Influence of medium components on astaxanthin content and production of Haematococcus pluvialis

Response surface methodology was used to examine the effects of five components of the medium on astaxanthin content and astaxanthin production of Haematococcus pluvialis in batch culture based on the central composite rotatable design. The medium components considered included sodium acetate, potassium nitrate, major elements, trace elements and vitamins. Within the range of the concentrations tested, all the medium components, except the vitamins exhibited significant effects on the astaxanthin content and astaxanthin production. The optimal nutrient concentrations for astaxanthin content (mg g(-1) dry cells) were 1.64 g litre(-1) sodium acetate, 0.03 g litre(-1) potassium nitrate, 40 ml litre(-1) of the major element stock solution and 0.14 ml litre(-1) of the trace element stock solution. The optimal nutrient concentrations for astaxanthin production (mg litre(-1)) were similar to those for the astaxanthin content (mg g(-1) dry cells); the higher concentrations of sodium acetate and the major element stock solution plus a lower concentration of potassium nitrate could significantly enhance the astaxanthin production. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.