Multi-objective optimization of media components for improved algae biomass, fatty acid and starch biosynthesis from Scenedesmus sp. ASK22 using desirability function approach

Abstract In this study, we sought to improve medium composition for enhanced biomass, lipid and starch content by using response surface methodology and composite desirability function approach for the heterotrophic cultivation of Scenedesmus sp. ASK22. Maximum biomass yield observed was 5.02 ± 0.1 g L-1 and 4.67 ± 0.12 g L-1 for individual and multi-response respectively. Lipid and starch accumulation for individual response and multi-response were found to be 30.72 ± 0.23 (% wt.) and 37.10 ± 2.71 (% wt.) and 29.46 ± 0.17 (% wt.) and 31.06 ± 0.17 (% wt.) respectively. The Lipid and starch productivity in BG11 medium increased to 13.38 and 28.59-fold for individual optimized conditions and 18.20 and 31.97-fold for multi-response optimized conditions respectively. These results propose Scenedesmus sp. ASK22 strain to be a potential candidate for bio-fuel production.