Isolation and description of a Korean microalga, Asterarcys quadricellulare KNUA020, and analysis of its biotechnological potential

doi:2012.27.3.197

Algae > Volume 27(3); 2012 > Article

Algae 2012;27(3): 197-203. doi: https://doi.org/10.4490/algae.2012.27.3.197

Ji Won Hong¹, Sun Ae Kim¹, Jiwon Chang¹, Jung Yi¹, Jieun Jeong², Sunghwan Kim², Sung Hong Kim³ and Ho-Sung Yoon¹^,*

¹Department of Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea
²Department of Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea
³Analysis Research Division, Daegu Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daegu 702-701, Korea

*Corresponding Author

Email: hyoon@knu.ac.kr

ABSTRACT

A eukaryotic microalga, Asterarcys quadricellulare KNUA020, was isolated from garden soil at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea and its biotechnological potential was assessed. Optimal growth was obtained when the culture was incubated at 25°C and around pH 7.0. The total lipid content of the isolate was 15.5% of dry weight and its most abundant fatty acid was nutritionally important C18:3 ω3 (α-linolenic acid, ALA). In addition, a high-value fatty alcohol, hexadecenol (C20H40O), was also identified in this photosynthetic microorganism. Hence, A. quadricellulare KNUA020 appears to be promising for use in the production of microalgae-based biochemicals.

Key words: algae-based biochemicals; fatty acids; fatty alcohol; Korean domestic microalga