초록
<P><B>Background:</B></P><P> Algal cells produce neutral lipid when stressed and this can be used to generate biodiesel.</P><P><B>Objective:</B></P><P> Salt stressed cells of the model microalgal species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were tested for their suitability to produce lipid for biodiesel.</P><P><B>Methods:</B></P><P> The starchless mutant of C. reinhardtii (CC-4325) was subjected to salt stress (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 M NaCl) and transesterification and GC analysis were used to determine fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content and profile.</P><P><B>Results:</B></P><P> Fatty acid profile was found to vary under salt stress conditions, with a clear distinction between 0.1 M NaCl, which the algae could tolerate, and the higher levels of NaCl (0.2 and 0.3 M), which caused cell death. Lipid content was increased under salt conditions, either through long-term exposure to 0.1 M NaCl, or short-term exposure to 0.2 and 0.3 M NaCl. Palmitic acid (C16:0) and linolenic acid (C18:3n3) were found to increase significantly at the higher salinities.</P><P><B>Conclusion:</B></P><P> Salt increase can act as a lipid trigger for C. reinhardtii.</P>