METHOD FOR THE ENRICHMENT OF MICROALGAE BIOMASS IN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

摘要

Process for enriching microalgal biomass, in particular of the genus Nannochloropsis, with different polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3, DHA), using oils that are rich in these fatty acids. The process comprises the following steps:
- Preparing a solution or an emulsion of lipids + emulsifying agent (BSA),
- Preparing the biomass concentrate to obtain a final concentration of mg/ml or greater,
- Enriching the biomass concentrate by adding the lipids or the emulsion thereof to the microalgal concentrate,
- Allowing the mixture to rest under constant stirring for at least 24 hours under lighting conditions. The process allows for the simultaneous enrichment of microalgal biomass of the genus Nannochloropsis with eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) (DHA), to obtain a minimum EPA:DHA weight ratio of 10:1, with an EPA content of at least 10% of the total fatty acid content.