Enhanced labeling of microalgae cellular lipids by application of an electric field generated by alternating current

► We used alternating current electric field to enhance the microalgae cellular lipid fluorescence labeling. ► Nile red and LipidTOX were used as lipid probes. ► The electric field alleviated the decay and fluctuation of fluorescence from Chlorella vulgaris cells. ► The electric field increased the fluorescence intensity of Spirulina sp. cells.