A new Arctic Chlorella species for biodiesel production

Microalgae are a potential resource for biodiesel production. A green alga, Chlorella sp., was isolated from Arctic sea ice, which was named ArM0029B. These algae displayed faster growth at a wide temperature range of 4–32 °C compared to Chlorella vulgaris. ArM0029B also accumulated high levels of total fatty acids under nitrogen starvation conditions, reaching 39% of dry cell weight, with the proportion of oleic acid (18:1) and linoleic acid (18:2) reaching 54% of total fatty acids. Taken together, these results indicate that the newly identified Chlorella species, ArM0029B, is a promising candidate for biodiesel production.

(A) Growth rate of ArM0029B at various temperatures. Chlorella vulgaris served as a control. Data are expressed as ± SD (n = 3). (B) Analysis of fatty acid composition in ArM0029B. The amounts of each fatty acid and total fatty acids were presented as mg/dry cell weight.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We provide specific characters of Arctic Chlorella ArM0029B as a biodiesel source.
► ArM0029B displayed fast growth at a wide temperature range of 4–32 °C.
► ArM0029B accumulated high levels of total fatty acids, reaching 39% of dry weight.
► In ArM0029B, 54% of total fatty acids was oleic acid (18:1) and linoleic acid (18:2).
► These results suggest that ArM0029B may be a suitable source for biodiesel.