Two pronounced Chlorella strains for efficient biodiesel feedstock production

In this study, two indigenous Chlorella strains were evaluated for triacylglycerol (TAG) production and related parameters during 10 days of N-deprivation. The strains were identified based on morphological characteristics and genomic information, named as Chlorella sp. IMU12 and Chlorella sp. IMU17. Time-dependent reduction of growth was accompanied by decreased chlorophyll content, reduced oxygen evolution ratio, and elevated carotenoid content of both strains cultivated in N-free Bold’s basal medium. Nitrogen deprivation induced total lipid and neutral lipid content in both strains, supported by FTIR measurement of TAGs. Chlorella sp. IMU17 showed higher production of TAGs as a response to N-deprivation.