The effects of nitrogen deficiencies on the lipid and protein contents of <i>Spirulina platensis</i>

Abstract

Nitrogen deficiencies were studied in Spirulina platensis (Cyanophyceae) with the aim of determining the effects of the 50 and 100% deficient nitrogen on the lipid and protein contents of the cell under laboratory conditions. S. platensis cultures were grown in Spirulina medium and kept at the constant
room temperature of 26 ± 2°C, illuminated with fluorescent lamps at an irradiance level of 80 ìmol m^-2 s^-1 with photoperiod 16:8 (L:D) and aerated continuously. In the Spirulina biomass harvested at the stationary phase, 67.4, 53.5, 5.6% protein and 5.78, 13.66, 17.05% lipid were recorded for the groups of control, 50% N(-) and 100% N(-), respectively. The highest lipid content and 1.00 gL-1 dry-weight were recorded from the culture to which treated 100% N(-).

Key words: Spirulina platensis, lipid, nitrogen deficiencies, protein.