Production and structural characterization of a new type of polysaccharide from nitrogen-limited Arthrospira platensis cultivated in outdoor industrial-scale open raceway ponds

Background Carbohydrates are major biomass source in fuel-targeted biorefinery. Arthrospira platensis is the largest commercialized microalgae with good environmental tolerance and high biomass production. However, the traditional target of A. platensis cultivation is the protein, which is the downstream product of carbohydrates. Aiming to provide the alternative non-food carbohydrates source, the feasible manipulation technology on the cultivation is needed, as well as new separation methodology to achieve maximum utilization of overall biomass.