Effects of Organic Carbon Sources on Selected Biological Characteristics of the Microalga Arthrospira platensis (Gomont, 1892)

Abstract

Arthrospira platensis, a filamentous cyanobacterium rich in nutrients, holds great potential for applications in aquaculture, biotechnology, and functional food products. This study investigates the impact of three organic carbon sources—glucose, sodium acetate, and glycerol—on the growth and biochemical profile of A. platensis under mixotrophic conditions. Glucose (1 g/L) and sodium acetate (0.5 g/L) significantly promoted growth rates (0.38 ± 0.04 and 0.37 ± 0.02 day⁻¹, respectively) and biomass production. Conversely, glycerol inhibited growth across all concentrations. While all carbon sources enhanced lipid accumulation—most notably at 2 g/L sodium acetate (6.78 ± 1.16 mg/mL/day)—they simultaneously reduced protein content. These results support the strategic use of carbon sources to optimize A. platensis cultivation for high-value biomass production in aquaculture and bioindustry applications.