Studies on batch and continuous cultures of Botryococcus braunii: hydrocarbon production in relation to physiological state, cell ultrastructure, and phosphate nutrition

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1984 · Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.260270312· OSTI ID:5790165

Casadevall, E; Dif, D; Largeau, C; Gudin, C; Chaumont, D; Desanti, O

The growth of the hydrocarbon-rich alga Botryococcus braunii was studied under air-lift conditions using batch and continuous cultures. Large variations in the physiological state of B. braunii were achieved in batch cultures and in continuous cultures with various dilution rates. The possible effects of these variations upon hydrocarbons (nature, relative abundance, location, level, productivity) and also on the production of exocellular polysaccharides were examined. The relationships between the physiological state of B. braunii and its hydrocarbon and polysaccharide production were discussed and compared with those generally observed in unicellular algae. The factors giving rise to the transition from high to low productivity stages were considered. To this end the authors examined, at first, the variations in cell ultrastructure and the resulting degeneration occurring during batch cultures. Afterward the parallel changes in some parameters of the medium (pH, phosphate level) were determined and their possible relationships with B. braunii growth and hydrocarbon production were discussed. The main features of phosphate nutrition in B. braunii and its effects on hydrocarbons were finally examined.

• Research Organization: Laboratoire de Chimie Bioorganique et Organique Physique, Paris, France
• OSTI ID: 5790165
• Journal Information: Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States), Journal Name: Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States) Vol. 27:3; ISSN BIBIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
090122* -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ALGAE
BATCH CULTURE
BIOSYNTHESIS
CONTINUOUS CULTURE
HYDROCARBONS
NUTRITION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHATES
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PHYSIOLOGY
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
SYNTHESIS