Biomass production, proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the local marine thraustochytrid isolate, Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 using low-cost substrates at optimum culture conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate low-cost substrate alternative and the optimum culture conditions in mass producing the local marine thraustochytrid, Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 isolated from the mangrove leaves of Baybay, Southern Leyte Philippines. Results showed that Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 is able to utilize commercial grade glucose and yeast extract from NaCl-treated baker's yeast as source of carbon and micronutrients respectively. Cost of mass producing the thraustochytrid isolate using the alternative production substrates was substantially reduced. Incubation temperature and salinity levels were the two growth factors significantly affecting the biomass production of the isolate. The short duration of lag phase shown by the isolate suggests a growth advantage in that cells are readily able to adapt to their new environment. Total lipids averaged to 19.4%. Principal fatty acids were palmitic acid (C16:0) with 33.52% and docosahexanoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) with 39.92% proportion to total fatty acid. Eicosapentaenoic (C20:5n-3, 1.01%) and arachidonic (C20:4n-3, 0.90%) are present but in relatively lower amount. Our findings showed the potential of low-cost substrate in mass producing the local thraustochytrid isolate, Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 as lipid and polyunsaturated fatty acid source in aquaculture. Biomass production was enhanced by optimizing the culture conditions.