Phenotypic Plasticity, Growth, Biochemical Composition, Total Phenolic Content, and AntioxidanActivity of Microalga Desmodesmus multivariabilis Under Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Concentrations

Abstract

The use of microalgae in biotechnological studies is increasing day by day because of their ability to produce and store secondary metabolites under extreme conditions. When the culture conditions such as light, nutrients, pH, and temperature are modified, the synthesis and storage amount of these secondary metabolites change. In this study, the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations on the morphological changes, growth, biochemical composition, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activ­ ity of Desmodesmus multivariabilis were investigated. The study results show that changing of the nitrogen and phosphorus concentration in the microalgae culture medium is an effective strategy for changing growth, biochemical composition, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity parameters of microalgae. All culture conditions should be detected, depending on the substance desired to be ob­ tained from microalga and its biotechnological application. Therefore, this study is substan­ tial as it is the first study on this concept with D. multivariabilis, and for obtaining eco­ nomically important bioactive compounds of this species, this paper will play a key role.