Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Hopkins, Emily

Abstract

Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater species of microalgae, is one of the most important sources of natural astaxanthin, a keto-carotenoid of high value to the pharmaceutical industry. Astaxanthin possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties as well as serving as food coloration. Production of astaxanthin from natural sources is limited, and microalgae is a promising source to meet the increasing demand. Three strains of H. pluvialis from various culture collections, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP 34/8), Nation Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES-144), and Scandinavian Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (SCCAP K-0048), were tested in different conditions to compare the synthesis of astaxanthin. The strains were compared in three different conditions, high light (control), low pH, and addition of salt water, and the amount of astaxanthin produced was compared using a 2-way T-test. This research is of interest to explore different methods for producing astaxanthin for the growing market.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

32 p.

Identifier

FA00012651

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