Enhancement of Lipid Production by Euglena gracilis Using Vanillin as a Growth Stimulant

Abstract

Euglena gracilis which could produce valuable metabolites is considered as promising feedstock for various industrial applications. Growth stimulation of microalgae culture with additives are cost-effective and simple approach to improve its productivity. Effect of vanillin, one of the most abundant phenolic compounds from lignocellulosic hydrolysate to E. gracilis was investigated. Vanillin showed hormesis effect to E. gracilis, growth promotion at lower concentration but inhibition at higher concentration. At optimal dosage of 10 mg/L vanillin, the biomass production of E. gracilis was enhanced by 36.5% and metabolites content such as chlorophyll, carotenoids also increased. From the high throughput analysis using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, total lipid production will be simultaneously enhanced without sacrificing cell growth.