Production and partial purification of γ-linolenic acid and some pigments from Spirulina platensis

Z. Cohen, M. Reungjitchachawali, W. Siangdung, M. Tanticharoen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

The polyunsaturated fatty acid γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3ω6) is of potential pharmaceutical value. The cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis could become an excellent source for this fatty acid, provided that GLA content could be increased and a GLA concentrate could be obtained at a low cost. Increasing the cell concentration in Spirulina platensis enhanced the fatty acid content and thus the GLA content. This effect was used to further enhance the GLA content of GLA-overproducing strains. Separation of the galactolipids and their purification via urea complexes formation, resulted in a GLA concentrate of over 90% purity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-115
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Applied Phycology
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 1993

Keywords

  • Spirulina platensis
  • cyanobacteria
  • fatty acids
  • mutants
  • purification
  • γ-linolenic acid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science
  • Plant Science

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