Development of a new sterilization method for microalgae media using calcium hypochlorite as the sterilant

Abstract

Calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)₂), which can be stably stored in powder form for a long period, is widely used as a disinfectant in various fields. A new sterilization process was developed in the present study, where a microalgal medium was sterilized using 0.02% Ca(ClO)₂, followed by complete neutralization of the Ca(ClO)₂ within 8 h through catalytic reaction of an MnCl₂-Na₂EDTA complex and a synergistic effect of glucose. When comparing the growth of Chlorella vulgaris in the autoclaved medium, a 2.65 times greater maximum cell growth was observed in cells grown in the medium prepared by treatment of Ca(ClO)₂. This result indicates that denaturation of the medium by heat can hinder the growth of some microorganisms. In the case of cultivation of Euglena gracilis, successful culture growth was achieved without growth inhibition or contamination on a medium prepared in the same manner.

Keywords: Calcium hypochlorite; Chemical sterilization; Chlorella; Euglena; Manganese chloride.