A rapid sampling technique for isolating highly productive lipid-rich algae strains from environmental samples

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA.

2 Department of Chemistry, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA.

3 Department of Chemistry, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 1436-91779, Iran.

Abstract

Strain selection and isolation of lipid-rich microalgae are among the two most important steps for screening isolates with maximum biofuel productivity. In this work, we introduce a novel direct sampling technique that allows native strains to be selected for rapid growth under defined conditions followed by direct selection of product-rich species, two desirable characteristics of algae for mass culture. This sampling strategy directly selects the lipid-rich strains visualized under an inverted fluorescence microscope using an X-Y-Z micromanipulator. The enrichment step can be manipulated to select for strains with specific technological applications. Direct sampling of lipid-rich cells avoids the tedious task of screening isolates while using relatively inexpensive equipment.

Graphical Abstract

A rapid sampling technique for isolating highly productive lipid-rich algae strains from environmental samples

Highlights

  • Selection of lipid-rich native strains for biofuel production.
  • Single cell sampling techniques is used for strain selection.
  • Rapid growth by direct selection of product-rich species is achieved.
  • The enrichment step can be manipulated to select for strains for specific technological applications.
  • Direct sampling of lipid-rich cells avoids tedious task of screening isolates while using relatively inexpensive equipment.

Keywords

References

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