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BACKGROUND Botryococcus braunii is a eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganism, requiring light, water, and inorganic nutrients for growth. It can convert CO2 into biomass and bioactive compounds with applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Parameters such as inorganic carbon and nitrogen sources, vitamins, and salts are important factors regulating algal growth and biomass composition. RESULTS It was possible to observe the influence of salinity on growth and biomass composition of B. braunii. Chu medium was found to be the best medium for growth. In a tubular photobioreactor, biomass concentration of 4963 mg L−1 and productivity of 173.3 mg L−1 d−1 was achieved at 25 °C and 71 µmol of photons m−2 s−1, with the use of a nylon sphere to improve agitation, and with adjustment of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations by daily addition of K2HPO4 and NaNO3 according to the cell growth. Concentration of lipids was found in a range from 32.6 to 36.9%, and oleic acid (29.4–34.7%) and linoleic acid (19.8–23.7%) were the dominant fatty acids. CONCLUSION This study showed the feasibility of using Chu medium for the growth of B. braunii, and the importance of employing a nylon sphere and adjusting nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the culture medium of a tubular photobioreactor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Microalgae cultivation, when compared to the growth of higher plants, presents many advantages such as faster growth, higher biomass productivity, and smaller land area requirement for cultivation. For this reason, microalgae are an alternative platform for carotenoid production when compared to the traditional sources. Currently, commercial microalgae production is not well developed but, fortunately, there are several studies aiming to make the large-scale production feasible by, for example, employing different cultivation systems. This review focuses on the main carotenoids from microalgae, comparing them to the traditional sources, as well as a critical analysis about different microalgae cultivation regimes that are currently available and applicable for carotenoid accumulation. Throughout this review paper, we present relevant information about the main commercial microalgae carotenoid producers; the comparison between carotenoid content from food, vegetables, fruits, and microalgae; and the great importance and impact of these molecule applications, such as in food (nutraceuticals and functional foods), cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, feed (colorants and additives), and healthcare area. Lastly, the different operating systems applied to these photosynthetic cultivations are critically discussed, and conclusions and perspectives are made concerning the best operating system for acquiring high cell densities and, consequently, high carotenoid accumulation.