Synergistic effects of oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis and microalga Chlorella vulgaris for enhancement of biomass and lipid yields

Bioresour Technol. 2014 Jul:164:93-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.04.039. Epub 2014 Apr 21.

Abstract

The optimal mixed culture model of oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis and microalga Chlorella vulgaris was confirmed to enhance lipid production. A double system bubble column photo-bioreactor was designed and used for demonstrating the relationship of yeast and alga in mixed culture. The results showed that using the log-phase cultures of yeast and alga as seeds for mixed culture, the improvements of biomass and lipid yields reached 17.3% and 70.9%, respectively, compared with those of monocultures. Growth curves of two species were confirmed in the double system bubble column photo-bioreactor, and the second growth of yeast was observed during 36-48 h of mixed culture. Synergistic effects of two species for cell growth and lipid accumulation were demonstrated on O2/CO2 balance, substance exchange, dissolved oxygen and pH adjustment in mixed culture. This study provided a theoretical basis and culture model for producing lipids by mixed culture in place of monoculture.

Keywords: Chlorella vulgaris; Lipid; Mixed culture; Rhodotorula glutinis; Synergistic effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomass*
  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis
  • Chlorella vulgaris / growth & development
  • Chlorella vulgaris / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lipids / biosynthesis*
  • Microalgae / growth & development
  • Microalgae / metabolism*
  • Nitrogen / analysis
  • Oxygen / analysis
  • Photobioreactors / microbiology
  • Rhodotorula / growth & development
  • Rhodotorula / metabolism*
  • Solubility
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen