Effects of temperature and nutrient regimes on biomass and lipid production by six oleaginous microalgae in batch culture employing a two-phase cultivation strategy

► Nutrient and temperature interactively affect growth but no additive effect on lipid accumulation of oleaginous microalgae. ► Growth rate and fatty acid content were negatively correlated. ► Triacylglycerol accumulation was a default response to environmental stress. ► Stress conditions led to reduced fatty acid unsaturation. ► Nutrient limitation was the most critical factor affecting lipid metabolism.