01. Establishment of growth conditions for cultivation of the microalga Trachydiscus minutus at laboratory scale
Abstract
The alga Trachydiscus minutus, while being a relatively new subject of laboratory research, is not yet involved in
a real biotechnological development. The aim of this study was an elaboration of the intensive growth conditions. A new
medium specifically designed for the cultivation of the alga was composed, and the reasons were discussed. The use of
the new medium leads to at least 10% higher growth than media previously used. The maximal growth rate of the alga
remains the same, but the growth is comparatively higher before achieving plateau-phase, which is due to a better
composition. The new medium is significantly cheaper per 1 kg algal biomass. Attention was paid to precise light and
temperature conditions. The separation of Trachydiscus biomass is discussed as an important part of its biotechnology.
The biochemical composition of the alga at these conditions is described. The paper is targeted to micro-enterprises in
accordance with their limited resources.
Keywords: algae, cultivation, nutrition medium, Trachydiscus minutus
