h were identified.