초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The production of lipids and astaxanthin, a high-value carotenoid, by <I>Chlorella zofingiensis</I> was investigated under different culture conditions. Comparative analysis revealed a good correlation between triacylglycerol (TAG) and astaxanthin accumulation in <I>C. zofingiensis</I>. Stress conditions promoted cell size and weight and induced the accumulation of neutral lipids, especially TAG and astaxanthin, with a concomitant decrease in membrane lipids. The highest contents of TAG and astaxanthin achieved were 387 and 4.89mgg<SUP>−1</SUP> dry weight, respectively. A semi-continuous culture strategy was developed to optimize the TAG and astaxanthin productivities, which reached 297 and 3.3mgL<SUP>−1</SUP> day<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. Additionally, astaxanthin accumulation was enhanced by inhibiting <I>de novo</I> fatty acid biosynthesis. In summary, our study represents a pioneering work of utilizing <I>Chlorella</I> for the integrated production of lipids and high-value products and <I>C. zofingiensis</I> has great potential to be a promising production strain and serve as an emerging oleaginous model alga.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Stress conditions induced TAG and astaxanthin production in <I>C. zofingiensis.</I> </LI> <LI> A strong correlation between TAG and astaxanthin accumulation was observed. </LI> <LI> Simultaneous TAG and astaxanthin production in semicontinuous modes was optimized. </LI> <LI> High TAG and astaxanthin productivities (297 and 3.3mgL<SUP>−1</SUP> day<SUP>−1</SUP>) were obtained. </LI> <LI> Inhibiting <I>de novo</I> fatty acid biosynthesis enhanced astaxanthin accumulation. </LI> </UL> </P>