Enhancing cell growth and lipid production of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by co-culturing with the fungus Simplicillium lanosoniveum

Abstract:

[Background] Algae are the major feed-stocks for biofuel production, and some fungi and bacteria can establish symbiotic relationships with algae and promote their productivities. Hence, co-culture of algae with fungi or bacteria becomes the research hotspot worldwide. [Objective] To study the effects of cyanobacterium-symbiotic fungus Simplicillium lanosoniveum on the cell growth and lipid synthesis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. [Methods] C. reinhardtii was co-cultured with Simplicillium lanosoniveum. [Results] Compared to C. reinhardtii monoculture, the specific growth rate (0.20 d?1), cell productivity (0.17 g/(L·d)) and biomass (2.85 g/L) of C. reinhardtii in co-culture increased 10.3%, 51.3% and 55.7% respectively. The specific lipid synthetic rate (0.68 mg/(g·d)), lipid productivity (1.95 mg/(L·d)) and lipid content (220.4 mg/g) increased 33.3%, 107.5% and 32.0% respectively. Also, the proportions of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids C18-1 and C18-2 in the lipid elevated, indicating the suitability for biofuel production. [Conclusion] Simplicillium lanosoniveum promotes cell growth and lipid synthesis of C. reinhardtii, and thus algae-fungi co-cultivation can be considered in biofuel feedstock production.