Co-production of biodiesel and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) from microalgae, Desmodesmus sp. MCC34

Microalgae are a potential source of biofuel and nutraceuticals. In the present study, Desmodesmussp. MCC34 was identified as apromising species for biodiesel and omega-3 fatty acid productions after initial screening since it had displayed the highest lipid productivity of 15.9mg L(-1)day(-1) and alpha-linolenic acid of 24% of total fatty acids. Using silver ion chromatography, 92% ofpure alpha-linolenic acid was selectively removed from total lipid of Desmodesmussp. MCC34, while the residual oil having a higher amount of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids displayed biodiesel property adhering to international standards, suggesting fuel co-application.Abbreviations: ALA: alpha-linolenic acid methyl ester; GLAME: gamma-linolenic acid methyl ester; FAME: atty acid methyl ester; SFA: aturated fatty acid; MUFA: monounsaturated fatty acid; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acid.