The influence of light intensity and photoperiod on the growth and lipid content of microalgae Nannochloropsis sp.

► Light intensity and photoperiod cycle influences the growth Nannochloropsis sp. ► Light intensities at three photoperiod cycles are 50, 100 and 200 mol m−2 s−1. ► Maximum cell growth was obtained at 100 mol m−2 s−1 and 18 h light: 6 h dark cycle. ► Improved specific growth rate is accompanied by improved lipid yields.