ST3-12: Alkaliphilic microalgae for biodiesel production

A strain of microalgae was isolated from Soap Lake (WA, USA) grows well at pH 9 – 12. The strain is genetically similar to Chlorella vulgaris. Heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth were also observed for the strain. Due to their alkaliphilic nature the culture media is less susceptible to contamination from other algal and microbial strains. We have been able to culture the organism in non-sterile conditions for up to three months without observing any signs of contamination. During their stationary growth phase the strain has an oil content of nearly 40% of the cell mass (w/w on a dry basis).  The oil content was quantified using GC – FID and GC – MS and methyl esters of the cellular lipids were observed to primarily consist of C16 and C18 compounds (saturated as well as unsaturated compounds).  Based on growth, productivity, oil content, fatty acid profile and low susceptibility to contamination, this strain represents a promising candidate for large scale production of microalgae-based biodiesel.