Oil production and assessment of the biological invasion risks of the Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea (Trebouxiophyceae)

Abstract

Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea (MBIC11204, NBRC112353) is a unicellular green alga, which belongs to the family Trebouxiophyceae. Under nitrogen-starvation conditions, P. ellipsoidea accumulates storage lipids consisting primarily of triacylglycerols (TAG). TAG is accumulated in lipid droplets (LDs). Many small LDs are observed in the cell of the logarithmic phase. Later, a few big LDs are present in the cell in the TAG accumulating phase, suggesting a membranous fusion of LDs. Therefore, P. ellipsoidea is a viable algal strain with a potential for mass biodiesel production. The assessment of the environmental invasiveness of this strain is desirable prior to massive outdoor cultivation. P. ellipsoidea in an open pond spreads to the surrounding area by wind. In addition, nitrate, but not ammonia, is required for P. ellipsoidea to grow in mesotrophic environments.