Heterotrophic microalgae, cultivation

Microalgae cultivated phototrophically except for C. cohnil Schizochytridium sp., and T. aureum, which are nonphotosynthetic and are grown heterotrophically. 

Chlorella is a freshwater, unicellular green microalga that is widely used as a food supplement in Japan and around the world. Mass commercial cultivation of Chlorella for use as a health food supplement has taken place for over 35 years, with a more recent application in mariculture feed (Iwamoto, 2004). Many strains of Chlorella can be grown heterotrophically, allowing for production of a high-quality powder without contamination. Chlorella supplements are taken in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid, or as food additives. Claims for health benefits of Chlorella include improved immune function and improved control of hypertension, fibromyalgia, and ulcerative colitis (Halperin et al, 2003). 

Li, L., W. Du, D. Liu, L. Wang, and Z. Li. 2006. Lipase-Catalyzed Transesterification of Rapeseed Oils for Biodiesel Production with a Novel Organic Solvent as the Reaction Medium. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B Enzymatic 43 (l-4) 58-62 Li, X., H. Xu, and Q. Wu. 2007. Large-Scale Biodiesel Production from Microalga Chlorella Protothecoides through Heterotrophic Cultivation in Bioreactors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 98 (4) 764-771. 

Li X, Xu H, Wu Q (2007) Large-scale biodiesel production from microalga Chlorella protothecoides through heterotrophic cultivation in bioreactors. Bioteehnol Bioeng 98... 

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