Lactic whey as a potential feedstock for exopolysaccharide production by microalgae strain Neochloris oleoabundans UTEX 1185

Background

Lactic whey, a significant agro-industrial byproduct, poses environmental risks due to its chemical composition. Despite various valorization efforts, effective utilization remains a challenge. This study explores the potential of Neochloris oleoabundans, a microalgae known for its metabolic versatility and resilience to adverse conditions, to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) using lactic whey as a substrate. We compared EPS production from lactose, the primary sugar in whey, with whole lactic whey. Characterization of the EPS was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), while morphological analysis was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This research aims to assess the feasibility of converting lactic whey into valuable EPS, providing a sustainable approach to managing this agro-industrial waste.

Results

Lactic whey has produced the highest EPS and the FT-IR spectra revealed structural variations in the monomers which compose these polymers. Galactose and glucose were shown to be the primary monomers, according to GC–MS EPS analysis. SEM revealed a homogenous matrix and N. oleoabundans's bioflocculant characteristics.

Conclusions

Microalgae N. oleoabundans can produce EPS using lactic whey as feedstock and it has the potential to be employed as a wastewater treatment.

Graphical Abstract