Nutritional conditions of the novel freshwater Coccomyxa AP01 for versatile fatty acids composition

Aims: This study was to analyse the biomass production and fatty acids (FAs) profiles in a newly isolated chlorophyte, namely Coccomyxa AP01, under nutritionally balanced (NB) conditions (comparing nitrate and urea as nitrogen sources) and nitrogen or phosphate deprivation. Methods and Results: Lipid yields was about 30%–40% of dried biomasses in all examined nutritional conditions. Under NB conditions, lipids were principally constituted by monounsaturated FAs, mainly represented by oleic acid, and saturated and polyunsaturated FAs at similar concentrations. Nutrients deprivation induced remarkable changes in FAs profiles, with the highest amounts of saturated (42%–46%), followed by similar amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and the emergence of rare long-chain FAs. Under phosphate deprivation, biomass yield was similar to NB conditions, with the highest yield of saturated (mainly palmitic acid) and of polyunsaturated FAs (33%) (mainly linoleic and linolenic acids). Conclusions: Balanced or deprived nutritional conditions in Coccomyxa AP01 induced a selective production and composition of FAs. The phosphate-deprivation condition concomitantly provided high biomass yield and the production of high value saturated and polyunsaturated FAs with industrial interest. Significance and Impact of the Study: Coccomyxa AP01 could be considered a promising source of different FAs, including also docosapentaenoic acid, for several commercial purposes spanning from biodiesel production, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications to innovative aquaculture fish feeds.