Photobiological Effects on Biochemical Composition in Porphyridium cruentum (Rhodophyta) with a Biotechnological Application

• Published in: Photochemistry and photobiology 2021-09, Vol.97 (5), p.1032-1042
• Main Authors: Castro‐Varela, Pablo A., Celis‐Plá, Paula S. M., Abdala‐Díaz, Roberto, Figueroa, Félix L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Aquatic microorganisms; Arachidonic acid; Biochemical composition; Biotechnology; Composition effects; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Electron transport; Energy dissipation; Fluorescent lamps; Irradiance; Light; Light levels; Light quality; Microalgae; Photobiology; Photosynthesis; Porphyridium cruentum; Sodium vapor; Transport rate; White light
• ISSN: 0031-8655; 1751-1097
• DOI: 10.1111/php.13426

This study describes the relation of photosynthetic capacity, growth and biochemical compounds in the microalgae Porphyridium cruentum under saturated irradiance (200 μmol m−2 s−1) by white light (WL) and low‐pressure sodium vapor lamps (SOX lamps—control) and supplemented by fluorescent lamps (FLs) with different light qualities (blue: λmax = 440 nm; green: λmax = 560 nm; and red: λmax = 660 nm). The maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv / Fm) showed a positive correlation with the light quality by saturating light SOX in mixture with stimulating blue light than the white light (WL) at the harvest day (10 days). The production, that is maximal electron transport rate (ETRmax), and energy dissipation, that is maximal nonphotochemical quenching (NPQmax), had the same pattern throughout the time (3–6 days) being the values higher under white light (WL) compared with SOX and SOX plus supplemented different light qualities. Total protein levels increased significantly in the presence of SOX light, while phycoerythrin (B‐PE) showed significant differences under SOX+ blue light. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was higher under SOX and SOX plus supplemented different light qualities than that under WL, whereas eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was the reverse. The high photomorphogenic potential by SOX light shows promising application for microalgal biotechnology. We have investigated the photostimulation and bioactive compounds produced in red microalga Porphyridium cruentum under saturated irradiance for photosynthesis through SOX lamps with different light qualities: red, green and blue. The maximum photosynthetic efficiency and photosynthetic yield show a positive correlation, with time, saturating light and a mixture of light (red‐green). ETRmax and NPQmax were higher in white light, compared with SOX and SOX plus. Total protein and carbohydrate increased in SOX light. Phycoerythrin increased in SOX light and SOX + red light. Porphyridium cruentum shows a high physiological plasticity in relation to the bioactive compound accumulation. ​