Characterization of Scenedesmus obtusiusculus AT-UAM for high-energy molecules accumulation: deeper insight into biotechnological potential of strains of the same species

Highlights • S. obtusiusculus AT-UAM and CCAP 276/25 had different biochemical profiles. • ITS2 secondary structures confirmed S. obtusiusculus AT-UAM identity. • S. obtusiusculus AT-UAM has potential for biofuels production. • The maximum lipid content and productivity were obtained at 613 μmol m−2 s−1. • Lipids and carbohydrates accumulation indoors and outdoors were similar.
Scenedesmus obtusiusculus AT-UAM, isolated from Cuatro Ciénegas wetlands in Mexico was taxonomically, molecularly and biochemically compared to S. obtusiusculus CCAP 276/25 (Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, Scotland, UK). Analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) secondary structures confirmed that the mexican strain belongs to S. obtusiusculus with one change in the ITS2 nucleotide sequence. However, both strains exhibited different biochemical and fatty acid profiles and therefore biotechnological potential, emphasizing the need for deeper studies among strains of the same species. Furthermore, the biochemical variations of S. obtusiusculus AT-UAM under nitrogen starvation and different levels of irradiance were evaluated. The maximum lipid production (1730 mg L−1) was obtained at 613 μmol m−2 s−1 while the highest carbohydrate content (49%) was achieved at 896 μmol m−2 s−1. Additionally, this strain was capable of storing lipids (∼52%) and carbohydrates (∼40%) under outdoor condition depending on the light availability in the cultivation broth.