Growth and fatty acid profile of Thraustochytrium sp. CR01 using different sugar substitutes

• Main Authors: Uba, Marigold O., Duabe, Katherine Charmaine P., Biene, Maria Amabelle Christine M., Ortiz, Ma. Kristina Celyna R., Bennett, Reuel M., Dedeles, Gina R.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Thraustochytriales; Fatty acids; Biomass energy; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/11575
• Institution: De La Salle University

Thraustochytrids, which are a group of marine heterokonts, have shown their promising potential as a good source of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) of importance to human health and aquaculture, respectively. A cost-effective production method (using alternative carbon source) of these thraustochytrids coupled with higher PUFA yield has yet to be established for commercial exploitation of lipids. In this study, Thraustochytrium sp. CR01 isolated from senescent fallen mangrove leaves in Coastal Road, Cavite was grown on different sugar products such as liquid sugar, molasses, and corn syrup as glucose substitute for carbon source in the culture medium. Based on growth analysis, there is no significant difference between the sugar used in which the corn syrup biomass produced 0.15 – 0.25 g/ 25mL; while liquid sugar and molasses had 0.1 – 0.3 g/ 25mL. Analysis of fatty acid methyl ester results showed that Thraustochytrium sp. CR01 produced predominantly palmitic acid (16:0), a saturated fatty acid which constitutes 57% total fatty acids (TFA) in corn syrup, 54% TFA in molasses, and 25% TFA in liquid sugar. DHA was also produced at 5% TFA in corn syrup, 7% TFA in molasses, and 2% TFA in liquid sugar.