UV-C mediated rapidcarotenoid induction and settling performance of Dunaliellasalina and Haematococcus pluvialis.

Microalgae are primary producers of organic pigments carotenoids in aquatic environments. However, commercial-scale microalgae application for high value carotenoids production is rarely economical due to the cost-effectiveness of carotenoid induction and microalgal harvesting process. Here, we present a novel approach, using a small dose of externally applied UV-C radiation, to rapidly induce unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoid biosynthesis in Dunaliella salina and Haematococcus pluvialis, and also to significantly promote their swimming cells settling for primary dewatering. The amount of total carotenoids and β-carotenoid were doubled in 24 h on D. salina upon 50 mJ/cm(2) of UV-C radiation, whereas the astaxanthin yield of H. pluvialis was increased five times in 48 h at 30 mJ/cm(2) . Meanwhile, 95% of algal cells of D. salina and H. pluvialis settled in 15 h and 2 h, respectively. This novel technique represents a convenient, time-saving and cost-effective method for commercial microalgal carotenoids production.