Regina M. Gonzalez-Balderas1 ,
Julio C. Sacramento Rivero2 ,
Tanit Toledano-Thompson1 ,
Ruby Valdez-Ojeda1
1 Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán
2 Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
Abstract
The increasing demand for energy and growing environmental concerns have accelerated the search for alternative energy sources, with microalgae emerging as a promising candidate. These photosynthetic organisms can produce high-value biomolecules suitable for biofuel production and other industrial applications. However, their utility largely depends on biomass composition, which is influenced by nutrient availability—particularly phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). This study investigates the impact of varying N/P ratios (9, 12, and 14) on the lipid content and lipid profiles of marine microalgae strains Nannochloropsis (NSRE-1, NSRE-2) and Nannochloris (NRRE-2), native to the Yucatán coast of Mexico. The potential use of the extracted lipids in biofuel and value-added product development is also evaluated. Results indicate a significant decline in lipid content across all three strains with increasing N/P ratios (p < 0.05). Notably, strain NSRE-1 achieved the highest relative fatty acid content (69.9%) at an N/P ratio of 14, while fatty acid synthesis in NRRE-2 was inhibited at N/P ratios of 12 and 14. These findings underscore the critical role of the N/P ratio in modulating lipid production and composition in microalgae, particularly in endemic strains. Moreover, changes in the N/P ratio stimulated the production of lipophilic compounds with potential applications in bioplasticizer manufacturing. Overall, the useof biofuels and naturally derived plasticizers supports the rising industrial demand for sustainable, renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and conventional plastics.
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Julio C. Sacramento Rivero2