Enhancing starch production of a marine green microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis through nutrient limitation

► Limited NO3- or SO42- induced starch accumulation in Tetraselmis subcordiformis. ► Maximum starch productivity and content were 0.62 g L−1 d−1 and 62.1% respectively. ► Photosynthetic activity was a prerequisite to sustain starch accumulation. ► Balanced nutrition was necessary to achieve high starch concentration and content.