A Study on Chlorella Biomass as a Vegan Source for Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Dietary Proteins

Abstract

Microalgae are one of the less-explored, nutritional treasures of the marine biosphere. With the emergence of algal technology, research has been shifting slowly towards exploring the nutraceutical values of these microorganisms, and microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris are gaining high market value. In addition, with the increasing demand for vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids, the Chlorella vulgaris biomass may be considered as a potential alternative. In this study optimization of various parameters such as culturing conditions, media composition, pH, RPM, inoculum percentage, carbon source, concentration of glucose, and salt to enhance the yield has been carried out. The best results were obtained at pH 7 with an inoculum percentage of 5 and the addition of 1.5 gm of NaCl and glucose enhanced the yield of biomass, protein, and lipid in Chlorella vulgaris. Optimized conditions gave a maximum yield of biomass, lipids, and protein. Among the lipids, omega-3 fatty acids have high nutraceutical value. In the fatty acid methyl esters, DHA and EPA were found to be 2.9% and 0.55 %. Estimation of omega-3 fatty acids was done using TLC and GC-MS. The Omega-3 fatty acids and dietary proteins extracted from Chlorella vulgaris can serve as an alternate vegan source for nutritional supplements.