Abstract:
Microalgae are a group of microorganisms whose jobs potentials have not been sufficiently
studied. More than 40,000 species of microalgae have been described.
Nevertheless, less than 1% were subjected to “screening” work for the identification of new
bioactive substances or potential industrial applications or agricultural. These unicellular plants
constitute one of the most important reserves of new products as well as new applications. This
justifies the great interest that they currently arouse.
The aim of our work was to study scientific articles that deal with the growth and pigment
production in Nannochloropsis gaditana and Spirulina platensis and to develop a synthesis
based on this work. Two articles were treated (Lubián et al., 2000; GÖKSAN et al., 2007) and
the following conclusions were drawn:
The use of small volume cultures in Spirulina platensis would increase the faster medium
temperature, which is the main factor hindering growth especially in winter. In addition, the use
of short light path lengths and adding the smaller volumes to crops would promote higher
productivity.
Regarding the experience on Nannochloropsis gaditana, the composition of pigment and its
variation with the age of the culture were analyzed in six strains of Nannochloropsis
(Eustigmatophyceae). The accumulation capacity of ketocarotenoids, astaxanthin and
canthaxanthin were higher in N. salina and N. gaditana than in the other strains studied. The
influence of salinity (15 to 100 Practica1 units) on production pigment was studied in
N..gaditana. The results indicate that Nannochloropsis is
a valuable source of pigments, unrelated to its unique pigment accumulation capacity, but the
availability of a range of pigments such as α chlorophyll, zeaxanthin. The canthaxanthin and
astaxanthin, each with high production levels
