Increasing the Content of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Spirulina Platensis and Porphyridium Cruentum by Variation of Light and Nutrients

The investigation of the influence of light on PUFA synthesis in microalgae has brought about a partly controversial pattern. Based on the GLA distribution in lipid fractions (mainly glycolipids) and on investigations of Sukenik et al. [2] who detected an increased MGDG and DGDG content at reduced light intensity, the following items were investigated: Influencing the GLA content of Spirulina platensis by additions of acetate, variation of light intensity and exposure to light, combination of acetate addition and light variation. Influencing the AA and EPA content of Porphyridium cruentum by variation of light intensity or exposure to light, with spec ia l attention to PUFA changes immed iate ly a f ter changed exposure to light.