The study of light as prerequisite for the optimization of Nannochloropsis cultures

Light is the main factor affecting growth and macromolecular composition of microalgal cells, due to the effect of light on photosynthesis. It was studied how light affects photosynthesis, growth and macromolecular composition of Nannochloropsis oculata and Nannochloropsis oceanica, under changes in temperature, pH, inoculum size and, photoinhibition. The results of this research demonstrated that N. oculata and N. oceanica have great acclimation capability to changing light conditions for growth, which also depended on the environmental conditions studied. Optimum cultures conditions for growth and macromolecular composition were found, proving that the study of light is crucial to optimize microalgal cultures.